BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Open Circle - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Open Circle X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://opencircle.net X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Open Circle REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170309Z CREATED:20260106T170309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170309Z UID:10000866-1722470400-1722470400@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Chesaray ~ Somatic Self Inquiry: Embodied Awakening and Psychological Integration through Movement DESCRIPTION:Experiential Divinity in our everyday lives requires a holistic approach that embraces the whole self. Let us turn from the temptations of spiritual bypassing and lean into the fire of embodiment. \nSomatic Self Inquiry supports people in discovering their true nature by welcoming below-the-mind\, bottom-up approaches to integration. When we are reminded of our Divinity deep within\, we can be liberated from patterns that hold us back from joy and freedom. Through exploring the richness of the somatic depths and opening to the unknown\, we find ourselves “in the world but not of it.” \nLet us come together in the spirit of Inquiry for a guided movement exploration\, meditation\, and exchanges with Chesaray. \nChesaray is passionate about supporting those to awaken to the lived experience of Unconditional Love and Being. She is the Spiritual Director of Loving Ground\, a 501 c3 non-profit. She offers online and in person retreats and courses based on a wide range of psychological\, spiritual\, holistic healing modalities that support human evolution. \nPlease find out more about ChesarayÕs offerings at www.chesaray.org \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/chesaray-somatic-self-inquiry-embodied-awakening-and-psychological-integration-through-movement/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170308Z CREATED:20260106T170308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170308Z UID:10000865-1722470400-1722470400@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Shakti Caterina Maggi ~ Embodied nonduality DESCRIPTION:The teaching will be a dive into the heart of nonduality. An open and direct sharing about how our spiritual essence embodies in human experience to wake up to itself. \nWe will explore how suffering is the way through which we can recognize our self-imposed limitations. With courage and radical honesty we can use suffering as a trampoline to consciously connect to an unshakeable inner peace. \nShakti will offer a talk followed by Q&A. \nWatch a 6-part conversation with Shakti \nwhere she shares about her awakening journey and its impact on the relationships in her life\, her way of approaching strong emotions and spiritual embodiment\, as well as her unique way of sharing her understanding of Truth.Ê \n.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;}.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial\, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial\, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}.tg .tg-0pky{border-color:inherit;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}.tg .tg-0lax{text-align:left;vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}} \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShakti Caterina Maggi is a spiritual guide\, meditation teacher and author widely recognized as one of the most authentic and profound voices of contemporary spirituality. Combining the vision of Advaita and non-dual Tantra with a contemporary approach\, Shakti offers with humanity\, compassion and great clarity an inner technology to dissolve that contraction of suffering that accompanies our lives\, and access a space of peace and unconditional love towards life. \nwww.shakticaterinamaggi.com \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/shakti-caterina-maggi-embodied-nonduality-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240801T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170113Z CREATED:20260106T170113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170113Z UID:10000848-1722470400-1722470400@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Jeannie Zandi ~ Women\, Spirit & the Body (women only) DESCRIPTION:Join Jeannie for a special call for women exploring the theme of spirituality and the body. \nJeannieÕs gift for inviting people to join her in resting and rooted presence evokes a deep meeting with oneself and reality. Within that\, JeannieÕs humor and iconoclasm serve to bring people into an understanding that is beyond the intellectual. Through silent and guided meditation\, spontaneous talks and exchange with participants\, Jeannie will host a space of clarity and warmth where the richness of relating can be explored safely and your innermost questions met fully. \nJeannie Zandi is the director of Living as Love\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to seeding a culture of the Heart on the planet\, inspiring\, teaching and supporting people to live from their essence as Love. A year before the birth of her daughter\, Jeannie was plunged into a dark night of the soul that culminated in a radical shift of consciousness. She is known for her fearless clarity\, tender mercy toward humanness\, and a juicy\, poetic and often humorous style that draws from Advaita Vedanta\, Sufism\, Christian mysticism and the ongoing revelation of fully engaged living. \nwww.jeanniezandi.com \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/jeannie-zandi-women-spirit-the-body-women-only/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170753Z CREATED:20260106T170753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170753Z UID:10000975-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Amoda Maa ~ An Inquiry into the Living Truth of Freedom (In-Person Event) DESCRIPTION:Open Circle is hosting a series of SATSANGS & a DAYLONG with Amoda Maa in California\, USA. \nFebruary 27th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Berkeley\, CA \nFebruary 28th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Mill Valley\, CA \nMarch 1st Daylong (11:00am – 5:00pm\, PT) ~ Fairfax\, CA \nMarch 2nd (2-4 pm\, PT) ~ Sebastopol\, CA \nAll events are In-Person ~ \nLivestream is also available for Feb. 27th to March 1st \nClick here to access details & registration for ALL events in series. \nAmoda Maa invites an open-hearted honesty to the exploration of what it means to live as freedom in all circumstances. She offers profound pointers to how this freedom reveals itself if we are willing to surrender all resistance to Òwhat isÓ and how the light of our essential nature shines through all experience when the Òveil of self” comes undone. Through dialogue\, inquiry\, and guided meditation she supports the recognition of that which is beyond the duality of perception\, thought and feeling\, and takes us to the experience of the ever-present and unchanging reality of awareness. This unbounded awareness is the eternal ground of Being É and this is the source of true peace and freedom. \nThis is a two-hour meeting\, including guided meditation/silence\, discourse and Q&As. \nAmoda Maa offers a profound invitation to all those who wish to embody the truth of awakened consciousness in the midst of everyday life. AmodaÕs teachings are free from any ideology and are not affiliated with any lineage or tradition\, and yet the luminous truth is the same nondual understanding at the core of many spiritual traditions. \nShe offers meetings and retreats in the USA and Europe\, is the author of several books\, and is founder and spiritual director of the Amoda Maa Foundation. \nwww.amodamaa.com \n– \n \n  \nSatsang: 2-4 pm \nRefreshments: until 5 \nSuggested Donation: $10- $20\, no one turned away. \nNo pre-registration. Pay at door when you arrive. \nLocation: 8476 Sonoma Ave\, Sebastopol\, CA. Park on Sonoma Ave. \nNote: The address sign says 8474/8476.Ê Park on the street\, and walk down the short driveway to the house with the carport. \nPlease dress mindfully\, doors & windows may be open! \nIf you have covid-like symptoms\, or have had a recent Covid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/amoda-maa-an-inquiry-into-the-living-truth-of-freedom-in-person-event/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170753Z CREATED:20260106T170753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170753Z UID:10000976-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Loch Kelly and Lisa Ferguson ~ Engaged Nonduality DESCRIPTION:Engaged Nonduality \nResponding to the World Outside and \nWithin from Awake Loving Flow \nwith Loch Kelly and Lisa Ferguson \nRecording will be emailed to participants within a week. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend the live session. \nThis series of Engaged Nonduality events\, hosted by Lisa Ferguson\, explores how nondual wisdom may respond to our world in crisis. We live in a time of multiple intersecting crises that threaten the wellbeing of all life\, including climate breakdown\, unaligned tech and AI\, injustice\, war and authoritarianism. The recognition of nonduality has much to offer in these times\, including a deep knowing of our wholeness and shared Being\, as well as opening to the wellspring of our wise and creative response. This series invites guest presenters to explore how nondual teaching may respond to planetary crises through talks\, practices and group participation. \nLoch Kelly\, M.Div.