Photo by Daniel Quat

Walter and Barbara have been involved in the consciousness field since 1973. They speak, teach and write about transformational spiritual practices to enhance consciousness, creativity and deep purpose in our personal and professional lives. They were members of the Social Chrysalis faculty from its launch in January 2020 through June 2021.

They are regular contributors to Science of Mind magazine, most recently having written articles about such spiritual luminaries as human-potential pioneer Jean Houston, meditation- and conscious-evolution teacher Craig Hamilton, mystic and social activist Andrew Harvey, and futurist and visionary Barbara Marx Hubbard, all with whom they have studied. They are also trained facilitators of the “Conscious Aging” program of the Institute of Noetic Sciences.

Their current focus is their interactive program “Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion, Purpose and Possibility,” which they began in 2015 with the blessing of Jean Houston, who called them “exemplars” of the aging process (they were 73 and 67 at the time). Their teaching odyssey has taken them to Ukraine, Canada and Mexico, along with numerous locations in the United States.

Based on spiritual practices that they utilize regularly in their own lives and influenced by consciousness work they have done with the above teachers as well as mystic philosopher G. I. Gurdjieff, Science of Mind–founder Ernest Holmes and cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien, their programs are transformational.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Walter’s passion is service, and he has served in international leadership in Centers for Spiritual Living (lineage of Ernest Holmes) since 2003, receiving an honorary doctorate in 2018 for his many contributions.
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Barbara is an editor as well as a writer, and she has a professional tarot practice incorporating wisdom of the Kabbalah and astrology. Her life purpose is: “To be a bridge between the spiritual and material realms, assisting others in knowing their true divine identity and manifesting it.”

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Videos of Walter & Barbara

Social Chrysalis Roundtable

Reno, Nevada

“Living Creatively from the Inside Out:
​The Transformational Power of Spiritual Practices
​in Uncertain Times,” February 17, 2021

​Salt Lake City, Utah

“A World That Works for Everyone” talk at
​Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living, May 19, 2019

“Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion, Purpose &
​Possibility” talk at Center for Spiritual Living, Reno,
February 11, 2018

Social Chrysalis Roundtable Excerpt

“Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion,
​Purpose & Possibility,” August 19, 2020

What People Are Saying About Walter & Barbara

“Barbara and Walter are a GREAT partnership, blending their individual unique styles to create a deep and enriching experience. They are intelligent, fun, kind, and a great example of the creative aging process. They both demonstrate, not only in the material they share, but also in the way they are, the joy and fulfillment to be lived in the second half of life. Thank you, Barbara and Walter, for paving the way for others to follow.”

—Rev. Jill Brocklehurst, Centre for Spiritual Living Campbell River, BC

“I recently had the opportunity to attend the weekend-long workshop ‘Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion, Purpose, and Possibility’—I am in my late fifties and have been wondering what the future holds for me. I found Barbara and Walter to both be lovely people, excited about their work, open to listening, and open to sharing. They created a space where I felt safe, I felt heard, and I felt that I was valued.
      “At the end of the workshop I knew what lay ahead for me. Thank you to you both! You are definitely being used by the Divine for all that is good!”

—Charlene Clark, Centre for Spiritual Living Campbell River, BC

“Dr. Walter Drew and Barbara Doern Drew did a wonderful presentation for our congregation on ‘Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion, Purpose, and Possibility.’ They were informative, inspiring, and engaging. Their interactive workshop was also well received, going into greater depth about this relevant topic and making it personal to all. They make a great team! We enjoyed having them here, and I'm so grateful for the experience—it and they were delightful.”

—Rev. Dr. Liesa Garcia, Center for Spiritual Living, Reno, NV

“This dynamic duo are perfect role models for this experiential workshop, which deals not simply with embracing the advance of time (which is inevitable), but offers techniques and ideas that encourage, as well as provides practical tools for, thriving through time and using it as a catalyst for personal growth and fulfillment.”

—Dr. Deborah Gordon, Chair, 10th Annual Canadian New Thought Conference, Kelowna, BC

“The wisdom and insight offered by Dr. Walter and Barbara in their ‘Creative Aging’ workshop was a transformative journey. Their tools and exercises honored my past, made me objectively conscious of my present, and gave me an enthusiastic vision of my future. I now see I have saved the best for last! I used to think that aging was about being ‘over the hill.’ The Drews showed me that the ‘hill’ was only preparing me to climb mountains!”

—Curt Condie, Salt Lake Center for Spiritual Living Board of Trustees, UT

​“Barbara and Walter bring beauty, humor, and depth to their teaching. They embody lives of purpose, compassion, and joy. They have a unique and powerful way to enliven their research for us and create the perfect space for an experience of ever-expanding conscious awareness. What a blessing they are to anyone on a path of greater spiritual connection!”

—Judith Blaise, RScP, Santa Fe Center for Spiritual Living, NM

“What an incredible conference [the 13th Annual Ukraine New Thought Conference in 2016], and it was in good part because of the preparation you two put into the preparation and delivery of your master class material. As you know, this is the first time we did a continuous plenary session, and people loved the idea of going deeper each day. It seemed once they understood what was coming, they got the hang of it and were more ready for doing inner work that way than going to several different workshops in the morning session. Thank you so much for your interest, support, and diligence in preparing this program on ‘Creative Living’ for us in Ukraine—you have provided a tremendous service and uplift to our people.
      “I loved watching the care and attention you gave to all our folks in the course of the class, but also ongoing during the week as the spirit moved us into position to be available for others. People loved you both and that care and attention. I hope you felt as loved by our community as they did by you both. Again, I am so grateful for all the shared gifts of time and insight you generously gave with us.”

—Rev. Dr. Barbara Leger, TEMENOS Center for Self-Realization, Ukraine

Recent articles by Barbara & Walter
​for Guide for Spiritual Living: Science of Mind

“Evolution in Person: Remembering Barbara Marx Hubbard” (2019)
“What Breaks Your Heart? A Call to Sacred Activism” (Andrew Harvey, 2019)
“The Evolutionary Self: Off the Cushion and Into Life” (Craig Hamilton, 2018)
“Gipkey: Lessons in Flexibility from Ukraine” (2017)
“Unlock Your Quantum Blueprint” (Jean Houston, 2016)
“Forgive and Allow Your Spiritual Magnificence to Blossom” (2016)
“The Wonder of Gratitude” (2016)
“Creative Aging: Embracing Life with Passion, Purpose and Possibility” (parts 1 & 2, 2015)
“The Power of Spiritual Practices in Spiritual Partnerships: Six Couples Share Secrets to Happiness” (2014)
“Spiritual Partnering: Sharing a Sacred Life” (2012)