Divinely Attuned
Using brain science, psychology, and spiritual practice to maximize spirituality, improve intimacy, and make good relationships even better
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"...The idea that was taking hold in me was that my work with helping people develop more intimate relationships was helping them on a more than interpersonal level. I came to understand that by helping people love each other more authentically, I was also helping them know the Divine within themselves and within each other. True intimacy is that experience of being completely authentic in the presence of someone else who is doing the same. It’s an experience of removing the protective masks or shields we hide behind so we can be really seen by another, who is being equally transparent. It involves thoughts and feelings as well as physical contact. The idea that stayed with me, playing over and over in my mind throughout that day and the days to come is that we are created perfectly with a full capacity for intimacy. It isn’t something we need to learn. So if a person wants to learn to be more intimate, there is nothing for me as their psychotherapist to teach them and really nothing for them to learn. My job is to help them grow brave enough to drop the masks and shields that they have created and believed during their lives. Nearly every major religious or spiritual path includes an understanding that the presence of the Divine is within each of us. One example, from the Christian tradition, is reflected in the scriptural passage, “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and God’s love is perfected in us (1John 4:12, NRSV).” As we deepen our love relationship with our partner, we are also able to deepen our love relationship with the Divine. Cynthia Bourgeault (2008) clarifies this in her explanation that God is in us, we are in God, we are in each other. We flow into God, and God into us, because it is the nature of love to flow. In this flow, love is both given and received. Because God is present in each of us, when we give and receive love to and from each other, we also give and receive God’s love. We give and receive love to God and from God. Expanding our ability to give and receive love with each other by definition increases our spiritual connection because we’re also automatically doing it spiritually. It’s impossible to separate the two."
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About the Book
Imagine discovering more of who you and your partner are meant to be and increasing your love, intimacy, and spiritual awareness, all at the same time!
Divinely Attuned stands at the intersection of spirituality, science, and psychology, guiding you and your partner to a new level of intimacy and spirituality. With a minimum of technical jargon and an abundance of positive, straightforward language, you’ll learn how to use neuroscience, psychology, and spiritual practice to help your good relationship become more vibrant than ever.
“Dr. Richard has given the world a gift: her gentle wisdom and counsel on the intersection of love and the divine in relationship. As a psychotherapist, she deftly combines new brain science with ancient knowledge, taking readers deeper into their understanding of what creates a satisfying connection with a beloved partner. Dr. Richard includes inspiring exercises and activities for couples to do together so that they can experience divine attunement for themselves. Uniquely, this book includes a discussion of sexuality as an expression of divine love, along with practical tips for better sex at any age. The reader who picks up this book will surely be glad they did!”
—Dr. Stephanie Buehler, author—Love, Sex, and Mental Illness: A Couple’s Guide to Staying Connected
About the Author
Jacqueline Richard, PsyD is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered nurse, and AASECT certified sex therapist. Her thriving psychotherapy practice specializes in relationships and sex therapy. She has served as adjunct faculty for Ryokan College, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she has taught many psychology courses, including human development, psychology theory and technique, and human sexuality.
Jacqueline lives with her husband of twelve years in Santa Barbara, California; she’s mom to two young adult daughters and one very mischievous cat named Rollo.
You may contact her at www.JacquelineRichardPsyD.com.