\, LCSW is the creator of the new nondual meditation app\, Mindful Glimpses. He is the founder of the 501c3 nonprofit public charity\, Effortless Mindfulness Institute. Loch is an award-winning author\, licensed psychotherapist and recognized leader in the field of meditation and awakening. He and has worked in community mental health\, established homeless shelters and counseled family members of 9/11 in NYC. \nLoch graduated from Columbia University Social Work School and received a fellowship from Union Theological to study meditation in Sri Lanka\, India and Nepal. It was there he studied with Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and many of the great nondual masters of our age. \nLoch has collaborated with neuroscientists at Yale\, UPenn and NYU in the study of how awareness training can enhance compassion and wellbeing. In 2007 Loch was asked to teach by Adyashanti. \nLoch is dedicated to reducing suffering and supporting people to live from open-hearted awareness. He is known for his warm sense of humor and his trust that awakening is the next natural stage of development. He teaches the advanced yet simple nondual pointers and direct methods of Effortless Mindfulness\, informed by wisdom traditions\, psychology and social justice. Loch lives in upstate New York with his wife Paige and their cats Bodhi and Uly. www.lochkelly.org \nLisa Ferguson\, Ph.D. is the founder of Climate Compassion\, and has focused on supporting planetary wellbeing as a healing arts practitioner\, climate justice activist\, organizer and contemplative. She offers psychospiritual support to activists through one-one sessions and small groups\, weaving together a focus on awakening\, healing and wise action. \nSuggested Donation: $15 to $40 \n(any amount acceptable\, no one turned away for lack of funds) \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/loch-kelly-and-lisa-ferguson-engaged-nonduality/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170751Z CREATED:20260106T170751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170751Z UID:10000973-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Amoda Maa ~ An Inquiry into the Living Truth of Freedom (In-Person & Livestream) DESCRIPTION:Open Circle is hosting a series of SATSANGS & a DAYLONG with Amoda Maa in California\, USA. \nFebruary 27th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Berkeley\, CA \nFebruary 28th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Mill Valley\, CA \nMarch 1st Daylong (11:00am – 5:00pm\, PT) ~ Fairfax\, CA \nMarch 2nd (2-4 pm\, PT) ~ Sebastopol\, CA \nAll events are In-Person ~ \nLivestream is also available for Feb. 27th to March 1st \nClick here to access details & registration for ALL events in series. \nAmoda Maa invites an open-hearted honesty to the exploration of what it means to live as freedom in all circumstances. She offers profound pointers to how this freedom reveals itself if we are willing to surrender all resistance to Òwhat isÓ and how the light of our essential nature shines through all experience when the Òveil of self” comes undone. Through dialogue\, inquiry\, and guided meditation she supports the recognition of that which is beyond the duality of perception\, thought and feeling\, and takes us to the experience of the ever-present and unchanging reality of awareness. This unbounded awareness is the eternal ground of Being É and this is the source of true peace and freedom. \nThis is a two-hour meeting\, including guided meditation/silence\, discourse and Q&As. \nAmoda Maa offers a profound invitation to all those who wish to embody the truth of awakened consciousness in the midst of everyday life. AmodaÕs teachings are free from any ideology and are not affiliated with any lineage or tradition\, and yet the luminous truth is the same nondual understanding at the core of many spiritual traditions. \nShe offers meetings and retreats in the USA and Europe\, is the author of several books\, and is founder and spiritual director of the Amoda Maa Foundation. \nwww.amodamaa.com \n– \n \n  \nSuggested donation: $15 to $30 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPre-registration for In-Person attandance closes at Midnight on Feb. 27 (the night before event) \nPre-registration is encouraged\, but you can also just show up & pay at door. Come & join us! \nREGISTER for IN-PERSON Attendance \nOR \nREGISTER for LIVESTREAM &/or Recording Access \nIf you register for Recording access by event date\, link to access it will be sent to you within a week. \nIf you register for Recording access AFTER event date\, please forward your confirmation email to web@opencircle.net to notify us that you registered after event date. \n  \nFor inquiries contact LocalEvents@opencircle.net \nIf you have symptoms of a respiratory infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/amoda-maa-an-inquiry-into-the-living-truth-of-freedom-in-person-livestream-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170751Z CREATED:20260106T170751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170751Z UID:10000974-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Amoda Maa ~ Discovering Freedom as the Natural State of Open Awareness ~ Daylong (In-Person & Livestream) DESCRIPTION:Open Circle is hosting a series of SATSANGS & a DAYLONG with Amoda Maa in California\, USA. \nFebruary 27th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Berkeley\, CA \nFebruary 28th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Mill Valley\, CA \nMarch 1st Daylong (11:00am – 5:00pm\, PT) ~ Fairfax\, CA \nMarch 2nd (2-4 pm\, PT) ~ Sebastopol\, CA \nAll events are In-Person ~ \nLivestream is also available for Feb. 27th to March 1st \nClick here to access details & registration for ALL events in series. \nAn opportunity to meet and dialogue with Amoda Maa in an intimate setting. In this sacred meeting space\, there is an amplification of the field of presence and the possibility to open to the innermost discovery of what is already here as the natural state of open awareness. \nAmoda Maa offers profound pointers to how this freedom reveals itself if we are willing to surrender all resistance to Òwhat isÓ and how the light of our essential nature shines through all experience when the Òveil of self” comes undone. Through dialogue\, inquiry\, and guided meditation she supports the recognition of that which is beyond the duality of perception\, thought and feeling\, and takes us to the experience of the ever-present and unchanging reality of awareness. This unbounded awareness is the eternal ground of Being É and this is the source of true peace and freedom. \nYou will have the opportunity to ask your essential questions and share your realizations. \nThere are two meetings in the day\, each of two hours in duration. Each meeting includes time for guided meditation/silence\, discourse\, and Q&As. \nAmoda Maa offers an invitation to all those who wish to embody the truth of awakened consciousness in the midst of everyday life. AmodaÕs teachings are free from any ideology and are not affiliated with any lineage or tradition\, and yet the luminous truth is the same nondual understanding at the core of many spiritual traditions. \nShe offers meetings and retreats in the USA and Europe\, is the author of several books\, and is founder and spiritual director of the Amoda Maa Foundation. \nwww.amodamaa.com \n– \n \n  \nPre-registration is Required for In-Person Attendance to this Daylong\, as space is limited. \nRegistration for In-Person attendance closes at Midnight on Feb. 28 (the night before event) \nSliding Scale: $60 to $120 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nREGISTER for IN-PERSON Attendance \nOR \nREGISTER for LIVESTREAM &/or Recording Access \nIf you register for Recording access by event date\, link to access it will be sent to you within a week. \nIf you register for Recording access AFTER event date\, please forward your confirmation email to web@opencircle.net to notify us that you registered after event date. \nFor inquiries contact LocalEvents@opencircle.net \nLunch: \nBring your own lunch\, or drive 5 minutes into town where there are restaurants\, as well as the Good Earth Natural Foods Store that has a full hot and salad bar\, plus deli. \nLocation: \nThe meeting will be held at a private home in the Fairfax hills\, with views of Mount Tam and hiking trails. Address and directions will be provided upon registration. \nIf you have symptoms of a viral infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/amoda-maa-discovering-freedom-as-the-natural-state-of-open-awareness-daylong-in-person-livestream/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170624Z CREATED:20260106T170624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170624Z UID:10000927-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Stephan Bodian ~ Awakening Day Mini Retreat DESCRIPTION:In Japanese Zen\, December 8 is celebrated as Bodhi Day\, the anniversary of the BuddhaÕs awakening\, and monasteries hold a special retreat that extends through the night of the seventh and culminates at dawn on the eight\, when the Buddha saw the morning star and attained enlightenment. This December 8th is also the 50th anniversary of my ordination as a Zen monk\, and I want to express my gratitude to my teachers and students by sitting with you in awakened awareness. The emphasis will be on silent sitting accompanied by teachings and reflections on the nature of awakening and direct pointers to our natural state of inherent wakefulness. \nStephan Bodian is a teacher in the nondual wisdom tradition of Zen\, Dzogchen\, and Advaita Vedanta. He’s been offering the School for Awakening\, an annual multi-month intensive program in spiritual unfolding and awakened living\, since 2007. As a licensed psychotherapist\, he brings a deep understanding of the impact of trauma and early conditioning on the process of spiritual realization and offers individual counseling and mentoring in psychospiritual integration. Stephan studied for many years with Advaita master Jean Klein and received Dharma transmission from Adyashanti in 2001. His books include Wake Up Now and Beyond Mindfulness. For more information\, visit : www.stephanbodian.org \nSuggested donation: $40 to $80 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. Any amount welcome. \nStephan Bodian has offered that all donations for this event will go \nto support Open Circle in continuing this work of offering