Bruce Davis PhD

While a graduate student, Bruce met and became an apprentice to a remarkable Shaman who had the gift of entering into and teaching people in their dreams.  Bruce was introduced to many realms and worlds outside normal Western thought for four years. These years were to be the beginning of Bruce’s quest to understand the potential of psychology and spirituality.

He received his doctorate from Saybrook University. As a spiritual psychologist, he teaches the essence of world religions, how psychology and spirituality intertwine, offering a more integrated, centered, and fulfilling life. ​He has taught at JFK University in Pleasant Hill, California, and many spiritual centers in the United States, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland.

Bruce has been guiding retreats worldwide since 1983. His retreats are based on his deep connection to silence, simplicity, and heartfulness. He has a gift for guiding people from the busy-ness of the mind & personality to the home of the quiet heart. He supports people who have had a Near Death Experience NDE or spiritual awakening, helping to integrate these experiences into daily life.  His primary intention is to help others develop a meaningful spiritual journey, built out of a life of joy.

In 1975, he wrote The Magical Child Within You, which has been said to be the first book written on trusting and nurturing the inner child.  A few years later, he co-authored another best-selling book, Hugs & Kisses about loving life, which has been a theme of his work ever since.

Discovering the heart of awareness, including inner peace, has been the focus of his retreats.  Bruce has taken people to sacred places like Assisi, Italy, where participants discover the sacredness within themselves.  For twelve years, Bruce and Ruth (his wife and partner) lived in Assisi, founding the Assisi Retreat Center where people of all backgrounds are welcome to enjoy the simple peace and spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The Assisi Retreat Center received the official blessing of Pope John Paul II for its ecumenical work.  Both CNN and Travel & Leisure Magazine named the Assisi Retreat Center as “One of the Top Ten Meditation Centers in the World.”  In 2012, he and his wife Ruth opened Silent Stay Meditation Center in California.  It is Bruce’s wish to provide a sanctuary for everyone who yearns for inner peace towards finding their path to a purposeful, joyful life.

Through the years, Bruce studied and lived with spiritual teachers in India, the Philippines, Germany, and Bali, Indonesia.  He and Ruth led a program of taking teenagers from one of America’s wealthiest communities into the poorest neighborhood of San Francisco to give food to people living in the streets.  This program is still ongoing with the help of Branson School students in Ross, California.

Books by Bruce:  The Magical Child Within You and Hugs and Kisses, Bruce is the author of The Heart of Healing, Monastery without Walls ~ Daily Life in the Silence, My Little Flowers, Simple Peace ~ The Inner Life of St Francis of Assisi and The Calling of Joy, The Love Letters of St Francis & St Clare of Assisi.  His latest book is Unveiling the Heart of Awareness.

Upcoming Programs by Bruce Davis PhD

Spiritual Direction ~ Integrating Heartfulness in daily life

Open Dates

Bruce can help guide you through life's challenges. Once you complete your registration, Bruce will reach out to set an appointment with you.  

Nurturing Silent Retreat, Pacifica Graduate Institute

Also With Ruth Davis and Nicole Becker

June 13 - 15, 2025

This is a 3 day 2 night retreat Your daily retreat program includes teachings and guidance on heart-centered silence with teachers Bruce Davis, Ruth Davis and Nicole Becker.  We offer 3 group meditation sessions daily along with silent sitting, silent meals, non-doing periods, and optional guided relaxation and gentle yoga. All Silent Sitting and meditation […]

Nurturing Silent Retreat, Pacifica Graduate Institute

Also With Ruth Davis and Nicole Becker

July 16 - 18, 2025

This is a 3 day 2 night retreat Your daily retreat program includes teachings and guidance on heart-centered silence with teachers Bruce Davis, Ruth Davis and Nicole Becker.  We offer 3 group meditation sessions daily along with silent sitting, silent meals, non-doing periods, and optional guided relaxation and gentle yoga. All Silent Sitting and meditation […]