An immersive training in the art and science of meditation!
Meditation is an Art AND a Science. There are plenty of systems out there which focus on only one side of this equation: some teaching meditation in a solely religious context, with rituals or beliefs that may not quite fit, others attempting to focus solely on the scientific aspects, but missing out on key elements of traditional practice (or bordering on cultural appropriation).
Having studied meditation for many years, I've engaged in the practice both through the lens of available research, and personal experience.
I've designed this course to meet the unique needs of our current age, and to attempt to make deep meditative techniques, states, and stages available to all!
A Journey through the Sacred Elements
The inspiration for this course arose when I was preparing to teach a group of intermediate qigong teachers and coaches. I happened to be studying the Tibetan teachings on "transitional states" (Bardo), and realized how closely the "dissolution of the elements" they describe happening in the afterlife seemed to mirror what happens any time we transform psychologically.
These classical, mythic elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Space, and they all represent specific wisdom qualities and cultivation techniques. Earth is about stability and calm, while Water is about reflective introspection, and so forth.
Inner traditions propose that if we are familiar with these elemental forces within, transformation won't feel so destabilizing or scary when it comes.
This is important to the study of meditation because
meditation is all about inner transformation!
All too often, meditation systems focus on one metaphorical element's realm to the exclusion of others. Some systems of meditation think it's only about calming down - and settling like Earth, others think it's all a matter of reflection, like still Water. Still others seek a Spacious void, or to manage the inner Winds through visualization and breathing. And of course, we cannot forget the Fires of compassion.
The most balance will be found not by focusing on one of these forms of mental/emotional training, but on harmonizing all of them. This allows us to understand where such diverse elements like Trauma-work and Zen, Kirtan and Compassion, Yogic sleep and rousing Yogic breathwork all fit together in a unified framework.
To understand a theoretical framework like this is to adopt a "Lam Rim" style of training - a Tibetan concept that refers to knowing which step or practice goes where, and doing them in the proper order for you,
Alchemy is the ancient art of balancing the sacred elements, and Compassion Alchemy is a system designed to help us truly understand these inner forces and how to relate with them in the healthiest way!
Format and Benefits:
This course takes place over four months, from September through December of 2022. Each month will include a day-long "mini-retreat" on one of the elements of the Compassion Alchemy process, and the practices associated with that stage.
Participants will be assigned specific exercises to explore between sessions and can utilize the online course-page and facebook group to chat about their experiences and ask questions.
This course is meant to give pure beginners everything they need to start a meditation practice, but also to give advanced practitioners new insights into how their beloved techniques actually WORK!
All the practices we'll explore will be presented from an evidence based viewpoint and do not require faith or religious membership to participate in.
Students will receive a profound toolbox of meditation methodology and theory, and the opportunity to co-create a robust community of inner exploration!
Current mini-retreat dates are:
Saturdays in 2022, 10:30-5:30
9/17, 10/15, 11/12, 12/10
(times subject to change)
Are you yearning for more calm, compassion, and community?
The time is right to sign up for this FREE (donations accepted) immersion in the Compassion Alchemy system of meditation studies!
By signing up you'll get access to the course page which will include the links to our monthly mini-retreats, archived recordings of those sessions, and video and audio files of suggested homework. Plus, through the comment section you'll have access to a community of like-minded seekers, and ability to ask your specific. questions throughout the month!
Sign Up!