teachings. \nREGISTER \nPlease register early if you can. \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/stephan-bodian-awakening-day-mini-retreat/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170623Z CREATED:20260106T170623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170623Z UID:10000926-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Stephan Bodian ~ Welcoming What Is DESCRIPTION:By its very nature\, consciousness delights in its expressions in form\, and awareness welcomes whatever arises. When we wake up to who we really are\, we discover the innate perfection of this moment right now. Nothing is inherently missing or problematic in the sacred mystery of Being. But the ego has its own ideas about how things should be and is constantly resisting what is and trying to impose its agenda on life. \nIn this satsang\, weÕll sit together in the silent mystery of Being and explore how to relate with our resistance to what is\, using the Rumi poem The Guest House as our guide. Includes guided meditation\, pointers\, and plenty of time for Q&A and discussion. \nStephan Bodian is a teacher in the nondual wisdom tradition of Zen\, Dzogchen\, and Advaita Vedanta. He’s been offering the School for Awakening\, an annual multi-month intensive program in spiritual unfolding and awakened living\, since 2007. As a licensed psychotherapist\, he brings a deep understanding of the impact of trauma and early conditioning on the process of spiritual realization and offers individual counseling and mentoring in psychospiritual integration. Stephan studied for many years with Advaita master Jean Klein and received Dharma transmission from Adyashanti in 2001. His books include Wake Up Now and Beyond Mindfulness. For more information\, visit : www.stephanbodian.org \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nStephan Bodian has offered that all donations for this event will go \nto support Open Circle in continuing this work of offering teachings. \nREGISTER \nPlease register early if you can. \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/stephan-bodian-welcoming-what-is/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170618Z CREATED:20260106T170618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170618Z UID:10000925-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Ishita Sharma ~ Embodiment Lab Ð Experiments in Embodying Presence DESCRIPTION:We are not thinking beings who sense; we are sensing beings who think. And re-setting that balance is key to joy\, to vibrance\, and true liberation! \nJoin us for Embodiment Lab\, an experiential exploration of the body as a doorway to presence and aliveness\, returning to the ground of being through our own direct experience. \nWe will use the fullness of our experience to tune and attune to our bodies\, illuminating our deepest healing and freedom. Engaging and transcending our senses\, awareness\, breath\, movement and sound and more\, we will use our body’s signals to return to sensate presence. \nTOGETHER ON OUR CALL WE WILL: \n\nExplore states of inner coherence in our own experience.\nEngage simple yet profound somatic and energetic practices.\nExperience the healing power of inner and group coherence.\nHave space to share\, ask questions and learn from within and together.\nLearn about ways to deepen our access to embodied presence.\n\nAll levels of experience are welcome. \nWatch a 5-part conversation with Ishita \nwhere she shares her awakening journey and how being raised in India and moving to the US impacted it\, as well as her unique way of helping us remember that everything is a call back to coherence\, and that reconnecting with Spirit is THE way to heal even the deepest despair. \n.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;}.tg td{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial\, sans-serif;font-size:14px; overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}.tg th{border-color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;font-family:Arial\, sans-serif;font-size:14px; font-weight:normal;overflow:hidden;padding:10px 5px;word-break:normal;}.tg .tg-0pky{border-color:inherit;text-align:left;vertical-align:top}.tg .tg-0lax{text-align:left;vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}} \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nBIO \nIshita Sharma serves as a spiritual teacher\, healing mirror\, embodiment partner\, and Core Energetics Practitioner of body-based psychotherapy. Teaching Universal principles of healing and mysticism\, she is devoted to supporting healing and awakening in all those committed to living a bright and connected life\, sharing their gifts for the good of the Whole. \nGrowing up in India\, asking big questions\, Ishita’s curiosities about the nature of All Things fueled a series of profound openings. Having her relationship to Self\, Life and others re-calibrated\, while learning to honor her own body’s signals as the ultimate path to God\, led her to study various spiritual\, neurological\, relational\, somatic and shamanic modalities\, through the Grace of her teachers and the Book of her Life. \nIshita has coached visionaries and leaders from Google\, Harvard\, MIT\, Silicon Valley\, Broadway artists\, and renowned scientists\, coaches\, teachers\, artists and activists. Clients come to her to grow through their deepest longings and challenges\, held and mirrored in their perfect wholeness. She points every one of them back to center. \nIshitaÕs teachings\, like her learnings\, support self-study through direct realization. They marry western mind and eastern spirit through the human body and heart to facilitate embodied awakening and authentic connection\, the balm for our tumultuous times. \nCare for our sacred shared world informs all her endeavors. Ishita now uses her skills to help clients connect with their inner signals so they can find rest in minds\, ease in their bodies\, joy in their hearts\, and embody their True Nature in right relation with Life. She brings 15 years of advanced facilitation\, a refined meditation practice\, and a fierce devotion to her own healing to serve. She looks forward to meeting and supporting you! \ncometocenter.com \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/ishita-sharma-embodiment-lab-d-experiments-in-embodying-presence-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170306Z CREATED:20260106T170306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170306Z UID:10000864-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John Prendergast ~ The Art of Self-Inquiry ~ Bay Area Daylong Retreat DESCRIPTION:Awakening to our true nature is greatly facilitated by the art of self-inquiry Ð a deep\, honest\, and intuitive investigation into the direct experience of who we really are. This investigation is based upon our love of the non-dogmatic truth and our desire to live in conscious accord with it. Rigorous self-inquiry often requires that we recognize and welcome our deepest doubts and fears and then question and see through them. The effect is profoundly liberating. \nOur time together will include guided and open meditations\, a talk\, group and dyadic inquiries\, and experiential conversations. \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is a spiritual teacher and retired psychotherapist and adjunct professor of psychology at CIIS\, well known for his pioneering work in integrating non-dual wisdom and psychotherapy. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years\, as well as with Adyashanti who gave him dharma transmission in August\, 2023. He is the author of The Deep Heart (2019) and In Touch (2015) and is working on a new book for Sounds True about the Ground. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nThe meeting will be from 10:00am to Noon and 2:00pm to 4:30pm\, with a break for lunch. \nPlease bring your own lunch\, or feel free to go into town to one of the restaurants or to Good Earth Natural Foods. \nPre-registration required\, as space is limited. \nRegistration closes at 5 pm on May 31st \nSuggested donation: $75 \n(Any amount acceptable. No one turned away for lack of funds.) \nREGISTER \nFor inquiries contact LocalEvents@opencircle.net \nLocation: \nThe meeting will be held at a private home in the Fairfax hills\, with views of Mount Tam and hiking trails. \nAddress and directions will be provided upon registration. \nIf you have symptoms of a viral infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-prendergast-the-art-of-self-inquiry-bay-area-daylong-retreat-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170305Z CREATED:20260106T170305Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170305Z UID:10000863-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Shakti Caterina Maggi ~ Embodied nonduality DESCRIPTION:The teaching will be a dive into the heart of nonduality. An open and direct sharing about how our spiritual essence embodies in human experience to wake up to itself. \nWe will explore how suffering is the way through which we can recognize our self-imposed limitations. With courage and radical honesty we can use suffering as a trampoline to consciously connect to an unshakeable inner peace. \nShakti will offer a talk followed by Q&A. \nWatch Shakti speak about the perception of oneness with life \nin contrast to seeing objects as external to ourselves: \n \n  \nShakti Caterina Maggi is a spiritual guide\, meditation teacher and author widely recognized as one of the most authentic and profound voices of contemporary spirituality. Combining the vision of Advaita and non-dual Tantra with a contemporary approach\, Shakti offers with humanity\, compassion and great clarity an inner technology to dissolve that contraction of suffering that accompanies our lives\, and access a space of peace and unconditional love towards life. \nwww.shakticaterinamaggi.com \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/shakti-caterina-maggi-embodied-nonduality-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170251Z CREATED:20260106T170251Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170251Z UID:10000862-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Ellen Emmet ~ Venturing Into the Unlit Corners of the Now DESCRIPTION:2-Part Retreat: May 18 & 19\, 2024 \nWe start at 10:00 am Pacific Time / 6:00 pm UK time / 7:00 pm Central European Time. \nTime Zone Converter \nEvent will be recorded and emailed to participants after the meeting. