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A Path to Enlightenment

A Path to Enlightenment
After spending 36 years as a spiritual teacher, Cathy Langlois (B.A. ’78, Communication) has released a new book, “Enlighten Up! Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Guidance for an Imperfect World.”

“If you need help navigating these difficult times with wisdom and clarity, open this book to any page,” Langlois says. “Chances are good, it's exactly the answer you are looking for.”

The book includes topics about dealing with relationships, self-care, and being open to new possibilities. Langlois has been the owner/director of a meditation and healing center, the Spirit Horse Center since 1991. She teaches meditation and stress reduction techniques as well as how to access the natural ability we have to heal our own bodies. She also teaches intensive spiritual training classes intended to open individuals to spiritual exploration, and offers private counseling that assists people in moving past whatever may be blocking their ability to be whole and healthy.

“In a way, I think you could call it a sanctuary that offers guidance for the sensitive soul,” Langlois explained. “Often, just bearing witness to what someone is experiencing, reminding them that they are spirit, and some clear communication from a neutral observer is all it takes for people to move on.”

As a student at WMU, Langlois arrived on campus not sure of what she wanted to study but knew that she was thirsty for knowledge. Because she was funding her own education, Langlois felt the freedom to explore different areas and chose classes based on her own desire to gain knowledge and awareness in different subjects.

“I was very fortunate to experience the brilliance of Dr. Jack Fritscher in film courses, Stuart Dybek in writing classes, Dr. Thomas Lawson for philosophy of religion, Dr. Milton Cudney in counseling, Dr. Charlie Houston in science, mysticism and myth, and Dr. George Robeck in interpersonal communication as well as many classes in the anthropology department,” Langlois recalled.

During her time on campus, she wrote a play performed at a protest and made a few films. She also was on the air at WIDR for a few years, which at the time required a train trip to Chicago for a third-class radio license.

“I found I was continuously drawn to all forms of communication--I’m a great talker!--both in counseling and the ability to express through media in radio, television and film. So, I finally choose to focus on Communication.”

After graduation, Langlois spent a decade in radio and television and was drawn to seeking answers about why people behave in certain ways. She realized that she was sensitive to finding the truth in situations, and that it could be helpful to other people. Langlois embarked on a new path as a spiritual explorer and eventually landed in Northern California where she pursued further study in alternative healing methods, meditation, and different cultures and religions. At one point, she was ordained as a minister in a non-denominational church and was the director of a seminary for a number of years.

“Looking for truth I’ve traveled the world exploring spiritual phenomena experiencing psychic surgery in the Philippines, standing in crop Circles in England, sound healing in the Great Pyramid of Egypt, and ceremonial rituals with an Andean Priest in Machu Picchu,” Langlois said. “My Anthropology studies at WMU really helped me stay open to learning about the expression of spiritual practices in other cultures and the many similarities they have. They all lead back to your answers being within you and the connection and belief in a higher power that guides us.”

“Enlighten Up!” contains some of the wisdom Langlois has collected over the years that she wants to pass on to help others connect with their inner selves and as a reminder that we are all in this together.

“I’m very aware we are in a short attention span era and “Enlighten-Up!” is designed as a handbook of sorts. It can be opened to any chapter and you can read those few pages and go about your day,” Langlois explained. “It hopefully provides guidance about a problem you are having or at least gets you to ask yourself the right questions to find your answers.”

Currently, Langlois is working on her second book and is in the process of recording classes that can be downloaded from her website, found here

Langlois also departed some wisdom for current students:

Remember this is your path and your education. It’s a great opportunity to be in a place where there is such an abundance of knowledge concentrated in one place! Take advantage of it and stay open to the new experiences and directions you discover there. Your path may be different than you think. So, look around and find what sparks your passion for learning. It will not only lead you to your joy but can carry you through many of the obstacles you face in the future. If you do that, the question of employment and career is not an issue. Enthusiasm and joy open far more doors than you can imagine!

Enlighten Up is available through amazon.com.