A Life of Enlivening Mystical Experiences

In this 2025 interview with Justine Willis Toms, we delve into Bolen’s Japanese-American heritage and some of the mystical moments that have been guideposts in her life, including a transformative moment while a Girl Scout in the mountains, sleeping under the stars. Early in her life she attended five different schools as her family moved to avoid internment camps during WWII. She thrived by being curious and friendly, and learned resilience during her frequent school changes. She also speaks about her son Andy's death and his posthumous communication with his father. Bolen emphasizes the importance of love, joy, and curiosity in life, and the potential for spiritual support and collective consciousness. She encourages us to contribute our own unique gifts to our communities of influence and to recall our own life-enhancing mystical moments. 

Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. is a psychiatrist, a Jungian analyst, and an internationally known speaker. She is a former board member of the Ms. Foundation, an advocate for a 5th UN World Conference on Women and a convener of the Millionth Circle Initiative, as well as a permanent