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend all the live sessions. \nThere are times in each of our lives when a bitter wind blows our spiritual torch out. It may be called depression\, grief\, trauma\, illness\, the end of a relationship\, a sense that we are no longer in alignment with our deepest self. \nHere we are\, standing at the threshold of our being\, knowing that nothing we have used to light the way forward will work. \nDuring this weekend we will venture together\, away from the certitudes held by the mind and into the dark wilderness of the body. We will listen inwardly to our felt experience. Perhaps we will face and taste the unconscious layers of defense that portent to protect us yet keep us in a cell of false security. \nPerhaps we will touch the vulnerability and strength of Life as she cycles and connects us to the great garland of creation. \nEllen will draw on her experience of Kashmir nondual yoga\, the Jungian ideas especially as expressed by Marion Woodman\, Authentic Movement\, and whatever else may arise from the field of our gathering. There will be time for sharing in a safe container. \nWatch Ellen share about the role the body plays in her work: \nhttps://opencircle.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/230602-Ellen-Emmet-Interview-Clip-1.mp4\nAbout Ellen: \nEllenÕs deepest intuition was confirmed when she met her teacher in the non-dual tradition\, Francis Lucille. Hearing his words\, she recognised the eternal\, limitless and universal nature of our shared reality. Over the years\, this understanding has continued to unfold and to touch all levels of experience. \nAt the very same time\, Ellen has never ceased to delve into the depths of her human experience\, seen and unseen\, thirsting for a wholeness and connectedness which appeared to be lost or obscured. This unstoppable quest brought her to therapy\, Jungian workshops (and later Jungian analysis)\, Dream Work\, Authentic Movement and creative writing. \nMore and more\, she senses that each of our lives is a journey of revelation and integration\, including its darker crossings\, through which the face of truth can shine uniquely and anew\, wedding us to our direct experience and connecting us to the great family of creation. \nTo find out more about Ellen and her offering\, visit www.ellenemmet.com \nSliding Scale: $40 to $80 \nSome Partial Scholarships Available \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER URL:https://opencircle.net/event/ellen-emmet-venturing-into-the-unlit-corners-of-the-now-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240701T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170307Z CREATED:20260106T170250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170307Z UID:10000861-1719792000-1719792000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Mukti ~ Prior to Problems: Sanctuary and Source DESCRIPTION:A key aim of spirituality is to be in the world\, but not of it. This can present as being engaged in the human world\, while greatly being informed by Source\, the creative and sustaining realm of spirit. \nWhen things feel Òoff\,Ó or indeed are\, within oneÕs self or the world\, a common tendency is to feel disempowered and to relate to life as fundamentally problematic. Meanwhile\, the practitioner who orients to liberated consciousness aligns with transformative spirit. Such spirit expresses immeasurable intelligence and possibilities\, which can be brought to bear on lifeÕs challenges\, dilemmas\, and decisions. Moreover\, oneÕs attunement to peace and quietude in spirit can shift problem-centered ways of perceiving to perceptions centered in curiosity\, creativity\, and resolution. \nThe blessing of seeing through the limitation of egoic states that generate and dwell in the burdened paradigm of Òproblem\,Ó is that this seeing can initiate a turn toward illimitable spirit. \nMuktiÕs presentation will be devoted to investigating doorways to spirit and will point to the undivided state and its power to harmonize\, heal\, resolve\, and rectify. Her presentation will be followed by a Q&A session\, in which audience members can join her in furthering the investigations of her presentation. \nMukti\, whose name is translated as Òliberation\,Ó is the head teacher and administrator of Open Gate Sangha\, where she has taught in the lineage of Adyashanti since 2004. Her teaching methods are founded in meditation\, self-inquiry\, and body awareness. Mukti expresses a power of stillness\, as well as feminine nurturing and a refreshing down-to-earth humanity. For teaching excerpts\, audio downloads\, qi gong videos\, and a calendar of MuktiÕs current programs\, visit: www.muktisource.org \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/mukti-prior-to-problems-sanctuary-and-source/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240602T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240602T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165949Z CREATED:20260106T165949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165949Z UID:10000831-1717286400-1717286400@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Christiane Prendergast ~ Exploration in Stillness ~ In-Person Local Event DESCRIPTION:With gentle movements\, we allow the body to be felt as it presents itself\, moment to moment. Whether there is constriction or heaviness\, we unconditionally welcome it through space-feeling\, sensing\, as well as with an occasional simple inquiry. With this approach\, we experience that there is nothing to do\, to change or to achieve. Open Presence allows these movements to free themselves and to be newly sensed at any moment. In this way\, we effortlessly become one with welcoming that is our home ground. \nWe start with a short meditation. At the end of the session there will be a time for sharing and questions. \nPlease bring a blanket or a mat. \nBio: Originally from France\, Christiane was a student of the late European Advaita master Jean Klein for over 20 years. Although rooted in Advaita\, Jean incorporated a form of subtle-body yoga from Kashmir Shaivism. It is this approach that he taught to Christiane. \nSuggested Donation: $15- $25\, no one turned away. \nNo pre-registration. Pay at door when you arrive. \nIf you have symptoms of a viral infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/christiane-prendergast-exploration-in-stillness-in-person-local-event/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170751Z CREATED:20260106T170751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170751Z UID:10000972-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Amoda Maa ~ An Inquiry into the Living Truth of Freedom (In-Person & Livestream) DESCRIPTION:Open Circle is hosting a series of SATSANGS & a DAYLONG with Amoda Maa in California\, USA. \nFebruary 27th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Berkeley\, CA \nFebruary 28th (7-9 pm\, PT) ~ Mill Valley\, CA \nMarch 1st Daylong (11:00am – 5:00pm\, PT) ~ Fairfax\, CA \nMarch 2nd (2-4 pm\, PT) ~ Sebastopol\, CA \nAll events are In-Person ~ \nLivestream is also available for Feb. 27th to March 1st \nClick here to access details & registration for ALL events in series. \nAmoda Maa invites an open-hearted honesty to the exploration of what it means to live as freedom in all circumstances. She offers profound pointers to how this freedom reveals itself if we are willing to surrender all resistance to Òwhat isÓ and how the light of our essential nature shines through all experience when the Òveil of self” comes undone. Through dialogue\, inquiry\, and guided meditation she supports the recognition of that which is beyond the duality of perception\, thought and feeling\, and takes us to the experience of the ever-present and unchanging reality of awareness. This unbounded awareness is the eternal ground of Being É and this is the source of true peace and freedom. \nThis is a two-hour meeting\, including guided meditation/silence\, discourse and Q&As. \nAmoda Maa offers a profound invitation to all those who wish to embody the truth of awakened consciousness in the midst of everyday life. AmodaÕs teachings are free from any ideology and are not affiliated with any lineage or tradition\, and yet the luminous truth is the same nondual understanding at the core of many spiritual traditions. \nShe offers meetings and retreats in the USA and Europe\, is the author of several books\, and is founder and spiritual director of the Amoda Maa Foundation. \nwww.amodamaa.com \n– \n \n  \nSuggested donation: $15 to $30 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPre-registration for In-Person attandance closes at Midnight on Feb. 26 (the night before event) \nPre-registration is encouraged\, but you can also just show up & pay at door. Come & join us! \nREGISTER for IN-PERSON Attendance \nOR \nREGISTER for LIVESTREAM &/or Recording Access \nIf you register for Recording access by event date\, link to access it will be sent to you within a week. \nIf you register for Recording access AFTER event date\, please forward your confirmation email to web@opencircle.net to notify us that you registered after event date. \n  \nPARKING: There is some street parking in the neighborhood\, free and without time limit. \nFor inquiries contact LocalEvents@opencircle.net \nIf you have symptoms of a respiratory infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/amoda-maa-an-inquiry-into-the-living-truth-of-freedom-in-person-livestream/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170616Z CREATED:20260106T170616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170616Z UID:10000924-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:XXX - SAMPLE -John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson ~ Engaged Nonduality DESCRIPTION:Engaged Nonduality \nAwakening and Action: Toward an Engaged Nondual Approach \nwith John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson ~ Oct. 13th \nRecording will be emailed to participants within a week. