San Francisco Bay Area, USA

“What is it that we do here? By easing away from the mania that pulls on us, recalling and reconnecting with our essential spirit and callings, we regenerate our core inspiration and faith in life and our place within it…with a purposeful eye toward facilitating evolution toward ‘more capable human beings,’ meaning grander, freer, more authentic and meaningfully effective.”


FAQ
“What exactly is it that you do in your seminars and retreats?”

Here’s the basic guide followed for every seminar and retreat: Compress key real-life dynamics to accelerate education and knowledge; develop intuition and other personal skills to improve perception and choice capabilities; clean out misperceptions, obstacles and habits that erode inspiration and clarity; study and practice the essential principles for living well; re-ignite qualities, virtues and talents; recall (life’s) context and fun.

“What kinds of specific activities take place?”

The general outline of activities includes prepared and spontaneous lectures, round-table discussions, moderate stretching akin to yoga and martial arts warm-ups, creative interactive movement, meditative breathing exercises, writing sessions, addressing personal questions, and musical interludes.

“How personal are these events? Will I have to reveal personal details about myself?”

Each event begins with specific themes and ideas. As we go, participants guide the general dialogue toward subjects that interest them most. Discussions tend to lean toward practical concerns and application. Some of that is personal rather than theoretical, but each participant chooses how specific that becomes. No one is asked to reveal more than they wish to.

“Is the creative movement like dance therapy?”

No. All the movement in these events is meant to either balance body, mind and emotions, or develop various skills and qualities that are transferable to each participant’s own life outside of the event.

“What if I’m asked to do something I’m not comfortable with?”

All discussions, activities and exercises are proposals. Each person can choose how much he or she participates, if at all.

“How physical are the activities?”

The physical activities are designed to include any level of skill and capacity. All of the movement practiced in these events has been used in seminars for handicapped persons, including those in wheelchairs. Young children also practice them. On the other end of the spectrum, most events include participation of professional performers and athletes.

“Your writings often include spirituality. Are you part of a spiritual organization?”

No. Participants have of a wide range of religious backgrounds – Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Taoism, Sufism, Agnosticism and undefined – and some have no interest in religion. Although we do discuss spiritual ideas and their application, there is no central spiritual concept or organization.

“Are you a spiritual teacher or leader of some kind?”

No, I’m not, and have never considered myself to be or claimed or suggested that I am.

“Is your work a form of therapy?”

Not in the classic, formal sense. There’s no attempt to “fix” psychological problems. But the work is therapeutic in the way that an exceptionally well-lived day is. The goal is that each person leaves the event with greater clarity, inspiration, insight and joy, as well as with specific skills to improve the quality of one’s life.

“What is the difference between the seminars and the retreats?”

The seminars are weekend events expressly designed for anyone and everyone. Because of time limitations, they tend to move faster and cover a less extensive range of topics and activities. The retreats are basically the same in structure, although the circumstance allows for a deeper and more voluptuous engagement. At the base, both the seminars and retreats have the same focus and purpose.

“The prices for these events seem expensive. Are there other options for those of us who can’t afford them?”

Our prices have been the same for the last seven or eight years, and they are comparable to or cheaper than other weekend seminars or weeklong retreats. We do offer discounts for students and those in need of financial assistance, as well as scholarships, work exchange programs and extended payment options.

“Is it best to attend a seminar or retreat alone or with my partner/spouse?”

There are advantages to both options. That’s a personal choice, and what takes place will be pretty much the same in either case.

“Is there something I can do in advance to prepare for an event?”

Both the seminars and retreats are fairly challenging. We advise arriving well rested and unhurried. By nature, these events are probably deeper in subject matter than the average day for most persons. Consequently, it’s probably a good idea to take some time to reflect and gather oneself for the event.

“What should I bring with me?”

For seminars, comfortable, loose clothing (many persons bring a change of clothes for the physical activities); a notebook and pen; a prepared lunch is optional, as there will be restaurants and cafes nearby for the lunch break; perhaps something to drink, although drinks will be available in the room during the various breaks.

For retreats, we have a Retreat Information Details page with recommendations for what to bring with you.

“I’m still not convinced that I’d like to attend. Is there someone I can speak to directly or some way I can get more information?”

There’s lots of information, articles, testimonials and an extended interview on our website. You can also contact us by email with any questions you may have, which would be our pleasure.