I first became interested in the world of spiritual growth after a visit to the Findhorn Foundation when I was nineteen. I spent the next dozen years in active study with numerous alternative spiritual groups. Having both positive and negative experiences in these communities caused me to develop a particular interest in the psychological dynamics of spiritual groups and the relationship between teachers and their students.

I live in Boulder, Colorado, with my husband and two enlightened cats.   

Winner, Silver Medal, 2007 Independent Publisher Awards, Visionary Fiction
BA, Naropa University, Inter-Arts Studies

Hear a radio interview in which Lena talks about the book, alternative spiritual groups and how spiritual students can develop more discernment. Go to http://theheartofacult.com/reviews.htm? and scroll down to the Flash player under the book cover image to hear.

The Heart of a Cult, A Novel
Set adrift by sudden unemployment, web designer Michelle Thomson is at an impasse in her life when she is introduced to a charismatic spiritual teacher known only as Ma. Though initially skeptical, Michelle is soon captivated by Ma’s energy and insight and begins to find new meaning both in Ma’s teachings and as a member of her insular community. While at first she blossoms under Ma’s guidance, when Michelle uncovers deception at the heart of all she has come to believe in, she is forced to face the ultimate test any spiritual teacher can give.

Written with the intimacy of a private diary, this novel details the human struggles and failings that can turn a well-intentioned quest for truth into a nightmarish journey. A fascinating book that’s hard to put down, this is a must-read tale for anyone who wants to understand more about the inner dynamics of spiritual groups, why people get involved in cults, and how they can grow and heal from the experience.

Video Book Signing
Excerpt from a talk given at The Boulder Book Store in March, 2007.