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend the live session. \nIn this kickoff to the series\, Lisa will present a working framework and practices to open the space to explore an engaged nonduality: how the recognition of non-separation moves in response to our world in crisis. This will include themes of personal and collective awakening\, individual action\, and collective liberation. We will explore how love and truth might move through us\, as well as how we can kindly tend to our conditioned parts and intense emotions – such as terror\, despair\, rage and shame – that may emerge as we face the enormity of our Metacrisis. \nJohn and Lisa will offer space for group sharing\, meditation and a deep meeting of what arises as we face our Metacrisis in community\, from the heart of being. \nEngaged Nonduality Series \n \nThis series weaves nondual awakening and an embodied response to our world in crisis. We are facing intersecting crises of climate breakdown\, the potential of ecological and systems collapse\, severe injustice and inequality\, rising authoritarianism\, unaligned tech and AI\, and more. The path of nonduality has much to offer in these times\, including a deep recognition of our wholeness and shared Being\, and opening to the wellspring of our wise response. \nWhile awakening is often engaged in a more personal context\, we are expanding the context to include structural harm and systemic crisis\, where the rubber hits the road in our world today. This series invites guest presenters to explore how the wisdom of these nondual teachings may be deeply embodied through a response to our world in crisis. These sessions may include guided meditations\, group and dyadic inquiry and group interaction. \nThe following events in the series will be hosted by John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson. \nRegister for one or more dates\, or the full series together. \nOctober 20th: Jeremy Lent ~ From Awakened Heart to a Flourishing Future \nOctober 27th: Jonathan Gustin ~ Non-dual Responsibility – Exploring Non-duality & the Metacrisis \nNovember 2nd: Caverly Morgan ~ \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart: Our Portal to Presence (2019 ) and In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself (2015) and is working on a new book entitled Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (March 2025). He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nLisa Ferguson\, Ph.D. is the founder of Climate Compassion\, and has focused on supporting planetary wellbeing as a healing arts practitioner\, climate justice activist\, organizer and contemplative.Ê She offers psychospiritual support to activists through one-one sessions and small groups\, weaving together a focus on awakening\, healing and wise action. \nwww.climatecompassion.org \nSuggested Donation: $15 to $40 \n(any amount acceptable\, no one turned away for lack of funds) \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER for Oct. 13th \nFull Series: Sundays October 13\, 20\, 27\, and Saturday Nov 2 \nSuggested Donation: $60 to $120 \n(no one turned away for lack of funds) \nREGISTER for Full 4-part Series \nThe events will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/xxx-sample-john-prendergast-and-lisa-ferguson-engaged-nonduality/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165910Z CREATED:20260106T165910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165910Z UID:10000825-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:CANCELED Lynn Marie Lumiere\, MFT ~ Being Present with What Is: Deepen Your Ability to be Still in the Midst of Challenges ~ Weekend Retreat DESCRIPTION:We regret to inform this event has been canceled. \nA Weekend Retreat: Saturday and Sunday\, April 20-21\, 2024: \n9:00 am Ð 12:00 pm Pacific Time\, each day \nTime Zone Converter \nRecording will be emailed to participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nLife is full of challenges. This is how we evolve and awaken. What is important is how we meet them. \nThe key to being with challenges in a way that allows for more freedom and transformation is to stop\, be still\, and feel our discomfort without avoiding or engaging it. This is possible because we all have a built-in ability to do this. It is natural to us; weÕve just forgotten how. We can re-discover this ability and see that no matter what is arising\, it is not wrong. It is just what is\, and inner support and guidance is always available. Lynn Marie will offer her assistance with the somatic\, emotional and psychological issues that are interfering with your capacity to be present. \nYou are encouraged to attend the 3-hour sessions for this retreat live so you can benefit from sharing your experience and processing with Lynn Marie. However\, you are also welcome to attend at your convenience by listening to the recording. \nLynn Marie LumiereÊis a seasoned psychotherapist\, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner\, spiritual mentor\, and author. She offers a rare blend of embodied spiritual wisdom with a skilled therapeutic approach that facilitates healing of psychological trauma/wounding and the embodiment of awakening. Her depth of experience\, rooted in her own healing and awakening journey\, spans decades of expertly guiding individuals in the resolution of their trauma and into connection with their true nature. She is the author of Awakened Relating: A Guide to Embodying More Love in Relationships. \nFor more information see: www.lynnmarielumiere.com \n URL:https://opencircle.net/event/canceled-lynn-marie-lumiere-mft-being-present-with-what-is-deepen-your-ability-to-be-still-in-the-midst-of-challenges-weekend-retreat-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165909Z CREATED:20260106T165909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165909Z UID:10000823-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Stephan Bodian ~ Wake Up Now: A 2-Day Journey Through the Stages of Awakening DESCRIPTION:April 13 & 14\, 2024 \n9:00 am Ð 12:00 pm\, Pacific Time \nTime Zone Converter \nEvent will be recorded and emailed to participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nAwakenings come in many shapes and sizes and are as diverse as the people who experience them. Yet they tend to follow a similar trajectory\, from the initial recognition that youÕre not who you thought you were to the full realization of your nondual spiritual nature beyond the mind. Along the way\, you may have a range of different experiences and insights that offer motivation and inspiration and deepen and expand your understanding. \nIn this weekend mini-retreat\, weÕll explore the journey of awakening through teachings\, guided meditations\, self-inquiry\, dialogue\, discussion\, and ample time to rest in the silence and stillness of Being. In the process youÕll discover that awakening is not a noun\, but a verb\, not a state but an endless unfolding into the Mystery of what is. \nStephan Bodian is a teacher in the nondual wisdom tradition of Zen\, Dzogchen\, and Advaita Vedanta. He’s been offering the School for Awakening\, an annual multi-month intensive program in spiritual unfolding and awakened living\, since 2007. As a licensed psychotherapist\, he brings a deep understanding of the impact of trauma and early conditioning on the process of spiritual realization and offers individual counseling and mentoring in psychospiritual integration. Stephan studied for many years with Advaita master Jean Klein and received Dharma transmission from Adyashanti in 2001. His books include Wake Up Now and Beyond Mindfulness. For more information\, visit : www.stephanbodian.org \nSliding Scale: $60 to $90 \nSome Partial Scholarships Available \nPlease Register Early if you can. \nREGISTER URL:https://opencircle.net/event/stephan-bodian-wake-up-now-a-2-day-journey-through-the-stages-of-awakening/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165909Z CREATED:20260106T165909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165909Z UID:10000824-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:CANCELED Lynn Marie Lumiere\, MFT ~ Being Present with What Is: Deepen Your Ability to be Still in the Midst of Challenges ~ Weekend Retreat DESCRIPTION:We regret to inform this event has been canceled. \nA Weekend Retreat: Saturday and Sunday\, April 20-21\, 2024: \n9:00 am Ð 12:00 pm Pacific Time\, each day \nTime Zone Converter \nRecording will be emailed to participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nLife is full of challenges. This is how we evolve and awaken. What is important is how we meet them. \nThe key to being with challenges in a way that allows for more freedom and transformation is to stop\, be still\, and feel our discomfort without avoiding or engaging it. This is possible because we all have a built-in ability to do this. It is natural to us; weÕve just forgotten how. We can re-discover this ability and see that no matter what is arising\, it is not wrong. It is just what is\, and inner support and guidance is always available. Lynn Marie will offer her assistance with the somatic\, emotional and psychological issues that are interfering with your capacity to be present. \nYou are encouraged to attend the 3-hour sessions for this retreat live so you can benefit from sharing your experience and processing with Lynn Marie. However\, you are also welcome to attend at your convenience by listening to the recording. \nLynn Marie LumiereÊis a seasoned