When at the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts for a weekend to see Caroline Myss, she touched upon her new book called, "Entering the Castle" an update of the works of St. Teresa d'Avila. There were approximately 370 people who attendend the lecture.  I stayed Friday afternoon until Sunday at noon time at the Center. Many other attendees commuted for the four sessions. 
  As she spoke about the history behind St. Teresa d'Avila, http://www.ocd.pcn.net/teresa.htm, Caroline told us that she felt Teresa's presence while trying to write another book and was at a standstill.  She became inspired and began to write "Entering the Castle" which is now available  and also her CD for instructional purposes.  I suggest to get the set, as her verbal instruction is very convincing. www.myss.com
   Here is how she had us "imagine" our castle.  The participants had to sit in an uncomfortable position (so no one would fall asleep) and close our eyes.  She told us to imagine a castle with a drawbridge. Mine is a small castle. The castle will have no windows.  I stand in front of the castle before entering.  The drawbridge comes down and I enter. I have a courtyard, but Caroline's instructions are to go immediately into a room, go through the room, find a doorway, and out to a courtyard.  (We all perceive things differently!) My courtyard is small and has some greenery in it.  I couldn't see any flowers at this time, though it is suggested. Next, Caroline says to go right to another door and enter.  The room was to have a fireplace, rug and 2 chairs.  She suggested colors for the rug and chairs, but, again I perceive them differently.  I say a full wall fireplace made of mis-shaped stone. The fire was burning nicely.  I perceived an animal rug, fur and two oversized chairs, of a brilliant wine color.  She told "us" (the group listening) to walk over to the chair and sit still for a while. Now she had us rise up and find a door to my left.  Open the door and greet someone who has passed over. I immediately saw my father, Roland.  I met Daddy after stepping into the room he was in, but at the door opening. We hugged and grinned.  I saw my face in his.  We stood at the door frame, held hands arms length apart. Caroline prompted us to forgive anything that wasn't forgiven. I told Daddy that I forgave him for being so very strict with me (many times for no reason).  I understood it was his form of discipline.  Memories flooded through my mind.  My eyes became full, but tears did not flow. I felt the watered eyes in the current physical.  Caroline had us say goodbye.  My father kissed me on the eyelid as he always did and we parted. Caroline brought us back to the room with the fire place to ponder what had just happened.  Then she had us "come back" to reality.  This was the first session.

Yes-- before she began each workshop, she centered herself, took a deep breath and silently called upon St. teresa.  However, Caroline claims that after the book was written, Teresa no longer spoke to her. 
She chose the Castle because after doing research on St. Teresa d'avila, she discovered that teresa was almost forced by the Pope to write down HOW she became so enlightened.  The only way she was able to liken it was to use the Castle and it's many rooms.  She chose 7 castles (Like St. John the evangelist chose 7 nations to look down apon) and the 7 sacraments and the 7 seas and the 7 continents and the 7 chakras.  If you look at the web site I attached on my above letter, a little more documented information may be found. 
I have only written about one of the rooms. Caroline took us into several other rooms, and I will continue to add that experience with this thread.  L&L cat

I believe that all forms of forgiveness are deeply cleansing and refreshing for the spirit. Akin to drinking a glassful of crisp cold mountain water after days of parching in the hot dry desert sun.
Forgiveness is what allows the soul to travel through this ultimate journey unhindered, unweighted, and with the realization of great freedom.

Thanks for sharing Identcat.

PUL,
Cosmic_Ambitions

It's so very difficult to physically forgive some one while here on earth and truly mean it. We say, "Ya, Ya, it's okay.  I forgive you", but the feeling isn't always sincere. When we are alone with our thoughts, THEN we go on our guilt trip within ourselves and think, "I really should tell him/her how I am feeling and that I forgive him/her with all my heart, but I just can't seem to put it into words when he/she is around me."  I know this has happened to so many of us.  I had no regrets when my father passed away.  We weren't a kissy, huggy family.  My parents were very private with their love for each other. Above all, we all had respect, outwardly for each other. But the love emotion is not one that was taught in my upbringing. I had to learn love and forgiveness.  It's ashame that we as a family lost so much by not showing our love outwardly in a physical, touch me- touch you expression.  We were and still are very reserved.  I openly apologies  to my children and grand children when I have been mistaken.  Yet, when my mother has hurt me in some manner, I find it very difficult to openly say, "I forgive you, Mom", though in my heart I may have said it a dozen times.  My mother has only said that she was sorry for something she said to me, once. I was shocked! I tell Mama that I love her each time we say goodbye, now.  Something else not done while I was growing up. Perhaps a day will come when I feel comfortable to say, "Mom, for anything I disagreed with you on and my feelings were hurt, I forgive you."  Hopefully ---before one of us dies.  Love and Light Carol Ann (cat)