M. I. Dugast - A Visionary and Metaphysical Adventure

Mahayana I. Dugast, Ph.D. (Metaphysical Science), is a Multi-Award Winning Author, Mentor & Founder of NeuroBiology Reprogramming™ (NBR™) with over 30 years of experience.  As our Author of the Day, she tells us all about her book, Ekstasis.

Please give us a short introduction to what Ekstasis is about.

Ekstasis is a metaphysical romance tale, and a spiritual journey from start to finish, potentially for the reader as well as for the three main characters, one woman and two men.

There are several dimensions to this story.

One is set in contemporary times, with characters healing from past trauma, loss, and grief, experiencing a spiritual awakening, and ultimately learning to reopen their heart in readiness to meet love again.

On another level, in the world of subtle energy and spiritual guidance, it is a journey of self-realization, discovering one’s own power and reason for incarnating.

The last level is interdimensional, portraying a newly imagined version of how the world began, who humans are and where they came from, and a retelling of Adam and Eve’s story (as Aye and Taye), and the alchemical process of divine union between the divine feminine and divine masculine: The essence of inner human sovereignty.

Every dimension treats sex, love and relationships, from their lowest and most depraved forms to their highest and most sacred potential.

What inspired you to write this book, was there anything in particular that made you want to tackle this?

Years of private practice, having seen people struggle, carrying subconscious mental programming, either generational or societal, causing them to suffer and preventing them from living a fuller and more fulfilling life. So I was inspired to write not only an entertaining read (hopefully!), but also convey potentially freeing or self-empowering experiences through the age-old shamanic tradition of storytelling.

Tell us more about Mona Devek. What makes her tick?

Mona / Kassandra is driven by a love that her heart knows, even if she has not yet experienced it in her present lifetime. She is also a survivor, and through ordeals, learns to awaken to her potential.

David Wilkins is a firm atheist who has long given up on happiness. Why did you create him this way?

The question posed through David (and Tighe who mirrors David, who is reading the same book as the reader) is: can one survive, and regain access to fulfilment if denying one’s own “inner being”, another name for who they are at the core? And since he is destined to meet Mona, how will they meet, and how will the gap close between them?

The idea of soulmates features prominently in this book - what fascinates you about the concept?

More than soul mates, which is a very reasonable interpretation of the nature of the relationship between some of the characters, Ekstasis treats the alchemical, sacred union that is possible between truly self-awakened partners, and its promise: mutual self-empowerment and accessing the Keys to freedom from illusion. Keys that humanity needs to access in order to liberate itself from the entrapment it has suffered for aeons.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

I am a personal development mentor with 30+ years of practice. I’m also a reasonable cook and a cold water swimmer by default since I live in Ireland!

Why did you title this book Ekstasis?

Ekstasis is the Ancient Greek spelling for “ecstasy”, which I felt really suited this romantic, metaphysical trilogy. Ekstasis by definition signifies an initiation through the divine mysteries, which fits the overall storyline as it illustrates the transmutation from the fearful, suffering and dependent individual to the liberated, sovereign human that it was born to be.

Do any of your characters ever go off on their own tangent, refusing to do what you had planned for them?

No, but considering that it is they who called on me, asking me to tell their story and that I have committed to writing it, I guess that they would not dare be so discourteous! Lol.

However, I have experienced new characters boldly “running in on set” such as Melody in book II, a young child inviting herself with absolutely no intention of being edited out.

Readers say this book is an unusual blend of romance and enlightenment. Why did you create it this way?

For my part, I wanted to write something that I would have liked to read, something that I am passionate about, and that can motivate me to invest hours, days, weeks and years of sitting down.

For the reader who enjoys these topics, and seeks to be entertained, I wrote this tale like one might bake a delicious cake (with a cherry on top!) for a beloved friend.

What is your personal favorite line from the book and why?

One is very short: “Only love is real.” Simply because I think it’s true.

And another if I may, where Mona / Kassandra is talking with a newly acquainted Spirit dog, Achak. Here is the excerpt:

“Forgive me for tuning into your thought process, but “losing the plot” is far from bad—especially if the plot you are losing is the illusion! Confirmed Achak, giving her a wink.”

When starting on a new book, what is the first thing you do?

This is my first novel, so besides putting the block of ideas down on paper first, I wrote the characters’ storylines separately before entwining them, to suit the multidimensional aspect of this tale.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

While I raised children, I wrote anywhere: planes, trains, and automobiles.

Since they have left home, I get up at 6 am every day (7 days a week), get a coffee, and run back to bed where I write until 11 am or until my legs cramp up, whichever comes first. If the cramps come first, I get up and sit on the floor or stand up at the kitchen counter to keep working until noon. Then I start work and often wish that I could get back to writing but it just doesn’t happen. Not unless I am in the editing stage.

What are you working on right now?

Ekstasis Book II – Working title: Sacred Union

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

On my website, I am delighted to be able to offer one or both free products (self-awareness / managing stress - under “freebies”) and have previously written a few self-help books.

On social media, I am mostly on my FB page, or on GoodReads or BookBub, and I occasionally propose a discussion webinar for readers of Ekstasis, who I love to meet!

I provide seminars and/or 1:1 work through mentorships. Thank you for connecting with me here or there, I look forward to meeting you!