psychotherapist\, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner\, spiritual mentor\, and author. She offers a rare blend of embodied spiritual wisdom with a skilled therapeutic approach that facilitates healing of psychological trauma/wounding and the embodiment of awakening. Her depth of experience\, rooted in her own healing and awakening journey\, spans decades of expertly guiding individuals in the resolution of their trauma and into connection with their true nature. She is the author of Awakened Relating: A Guide to Embodying More Love in Relationships. \nFor more information see: www.lynnmarielumiere.com \n URL:https://opencircle.net/event/canceled-lynn-marie-lumiere-mft-being-present-with-what-is-deepen-your-ability-to-be-still-in-the-midst-of-challenges-weekend-retreat/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165908Z CREATED:20260106T165852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165908Z UID:10000822-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John J. Prendergast\, Ph.D ~ ÒFalling OpenÓ ~ 4-Part Course DESCRIPTION:4-Part Online Course \nFeb 24\, Mar 2\, 9\, 16\, 2024 \n10:00 am Ð 12:00 noon Pacific Time\, each day \nTime Zone Converter \nEvent will be recorded and emailed \nto participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nIn this four-part series we will explore the theme of falling open to not knowing\, to the boundless heart\, and to the groundless ground of Being. What happens when our mind sees itÕs limits and lets go\, when our heart remembers its native innocence and wholeness\, and when our false ground falls away? Meetings will include guided and silent meditations\, talks\, experiential conversations\, and dyadic and group meditative inquiries. \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart (2019 ) and In Touch (2015) and is working on a new book for Sounds True about the Ground. He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nSliding Scale: $80 to $140 \nSome Partial Scholarships Available \nPlease Register Early if you can. \nREGISTER URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-j-prendergast-ph-d-ofalling-openo-4-part-course-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165851Z CREATED:20260106T165851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165851Z UID:10000821-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John J. Prendergast\, Ph.D ~ ÒFalling OpenÓ ~ 4-Part Course DESCRIPTION:4-Part Online Course \nFeb 24\, Mar 2\, 9\, 16\, 2024 \n10:00 am Ð 12:00 noon Pacific Time\, each day \nTime Zone Converter \nEvent will be recorded and emailed \nto participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nIn this four-part series we will explore the theme of falling open to not knowing\, to the boundless heart\, and to the groundless ground of Being. What happens when our mind sees itÕs limits and lets go\, when our heart remembers its native innocence and wholeness\, and when our false ground falls away? Meetings will include guided and silent meditations\, talks\, experiential conversations\, and dyadic and group meditative inquiries. \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart (2019 ) and In Touch (2015) and is working on a new book for Sounds True about the Ground. He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nSliding Scale: $80 to $140 \nSome Partial Scholarships Available \nPlease Register Early if you can. \nREGISTER URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-j-prendergast-ph-d-ofalling-openo-4-part-course-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165850Z CREATED:20260106T165850Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165850Z UID:10000820-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John J. Prendergast\, Ph.D ~ ÒFalling OpenÓ ~ 4-Part Course DESCRIPTION:4-Part Online Course \nFeb 24\, Mar 2\, 9\, 16\, 2024 \n10:00 am Ð 12:00 noon Pacific Time\, each day \nTime Zone Converter \nEvent will be recorded and emailed \nto participants after each meeting. \nYou’re welcome to join even if you can’t attend all the live sessions. \nIn this four-part series we will explore the theme of falling open to not knowing\, to the boundless heart\, and to the groundless ground of Being. What happens when our mind sees itÕs limits and lets go\, when our heart remembers its native innocence and wholeness\, and when our false ground falls away? Meetings will include guided and silent meditations\, talks\, experiential conversations\, and dyadic and group meditative inquiries. \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart (2019 ) and In Touch (2015) and is working on a new book for Sounds True about the Ground. He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nSliding Scale: $80 to $140 \nSome Partial Scholarships Available \nPlease Register Early if you can. \nREGISTER URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-j-prendergast-ph-d-ofalling-openo-4-part-course/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240601T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T165849Z CREATED:20260106T165849Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T165849Z UID:10000819-1717200000-1717200000@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Lisa Cairns ~ Is There a "Doer"? DESCRIPTION:There’s no “doer” doing anything\, there is no independent person\, it’s just a happening\, all of it\, now. When you’re walking your legs are simply walking all by themselves and we claim that and we say “I’m walking”. \nWho is this “I” that walks ? \nThere’s nobody that’s walking. \nWalking happens. Speaking happens. Looking happens. Hearing happens. Action happens. \nAnd our illusion is that we act. \nI act. I’m naked. I’m not naked. I’m free. I’m not free. I’m enlightened. I’m not enlightened. \nThere is nobody. It’s all coming from divinity and nothing is outside of you\, nothing! \nEverything is a production of your brain\, and your brain is a production of that infinite unknowable source which is free. It’s so free\, everything! \nThere’s nothing you need to worry about or not worry about but yeah\, worrying happens. But it’s not your worrying and there’s nothing wrong with worrying happening\, There’s nothing wrong with deceit happening\, there’s nothing wrong with anger happening\, there’s nothing wrong with love happening or joy happening\, they’re all the same. It is simply life playing out\, and it couldn’t be any other way. \nNon-duality is what is in this moment: \n \nAbout Lisa: \nIn Bali in 2011\, Lisa suddenly lost total control while eating banana fritters with ice cream\, and there was a sudden and explosive energetic shift; at that moment it was understood\, beyond the intellect\, non-dual philosophy. \nFor the past eleven years\, she has traveled around the world\, sharing an amazing Indian Philosophy called Non duality. She has spoken in book shops\, cafes\, yoga centers\, universities\, schools\, the UKÕs NHS (National Health Care System)\, conference centers\, festivals\, theatres and in someoneÕs front room. \nIn her talks\, she tries to communicate the limitless nature of life\, which you could say is at the root of every philosophy\, religion or story. This is a tall order\, so failing that\, she hopes to open doors for anyone who wants to listen\, providing a broader perspective on this magical thing we call life. \nMore about Lisa: www.lisacairns.com \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/lisa-cairns-is-there-a-doer/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240501T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240501T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170514Z CREATED:20260106T170514Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170514Z UID:10000900-1714521600-1714521600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Gail Brenner ~ Melting into Being (In-Person Event) DESCRIPTION:Melting into Being – Come and enjoy an afternoon of melting into being with your fellow truth lovers. All are welcome! \nIn our time together\, weÕll relax into effortless being\, marinating in the luminescent knowing of our true nature. WeÕll leave the limitations of our personal stories and attachments to discover liberationÑalready hereÑtimeless\, boundless\, and free. This is youÉwho youÕve always been despite any beliefs that tell you otherwise.At the same time\, we bow to our humannessÑmeeting our conditioned and fear-based patterns with understanding and compassion. And we know that who we are is unlimited\, overflowing with love\, and infinitely peaceful. You are welcome just as you are with your fears\, doubts\, shame\, and questionsÑor simply to share sacred space. With guided meditation\, quotes from our beloved masters\, and open conversation\, weÕll celebrate together\, discovering peace and happiness right at the heart of our everyday human lives. I look forward to being with you! \nGail Brenner\, Ph.D.Êis your guide. As a psychologist\, author\, and teacher\,Êshe transmits a love of truth with a fire that burns brightly. Gail is an expert in healing from early trauma and brings to this work years of experience with individuals and groups. She is known for creating the safe space needed for deep inner exploration. GailÊis the author of the award-winningÊThe End of Self-HelpÊandÊSuffering Is Optional. \nGail’s website: gailbrenner.com \nSatsang: 2-4 pm \nRefreshments: until 5 \nSuggested Donation: $10- $20\, no one turned away. \nNo pre-registration. Pay at door when you arrive. \nLocation: 8476 Sonoma Ave\, Sebastopol\, CA. Park on Sonoma Ave. \nNote: The address sign says 8474/8476.