The threads model is a framework that identifies multiple dimensions of spiritual experience, or “threads,” such as emptiness, oneness, energy, and psyche. Each thread represents a different way of engaging with and understanding reality, and different individuals or traditions might prioritize one thread over others. What makes this model significant is its refusal to impose a hierarchy or suggest that one thread is the “right” or “best” way. Instead, it’s designed to accommodate the wide variety of spiritual experiences people have. This openness is especially important in a world where many people draw from multiple traditions or have unique, individualized paths. The model allows for a more comprehensive understanding of spirituality without the rigidity or exclusivity that often accompanies traditional frameworks.

My primary goal in developing models like the threads model is to create a framework that honors the complexity and diversity of spiritual experiences. Too often, spiritual models try to establish a singular “truth” or path, which can be limiting and even dismissive of other valid perspectives. The threads model is meant to be inclusive, providing a way to map different kinds of spiritual experiences without privileging one over another. It’s also intentionally ontologically neutral—it doesn’t claim to describe ultimate reality but rather focuses on how people experience and interpret the world through different lenses. By offering a model that respects and accommodates this diversity, I hope to foster greater openness and dialogue both in academic circles and among spiritual practitioners.