Norman began a search for wisdom and truth around the age of twenty. His search spanned more than 30 years as he investigated philosophy, psychology, including much reading and personal growth seminars, living in an Ashram, trips to India, and commitment on spiritual paths with spiritual teachers and Indian gurus. Much was learned, but ultimately it left him unsatisfied.

In the summer of 1999 he had the good fortune to meet his teacher Adyashanti from Los Gatos, California. Adyashanti spoke of having awoken out of the Zen tradition. Norman had been seeking the extraordinary, but instead found what he was looking for in Adyashanti, an ordinary man who demonstrated a great contentment, peace and comfortableness with life. He had a great heart in an unpretentious and approachable package. In one sitting with this wise being, he knew he was in the right place.

Norman then dedicated himself to this teaching. Initial awakening came fairly early on. However, he found embodiment of this awakening far more challenging. After more years of inquiry, he became aware that mind had lost its power to dictate identification with fear, emotional pain, and anger. The mind's interpretations of reality were recognized as something not to be believed. He discovered the truth and essence of his being was found not in this mind/body, but in the awakened presence of the heart. It was in the midst of this new unfolding awakening into life that he was invited by Adyashanti to share the Dharma with others. In 2004, he returned to New England where he presently lives with his wife, Cynthia, surrounded by the New Hampshire White Mountain National Forest.