Ê Park on the street\, and walk down the short driveway to the house with the carport. \nPlease dress mindfully\, doors & windows will be open! \nIf you have covid-like symptoms\, or have had a recent Covid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/gail-brenner-melting-into-being-in-person-event/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170751Z CREATED:20260106T170751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170751Z UID:10000971-1711929600-1711929600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:Susanne Marie ~ The Light Inside the Dark ~ In Honor of Solstice DESCRIPTION:In honor of Solstice we will meet in the unmoving stillness\, resting with equanimity\, holding what we encounter within with kindness and allowance. By entering darkness\, we are invited to know ourselves more intimately\, surrendering to that which does not push away what we contain. By making peace with what is denied and feels uncomfortable\, we open to the power of yielding to the wisdom of inner reconciliation. Solstice in Latin translates to: the standing still of the Sun. Together we will stand still\, rest and gather nurturance within our beingness\, opening in allowance to what is\, which initiates what can become. Only by meeting ourselves with allowance\, do we evolve beyond resistance. Solstice is an ideal day to rest\, heal\, and prepare for the longer days ahead. \nAbout Susanne Marie \nFeatured in conversation with Adyashanti on Buddha at the Gas Pump as well as on Conscious TV\, Susanne Marie offers integrated teachings in support of freedom\, and the celebration of our common essence of love and unity with all life. Susanne\, who lives in Northern California\, is the parent of two young adults. As a natural empath\, her teaching style is heart-centered and practical\, whose focus is on supporting you in your unique awakening journey. Susanne leads in-person retreats\, online courses\, a monthly online meeting\, and mentors individuals privately. \nFind out more about Susanne Marie: susannemarie.org \nIn this short video Susanne is sharing details of her awakening journey: \n \n  \nSuggested donation: $15 to $40 \nNo one turned away for lack of funds. \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER \nThe event will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/susanne-marie-the-light-inside-the-dark-in-honor-of-solstice/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170709Z CREATED:20260106T170709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170709Z UID:10000938-1711929600-1711929600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John Prendergast ~ Being No One; Being Your Self ~ Bay Area Daylong Retreat DESCRIPTION:The freer we are of our self-image and story and all of the emotional reactions and somatic contractions that go with this limited identity\, the freer we are to simply be ourself Ð a living mystery not separate from the whole of life. Self-inquiry facilitates an unveiling\, unlearning\, spontaneous letting go\, and discovery of our true nature. This meeting will include silent and guided meditations\, a talk\, dyadic self-inquiry\, and intimate\, powerful\, experiential conversations. \nJohn Prendergast\, Ph.DÊis a spiritual teacher\, retired psychotherapist\, and retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at CIIS\, well known for his pioneering work in integrating non-dual wisdom and psychotherapy. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years\, as well as with Adyashanti\, who gave him dharma transmission in 2023. He is the author of The Deep Heart (2019)\, In Touch (2015)\, and a new book\, Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (March\, 2025) from Sounds True. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nThe meeting will be from 10:00am to Noon and 2:00pm to 4:30pm\, with a break for lunch. \nPlease bring your own lunch\, or feel free to go into town to one of the restaurants or to Good Earth Natural Foods. \nPre-registration required\, as space is limited. \nRegistration closes at 5 pm on Dec. 6th \nSuggested donation: $75 \n(Any amount acceptable. No one turned away for lack of funds.) \nPRE-REGISTER HERE & PAY AT DOOR WHEN YOU ARRIVE. \n(Cash or Check only) \nThis event is Co-sponsored by Open Circle & the Schwartz Family Trust. \nAll proceeds\, above covering event costs\, will go to the \nSchwartz Family Trust to support Rob SchwartzÕs vision of \nhis property being available for Open Circle retreats and events. \nEvent donations will go directly to the Schwartz Family Trust\, rather than to Open Circle. \nIf you want to contribute more for this project\, you can do so at the event\, \nor contact us for more information (contributuons\, loan\, volunteer). \nREGISTER \nFor inquiries contact LocalEvents@opencircle.net \nLocation: \nThe meeting will be held at a private home in the Fairfax hills\, with views of Mount Tam and hiking trails. \nAddress and directions will be provided upon registration. \nIf you have symptoms of a respiritory infection\, or have had a recent \nCovid exposure or positive test\, please stay home out of consideration for others. URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-prendergast-being-no-one-being-your-self-bay-area-daylong-retreat/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170615Z CREATED:20260106T170615Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170615Z UID:10000923-1711929600-1711929600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson & Caverly Morgan ~ Engaged Nonduality DESCRIPTION:Engaged Nonduality \nActing on Behalf of The Heart of Who We Are \nwith John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson and Caverly Morgan ~ Nov. 2nd \nRecording will be emailed to participants within a week. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend the live session. \nThis gathering is about the act of being. ItÕs about knowing a happiness you canÕt explain because you have no reason to point to. The joy of pure being. Together weÕll explore knowing who you are\, resting in presence\, and what it means to act in the world on behalf of this deep knowing. \nWeÕll give our attention to the pleasure of being aware of being aware\, and seeing what gets in the way of thisÑpersonally and collectivelyÑwhile exploring how to let it go\, to undo\, to realize freedom together. \nThis gathering will consist of a guided meditation\, a teaching\, and a group discussion. It is based on CaverlyÕs book: The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together. \nCaverly Morgan is a spiritual teacher\, non-profit founder\, speaker and writer who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual approach. She is the author of The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together as well as A Kids Book About Mindfulness. Caverly is the founder of Peace in Schools\, a nonprofit that created the nationÕs first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery.Ê She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly leads meditation retreats\, workshops and online classes internationally. Learn more at caverlymorgan.org. \nEngaged Nonduality Series \n \nThis series weaves nondual awakening and an embodied response to our world in crisis. We are facing intersecting crises of climate breakdown\, the potential of ecological and systems collapse\, severe injustice and inequality\, rising authoritarianism\, unaligned tech and AI\, and more. The path of nonduality has much to offer in these times\, including a deep recognition of our wholeness and shared Being\, and opening to the wellspring of our wise response. \nWhile awakening is often engaged in a more personal context\, we are expanding the context to include structural harm and systemic crisis\, where the rubber hits the road in our world today. This series invites guest presenters to explore how the wisdom of these nondual teachings may be deeply embodied through a response to our world in crisis. These sessions may include guided meditations\, group and dyadic inquiry and group interaction. \nRegister for one or more dates\, or the full series together. \nOctober 13th: John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson ~ Awakening and Action: Toward an Engaged Nondual Approach \nThe following events in the series will be hosted by John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson. \nOctober 20th: Jeremy Lent ~ From Awakened Heart to a Flourishing Earth \nOctober 27th: Jonathan Gustin ~ Non-dual Responsibility – Exploring Non-duality & the Metacrisis \nNovember 2nd: Caverly Morgan ~ Acting on Behalf of The Heart of Who We Are \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart: Our Portal to Presence (2019 ) and In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself (2015) and is working on a new book entitled Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (March 2025). He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nLisa Ferguson\, Ph.D. is the founder of Climate Compassion\, and has focused on supporting planetary wellbeing as a healing arts practitioner\, climate justice activist\, organizer and contemplative.Ê She offers psychospiritual support to activists through one-one sessions and small groups\, weaving together a focus on awakening\, healing and wise action. \nwww.climatecompassion.org \nSuggested Donation: $15 to $40 \n(any amount acceptable\, no one turned away for lack of funds) \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER for Nov. 2nd \nFull Series: Sundays October 13\, 20\, 27\, and Saturday Nov 2 \nSuggested Donation: $60 to $120 \n(no one turned away for lack of funds) \nREGISTER for Full 4-part Series \nThe event leaders are donating their entire share of the event donations\, after expenses\, to support Rob SchwartzÕs vision of maintaining his property to be available as a spiritual retreat space\, where Open Circle may hold some of its events. \nThe events will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-prendergast-lisa-ferguson-caverly-morgan-engaged-nonduality/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170614Z CREATED:20260106T170614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170614Z UID:10000922-1711929600-1711929600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson & Jonathan Gustin ~ Engaged Nonduality DESCRIPTION:Engaged Nonduality \nNon-dual Responsibility – Exploring Non-duality & the Metacrisis \nwith John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson and Jonathan Gustin ~ Oct. 27th \nRecording will be emailed to participants within a week. