When I recorded this first interview, my intention was to produce a radio show, so this is the pilot for that.
I started this interview by reading a prepared introduction to the series, which at the time I was calling “Awakenings”.
George Foster:
George Foster is a retired book cover designer who spent much of his life in Fairfield, Iowa, both immersed in the local spiritual community and professionally designing covers for authors. Deeply committed to spiritual practice, George experienced a lasting shift in consciousness—what he describes as the realization of infinite, unchanging silence as his fundamental identity. Alongside his involvement in the Transcendental Meditation movement (including belonging to an informal support group, the “Dome Dogs”), George has also played in local bands for many years. Now retired from design work, George enjoys a vibrant second career as a musician, performing bass in “Commotion“, a popular Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band.
Mary Foster:
Mary Foster began her spiritual journey in 1969, learning to meditate at age seventeen in Wisconsin. Her lifelong path included training as a Transcendental Meditation teacher and helping bring meditation courses to Midwestern communities. After moving to Fairfield, Mary’s spiritual aspirations were rekindled upon meeting George. She experienced a profound awakening—a transformative shift in perception—leading to a lasting sense of infinite silence and fulfillment that pervades her daily life. Mary enjoys sharing her wisdom and calm presence, and she is both a mother and grandmother, known for her warmth, clarity, and unwavering spiritual commitment.
Summary and Transcript of this interview
Interview recorded 10/7/2009.
YouTube Video Chapters:
- 00:00:00 – The Special Community of Fairfield, Iowa and Beyond
- 00:02:26 – Overcoming Skepticism and Misconceptions of Spiritual Awakening
- 00:04:23 – Introduction to the Show
- 00:06:24 – Meeting George and a Spiritual Awakening
- 00:08:41 – The Dome Dogs and Group Commitment
- 00:10:28 – Childhood Fascination and Spiritual Awakening
- 00:12:50 – Attracted to Meditation and the Pursuit of Reality
- 00:14:28 – The Brightness and Clarity with TM Meditation
- 00:15:57 – Introduction to “Awakenings” radio show
- 00:18:15 – Teaching Transcendental Meditation
- 00:20:27 – Remarkable Experiences along the Way
- 00:22:05 – Unity Consciousness and the Shift
- 00:24:15 – The Shift to Silence as Identity
- 00:25:54 – An Amazing Experience
- 00:27:30 – The self-defining concept
- 00:28:25 – The Infinite Consciousness and Labels
- 00:29:48 – The Moment of Realization
- 00:31:52 – Accepting All Parts of Myself
- 00:33:59 – Revealing the Silence Within
- 00:35:39 – Mary’s Awakening Experience
- 00:38:10 – The Revelation of Ultimate Truth
- 00:40:12 – The Beautiful Void
- 00:41:42 – Recognizing the Infinite Silence
- 00:43:52 – Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments
- 00:45:38 – The Quality of Stillness
- 00:47:16 – The Unshakeable Happiness
- 00:49:11 – Experiencing Infinite Silence
- 00:51:11 – The Fourth State of Consciousness
- 00:53:20 – The Role of Spiritual Practice
- 00:55:16 – Identifying with the Boat
- 00:56:47 – Discovering Your True Self
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