Hi there,

We've opened an Adventures in Awareness WhatsApp group which you can join with this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HhZShTPLWSE63SXSUZEfTe

If you want to connect with others in this group, and get more regular updates on upcoming gatherings, see you there!

Waking to awareness, integrating with life

In awareness, some people connect with peace, others with creativity. Some with joy, some with vibrant aliveness. Regardless of the flavour, how can these translate into daily life? 

On Saturday we held an experiment, combining nondual meditations with improvised movement and voice. One participant thought that it was “unlike anything I’ve attended before" accessing deep meditative states. Another was generous enough to say “This is the future and it's powerful.”

So we're doing something similar this Thursday. If you're curious, come! Thursday, 7-9pm, London. 

“What good is sitting all alone in your room? Come hear the music play…” - Liza Minnelli 

Stages of integration

The qualities of awareness, perhaps ever present, can seem subtle at first. The first glimpse is often in meditation or a guided workshop. 

I enjoyed Daniel Brown's articulation of how to structure practice so the glimpse becomes a glaringly obvious fact of life: 

• Formal contemplation/mediation, until you can notice it quicker and for longer periods of time
• Practice until noticing happens automatically when you meditate
• Practice accessing when alone, walking in nature
• Hold that view when near people, without interacting
• Hold it whilst interacting, thinking, and doing more challenging tasks
• Maintain it through dreams, and deep and dreamless sleep.

What he misses here, I think, is simply exploring it together with friends. Richard Lang's workshops are an excellent way to do this, but also powerful pointers to the clear, open, creative space in which all experience occurs. 

I enjoyed this recent comment from Dr Levi:

“I have been meditating since 2005. Over the years, I have lived with Tibetan monks on two occasions, completed evidence-based mindfulness practice workshops and courses, and explored the subject further through my own research as a medical doctor. Despite all of this, I found Richard Lang’s retreat day to be one of the most profound teachings I have ever encountered—a radically fresh approach that resonated instantly, effortlessly, and with remarkable clarity.” 

Probably why these sell out so quickly. Both dates in January are full, but there are a few spots available on Feb 21st.

Other upcoming offerings are below, including Mark's online course for those who aren't in London. 

See you soon I hope!

Amir