Although raised in a conventional Catholic home, I had always been fascinated with reincarnation and the stories of prior lifetimes that people recalled under regression. However, I really questioned whether I could have such an experience myself. Then, when pursuing my mid-life career change from business management to counseling, I had an unusual experience in graduate school. Toward the end of my Therapeutic Imagery course, the professor introduced the idea that occasionally clients might experience imagery that could be interpreted as past life memory. He then invited me to be his demonstration for the class, investigating the origin of a foot problem with which I was troubled. I had undergone surgery, but was still experiencing pain and problems that were preventing me from hiking, playing tennis and pursuing other athletic activities.

These were not the optimal conditions; I lay down on the not-exactly-clean carpet in the front of a class of about a dozen people. My professor put me in a relaxed state, then directed me to the time and place where the problem with my feet originated. I was startled to find myself "seeing/sensing" an adolescent girl with Asian features and identifying with her. She – I -- was extremely upset because my family insisted on binding my feet. Not only was it painful, it limited my ability to move about and do things! Being strong willed, I decided to defy authority and tradition, planning to run away with the help of a household servant. However, I was caught in the act. This was considered a terrible disgrace for my family and particularly my father, who proceeded to sell me into servitude. I saw images of walking barefooted and in rags over rough and rocky terrain to a place far distant from my home, knowing that I was in eternal shame for dishonoring my father. I worked for some time as a kitchen servant, and eventually took my own life because I could no longer bear the disgrace of what I had done.