When I recorded this first interview, my intention was to produce a radio show, so this is the pilot for that.

I started this interview by reading a prepared introduction to the series, which at the time I was calling "Awakenings".

George Foster:

George Foster is a retired book cover designer who spent much of his life in Fairfield, Iowa, both immersed in the local spiritual community and professionally designing covers for authors. Deeply committed to spiritual practice, George experienced a lasting shift in consciousness—what he describes as the realization of infinite, unchanging silence as his fundamental identity. Alongside his involvement in the Transcendental Meditation movement (including belonging to an informal support group, the "Dome Dogs"), George has also played in local bands for many years. Now retired from design work, George enjoys a vibrant second career as a musician, performing bass in "Commotion", a popular Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band.

Mary Foster:

Mary Foster began her spiritual journey in 1969, learning to meditate at age seventeen in Wisconsin. Her lifelong path included training as a Transcendental Meditation teacher and helping bring meditation courses to Midwestern communities. After moving to Fairfield, Mary’s spiritual aspirations were rekindled upon meeting George. She experienced a profound awakening—a transformative shift in perception—leading to a lasting sense of infinite silence and fulfillment that pervades her daily life. Mary enjoys sharing her wisdom and calm presence, and she is both a mother and grandmother, known for her warmth, clarity, and unwavering spiritual commitment.

Summary and Transcript of this interview

Interview recorded 10/7/2009.

Interview with Mary Foster

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Special Community of Fairfield, Iowa and Beyond

00:02:26 - Overcoming Skepticism and Misconceptions of Spiritual Awakening

00:04:23 - Introduction to the Show

00:06:24 - Meeting George and a Spiritual Awakening

00:08:41 - The Dome Dogs and Group Commitment

00:10:28 - Childhood Fascination and Spiritual Awakening

00:12:50 - Attracted to Meditation and the Pursuit of Reality

00:14:28 - The Brightness and Clarity with TM Meditation

00:15:57 - Introduction to "Awakenings" radio show

00:18:15 - Teaching Transcendental Meditation

00:20:27 - Remarkable Experiences along the Way

00:22:05 - Unity Consciousness and the Shift

00:24:15 - The Shift to Silence as Identity

00:25:54 - An Amazing Experience

00:27:30 - The self-defining concept

00:28:25 - The Infinite Consciousness and Labels

00:29:48 - The Moment of Realization

00:31:52 - Accepting All Parts of Myself

00:33:59 - Revealing the Silence Within

00:35:39 - Mary's Awakening Experience

00:38:10 - The Revelation of Ultimate Truth

00:40:12 - The Beautiful Void

00:41:42 - Recognizing the Infinite Silence

00:43:52 - Fulfillment Beyond Accomplishments

00:45:38 - The Quality of Stillness

00:47:16 - The Unshakeable Happiness

00:49:11 - Experiencing Infinite Silence

00:51:11 - The Fourth State of Consciousness

00:53:20 - The Role of Spiritual Practice

00:55:16 - Identifying with the Boat

00:56:47 - Discovering Your True Self