Alan
Pritz, of Awake-In-Life Meditation & Spiritual Training, has felt a
lifelong call to teach. Originally from Cincinnati, Alan attended
Macalaster College and subsequently made Minnesota his home. With over
38 years of spiritual practice, Alan is a meditation teacher, Interfaith
Minister, yogi, consultant, has presented at national conferences,
plus, was selected by the US Army Reserves as “Meditation &
Life–Balance Resource” for a veteran social reintegration program.
Read on to learn about what inspires Alan and how he knew at a young age that spirituality was his calling.
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How did you awaken to and develop in your spiritual path?
When
very young the first word I saw in the dictionary was “Minister.” I
recall it said “Minister of good,” not “Minister of God,” and told
myself, “That’s what I want to be.''
Years
later I saw a TV western with two Samurai on a Wild West frontier
mission. Cowboys wanted to fight them because they looked odd but the
samurai beat them handily and went on their way unfazed. Impressed by
the warriors’ remarkable calm while fighting, I launched into martial
arts as a teen. I continued training rigorously throughout and after
college, eventually becoming an instructor in two martial systems.
During this time, I devoured books on eastern philosophy and mystical
traditions.
At
28 I went to the Sierra Nevada foothills of California to pursue yoga
and meditation training. After six years I returned to Minnesota where
my career expressed itself variously through bodywork and energy
healing, a meditation-based yoga center, holistic consulting services,
writing two books, and now as an Interfaith Minister specializing in
meditation and spiritual guidance.
Historically,
whenever I meditated on what to do the answer was, “Teach.” In my mind
this isn’t because I’m exalted but, rather, teaching helps one learn, to
take subjects to new levels. I don’t fit into molds of what a spiritual
teacher is supposed to be, say, eat, think, etc. so in a sense I am
very non-conventional; sometimes even iconoclastic. However, I’m a
purist solidly loyal to my path and its teachings. I simply resist
pretense and strive for Truth.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
There
comes a time during instruction when information simply flows; one
becomes an impartial conduit for wisdom and insight to pour through.
This is what I most value because I’m being spiritually useful and
blessed with increased growth through the process.
Can
you describe an experience where you worked with someone and brought
about a transformational shift that you found rewarding?
There
are many stories of folks whose lives have been touched or shifted in
spiritually beneficial ways because of work I’ve facilitated. For
example, one woman found me at a time in her life when her eating
disorders had reached critical mass. Despite various treatment programs,
she didn’t quite have it under control. When we started working
together privately she experienced a pseudo-epiphany that subsequently
played a significant role in helping her climb out from under that
demon. I can’t take credit it for it - God is the real doer - but, I was
glad to be part of her process.
What have you learned about teaching and healing as a business?
There’s
a saying, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” I've found that
to be magical thinking. Scads of talented people - artists, inventors,
musicians - have followed their muse and died penniless. Being gifted
doesn't axiomatically translate into business savvy. Once, being
immature, I considered business non-spiritual and irrelevant. Yet
business principles can, and should, be used ethically to promote any
work, including spiritual teachings. God works through business channels
too, hence its value is unquestionable.
How did you become drawn to the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda?
During my period with mystical literature, I discovered Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi” but
didn’t read it immediately. I saw it again at a friend’s apartment,
scanned a paragraph, and was hooked. I bought a copy and couldn't put it
down. It touched me to the core. Later, after becoming a Yogananda
disciple, I learned that my college philosophy professor had been a
direct disciple of Yogananda. He knew Paramahansa personally and told
fascinating stories about him. When close to dying, my professor gave me
his copy of Autobiography of a Yogi that Yogananda personally autographed. That is a treasure.
Yogananda's
mission in the West involved hastening spiritual evolution through
Kriya yoga plus sharing the universality of truth as taught by Christ
and Krishna. By assisting in those efforts I strive to help further that
work - yet without proselytizing. What’s important is providing quality
spiritual technique, training, and philosophy so people can deepen
their relationship with God while remaining true to their faith
tradition. Truth is universal, its application nonsectarian.
How did your family regard your choice of a spiritual path in life?
Choosing
an alternate road can be challenging on many levels but my parents were
always very accepting. My brother walks a different path but
appreciates my dedication and accepts the value of what I bring to the
table. These are blessings for which I am most grateful.
Alan
Pritz teaches classes on the Spiritual Science of
Meditation based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Rooted in
classical yoga tradition - and excellent for all yoga practitioners - it
is also universally applicable for anyone interested in making
meditation a part of their lifestyle. Alan also Alan
leads an ongoing All-Faith Meditation Worship Service. For more
information call 612-721-4100 or visit www.awake-in-life.com.
Theresa Nygard is a co-founder of Spirit Unlimited, an organization that sponsors events for spiritual healing and growth. Visit www.Meetup.com/SpiritUnlimited.
