What is an Enlightenment Intensive?
The Enlightenment Intensive is an Eastern meets Western practice that utilizes both deep contemplation and communication practices in a way that exponentiates the power of both.
In a 40 minute period, two people come together to explore. One partner begins as the listening partner, the other, the contemplator. The listening partner gives the contemplator the instruction, “Tell me who you are”*. The contemplator has 5 minutes to both contemplate and then communicate on what arises with the intention of a Direct Experience of Truth of Self.
The listening partner receives the communication without judgement or commenting in any verbal or non-verbal way. After 5 minutes the listening partner says thank you and the roles are switched. The pair goes back and forth for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes they both get new partners and start again.
This goes on from early morning into the night.
Enlightenment Intensives are often called a “break down break through” process. They are designed to break down pre-conceived and habitual ideas so that one can see clearly the reality of the present moment.
Enlightenment intensives are designed to help one focus and go past layers of thoughts, emotions, cultural and social behavior patterning and get through to the Truth. To come to an experiential understanding of who and what one REALLY is.
It is challenging, it is exciting, and if executed with sincerity, profound.
*“Tell me who you are” is an example of one instruction. Other traditional instructions include “Tell me what you are”, “Tell me what another is”, “Tell me what life is”, and “Tell me what love is”.
Why take an Enlightenment Intensive?
Many reasons. You are you, you will be you for all of your life. Don’t you want to know who you really are?
Do you ever feel like there is something more to life than what you are currently experiencing?
Do you ever crave a technique or practice that will help you stay focused while you deeply ponder what life really is?
Do you long for a transcendental mystical experience?
You probably answered yes to at least one of those questions, if not all of them. Well, then I suggest at least trying an Enlightenment Intensive. It’s just one extremely short yet timeless weekend that could satiate those cravings for understanding and full embodied experience. Why not?
There are so many other workshops and retreats out there, what makes an Enlightenment Intensive any better or different?
There are many spiritual growth and self help workshops today. What makes Enlightenment Intensives different is that there is no dogma.
No one is telling you how the world works and how to master it.
At Enlightenment Intensives you are taught a technique and provided partners to practice with. Instead of filling up with more concepts and ideas, you have the opportunity to unpack the mind and make space for complete understanding and embodiment of the self in the present moment.
I want to re-emphasize that this is a technique. It is not a teaching, it is not a philosophy, it is not a dogma, there is no hierarchy, there are no renunciations required or adoptions of faith. All it takes is time and sincere effort and attention.
Enlightenment Intensives are not designed to “fix” anything. The purpose is to satisfy a longing for an understanding that is complete , whole and beyond what you did not know you did not know.
And this understanding that we go for, what we call Direct Experience, is more than just thinking about who you are, what life is. It is an experiential knowledge, a breaking through the veils, a knowing so deep you can never forget and you will never quite be the same.