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend the live session. \nFor a short 3 minute video preview\, watch “Non-dual Responsibility” and read the corresponding paper here. \nMany spiritual journeys adjourn with a peaceful detachment. A different finale is possibleÑa love of the unmanifest infinite with a passionate engagement with material existence. \nIn this gathering we will explore moksha-dharma (liberation and responsibility). A splitting between Moksha (Liberation/Enlightenment) and Dharma (purpose/duty) is not only false…it may be inadvertently contributing to metacrisis. Non-duality can (and should) evolve\, to include dharmic responsibility and ‘engaged liberation’ where “love leaves nothing out.” \nWe will explore: two varieties of Non-duality and the Metacrisis\, Non-dual dharma\, Non-Dual Kinship and how this relates to soul-level purpose. \nJonathan Gustin\, M.A\, MFT\, Jonathan is the founder of Purpose Guides Institute. He helps people to find and embody their lifeÕs purpose\, and offers training for those who want to become Purpose Guides themselves. He is also a meditation teacher\, facilitating meditation gatherings remotely as well as in-person in his hometown of Victoria\, BC\, Canada. \nEngaged Nonduality Series \n \nThis series weaves nondual awakening and an embodied response to our world in crisis. We are facing intersecting crises of climate breakdown\, the potential of ecological and systems collapse\, severe injustice and inequality\, rising authoritarianism\, unaligned tech and AI\, and more. The path of nonduality has much to offer in these times\, including a deep recognition of our wholeness and shared Being\, and opening to the wellspring of our wise response. \nWhile awakening is often engaged in a more personal context\, we are expanding the context to include structural harm and systemic crisis\, where the rubber hits the road in our world today. This series invites guest presenters to explore how the wisdom of these nondual teachings may be deeply embodied through a response to our world in crisis. These sessions may include guided meditations\, group and dyadic inquiry and group interaction. \nRegister for one or more dates\, or the full series together. \nOctober 13th: John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson ~ Awakening and Action: Toward an Engaged Nondual Approach \nThe following events in the series will be hosted by John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson. \nOctober 20th: Jeremy Lent ~ From Awakened Heart to a Flourishing Earth \nOctober 27th: Jonathan Gustin ~ Non-dual Responsibility – Exploring Non-duality & the Metacrisis \nNovember 2nd: Caverly Morgan ~ Acting on Behalf of The Heart of Who We Are \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart: Our Portal to Presence (2019 ) and In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself (2015) and is working on a new book entitled Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (March 2025). He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nLisa Ferguson\, Ph.D. is the founder of Climate Compassion\, and has focused on supporting planetary wellbeing as a healing arts practitioner\, climate justice activist\, organizer and contemplative.Ê She offers psychospiritual support to activists through one-one sessions and small groups\, weaving together a focus on awakening\, healing and wise action. \nwww.climatecompassion.org \nSuggested Donation: $15 to $40 \n(any amount acceptable\, no one turned away for lack of funds) \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER for Oct. 27th \nFull Series: Sundays October 13\, 20\, 27\, and Saturday Nov 2 \nSuggested Donation: $60 to $120 \n(no one turned away for lack of funds) \nREGISTER for Full 4-part Series \nThe event leaders are donating their entire share of the event donations\, after expenses\, to support Rob SchwartzÕs vision of maintaining his property to be available as a spiritual retreat space\, where Open Circle may hold some of its events. \nThe events will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-prendergast-lisa-ferguson-jonathan-gustin-engaged-nonduality/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240401T000000 DTSTAMP:20260106T170613Z CREATED:20260106T170613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T170613Z UID:10000921-1711929600-1711929600@opencircle.net SUMMARY:John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson & Jeremy Lent ~ Engaged Nonduality DESCRIPTION:Engaged Nonduality \nFrom Awakened Heart to a Flourishing Earth \nwith John Prendergast\, Lisa Ferguson and Jeremy Lent ~ Oct. 20th \nRecording will be emailed to participants within a week. \nYouÕre welcome to join even if you canÕt attend the live session. \nA deep investigation into the source of the metacrisis reveals\, at its root\, a worldview of separation: a belief that weÕre split between mind and body\, separate from each other\, and at odds with the natural world. \nIn this session\, Jeremy Lent will show how that worldview has led to todayÕs civilizational crisis and whatÕs at stake for our future. Then\, weÕll explore an alternative worldview of deep interconnectedness that arises naturally both from modern science as well as the great wisdom traditions of Buddhism\, Taoism\, and Indigenous knowledgeÑ and what it implies for our identity and values. \nFinally\, Jeremy will offer a glimpse of what a civilization might look like based on values arising from this worldviewÑone that sets the conditions for all people to thrive on a regenerated Earth: an ecological civilization. \nJeremy Lent is an author and speaker whose work investigates the underlying causes of our civilizationÕs existential crisis\, and explores pathways toward a life-affirming future. His award-winning books\, The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of HumanityÕs Search for Meaning\, and The Web of Meaning: Integrating Science and Traditional Wisdom to Find Our Place in the Universe\, trace the historical underpinnings and flaws of the dominant worldview\, and offer a foundation for an integrative worldview that could lead humanity to a flourishing future. He has written extensively about the vision and specifics of an ecological civilization and is founder of the Deep Transformation Network\, an online global community exploring pathways for a deep transformation toward a life-affirming future on a regenerated Earth. Author website: jeremylent.com \nEngaged Nonduality Series \n \nThis series weaves nondual awakening and an embodied response to our world in crisis. We are facing intersecting crises of climate breakdown\, the potential of ecological and systems collapse\, severe injustice and inequality\, rising authoritarianism\, unaligned tech and AI\, and more. The path of nonduality has much to offer in these times\, including a deep recognition of our wholeness and shared Being\, and opening to the wellspring of our wise response. \nWhile awakening is often engaged in a more personal context\, we are expanding the context to include structural harm and systemic crisis\, where the rubber hits the road in our world today. This series invites guest presenters to explore how the wisdom of these nondual teachings may be deeply embodied through a response to our world in crisis. These sessions may include guided meditations\, group and dyadic inquiry and group interaction. \nRegister for one or more dates\, or the full series together. \nOctober 13th: John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson ~ Awakening and Action: Toward an Engaged Nondual Approach \nThe following events in the series will be hosted by John Prendergast and Lisa Ferguson. \nOctober 20th: Jeremy Lent ~ From Awakened Heart to a Flourishing Earth \nOctober 27th: Jonathan Gustin ~ Non-dual Responsibility – Exploring Non-duality & the Metacrisis \nNovember 2nd: Caverly Morgan ~ Acting on Behalf of The Heart of Who We Are \nJohn J. Prendergast\, Ph.D. is the author of The Deep Heart: Our Portal to Presence (2019 ) and In Touch: How to Tune In to the Inner Guidance of Your Body and Trust Yourself (2015) and is working on a new book entitled Your Deepest Ground: A Guide to Embodied Spirituality (March 2025). He is a retired Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies as well as a retired psychotherapist. He studied with the European sage Jean Klein for many years as well as with Adyashanti who gave dharma transmission to John in August\, 2023. John and his wife Christiane offer residential retreats in the United States and Europe. \nwww.listeningfromsilence.com \nYouTube channel \nLisa Ferguson\, Ph.D. is the founder of Climate Compassion\, and has focused on supporting planetary wellbeing as a healing arts practitioner\, climate justice activist\, organizer and contemplative.Ê She offers psychospiritual support to activists through one-one sessions and small groups\, weaving together a focus on awakening\, healing and wise action. \nwww.climatecompassion.org \nSuggested Donation: $15 to $40 \n(any amount acceptable\, no one turned away for lack of funds) \nPlease register early if you can. \nREGISTER for Oct. 20th \nFull Series: Sundays October 13\, 20\, 27\, and Saturday Nov 2 \nSuggested Donation: $60 to $120 \n(no one turned away for lack of funds) \nREGISTER for Full 4-part Series \nThe event leaders are donating their entire share of the event donations\, after expenses\, to support Rob SchwartzÕs vision of maintaining his property to be available as a spiritual retreat space\, where Open Circle may hold some of its events. \nThe events will be recorded and emailed to participants within a week. \nTo check your local time\, use a tool such as: Time Zone Converter URL:https://opencircle.net/event/john-prendergast-lisa-ferguson-jeremy-lent-engaged-nonduality/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR