Quadratos :: About Alexander

INTERVIEW WITH DR. SHAIA
ABOUT QUADRATOS

Alexander J. Shaia

Listen to "Being Steady in the Midst of Uncertainty with Dr. Alexander J. Shaia"
on New Dimensions Media

"If we truly understand the heart of quadratos, our conversations with each other will change; our own hearts and lives will flower. We will engage in prayer and conversation with each other that focuses on our spiritual practice rather than on theological ideas."

-- Alexander J. Shaia, Ph.D.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Alexander Shaia grew up as part of a large, extended family that had emigrated from Lebanon a generation previously. He grew up with the traditions of an ancient religion - Maronite Catholicism - and was expected to become a priest, a family tradition since the year 1300. Alexander chose otherwise.

"Normally quiet and contemplative, Dr. Shaia has become an inspiring man on a mission."

He attended the University of Notre Dame and received a degree in cultural anthropology. Next came a Master's in Counseling Education, a Master's in Religious Education, a graduate certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Then Alexander traveled to Switzerland where he studied with the originator of Sandplay, Jungian Analyst, Dora Kalff, and spent additional time at the Jung Institute. Returning to the United States, many years of teaching, and study continued to build on a life-long practice of prayer.

Dr. Shaia is the founder and creative director of the Blue Door Retreat; a place dedicated to the practices of depth spirituality and the nurturing of soul. The center is committed to providing guest quarters with a rustic elegance, as well as retreats and trainings that integrate depth psychology, spiritual practice, and creative expression. The center also offers weekly and seasonal meditation practices in the spirit of depth Christianity.

In 2000, Dr. Shaia's career path took a dramatic turn, when he discovered the ancient truth held within the original four gospel reading cycle. As he shared his discovery with friends and clients, he found that it was of practical use to them. It helped them to understand the gospels better, and to use them more effectively in their lives. Alexander became determined to share his conclusions more widely - to speak and write a book about the universal map he had discovered in the four gospels, and christened quadratos.

Normally quiet and contemplative, Dr. Shaia has become an inspiring man on a mission. Today, when Alexander Shaia speaks about quadratos, his gentle eyes fill with sparks, and his quiet voice rises in passion. He says that he knows now that all his years of study and research and prayer have been preparing him for this - to understand and communicate the quadratos pattern. He believes it is the universal pattern of growth that is found in all religions, all great myths, and possibly, all of life. Dr. Shaia now devotes himself fulltime to writing, speaking and leading retreats on the transformative power of quadratos and the spiritual journey found within the four gospels.