Institute of Awakened Mutuality » Waking Down in Mutuality

The Central Place of the Ego in The Waking Down in Mutuality Process

Bill — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:18:15 +0000

A personal consideration by Krishna Gauci

This was written as a response to a gentleman who wrote asking about comparing different realizations and the way that ego is held in WDM as compared to other teachers and schools. Please remember that this is my own personal consideration which is a result of both my exposure to spiritual traditions as well my own experience of the WDM work in my own body and the bodies of those I’ve worked with over the last 12 years. I’m not speaking for anyone else.

WDM and Teachers of Other Schools:

Without mentioning specific teachers or schools we can pretty much say that in most cases teachers recognize the danger of the ego. What they are mostly concerned about is an ego that remains fixed in on itself in its own separateness and does not feel or recognize the effect that it has on itself or other beings as it acts out from it’s contracted sense. The differences are in how they deal with this.

In some other traditions there is an attempt to dismantle or subdue this ego. It is easy to see the difference between Waking Down and those approaches.

However, in other teachings there is simply the practice of seeing through the ego and recognizing the way that it is an illusion, this is a “kinder gentler” ego tolerance. Those teachings are more accepting of the fact of the ego. They recognize that resisting ego makes it stronger, so their approach is what we could call “transcend and include”. They see through the ego, recognizing it as not being our true identity, but then they include it as a part of us that is useful and to be accepted.

While WDM is sympathetic to those with a more ego -friendly stance it’s very important to point out that (in my view) the approach to ego in WDM is fundamentally different than even those teachings that have that more accepting, tolerant attitude. I would call our approach “include and transcend”. Include and transcend rather than transcend and include. I believe that this is what Linda Groves Bonder has referred to as “transcending in place”.

What WDM has in common with the kinder gentler ego -tolerant transcend and include teachers is that we both recognize that divinity and ego are part of us. The difference is that we in WDM don’t just tolerate the ego; we encourage it to go for more than it’s dreamed of. It must grow larger and through its expansion it transcends itself. Inclusion is what brings transcendence; we don’t go for the transcendence and then include the limit.

We value the limited ego as divine in its own right.

Let me be 100% clear at this point: what we do in terms of embracing the ego in WDM cannot be safely done outside the context of the community container and support of others (teachers in particular) in the second birth, and it’s important to say that up front. WDM is at its heart a tantric teaching and our approach to the ego is tantric. Traditionally tantra was considered a dangerous teaching and there was a clear insistence that it only be practiced under the supervision of a master. In a similar way we have our support teams in WDM because this unique teaching of radical embrace of all limits (including the limit of ego identity) is spiritual fire. It needs teachers established in consciousness, deeply trusting the unfolding of the life process and radiating transmission. It is in this context that the ego can unfold beyond its present form into its next (more evolved) form through fully embracing it as it is now.

Transfiguration Retreat

Bill — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:52:45 +0000

May 19-26
Earthrise at IONS
Petaluma, CA

Click here to register

“Earthrise at IONS is a palace of splendor where art, science, and spirit come together to ignite the soul. It has gorgeous northern California scenery and the best food of any retreat center in America. This is one of the more optimal places in the world to unfold your spirit and come home to this planet.” Jean Houston, author, teacher, visionary, and leader of the human potential movement (see video of her testimonial at www.noetic.org/earthrise)

We are extremely excited to announce that IAM’s 2012 Transfiguration Retreat will be hosted at Earthrise at IONS, one of the most beautiful and inspiring conference centers in the world. Located in Petaluma, California, EarthRise is housed on 194 acres of beautiful rolling hills where hiking trails meander through pristine native live oak woodlands, and the surrounding open space offers panoramic vistas of the California landscape. Special features include a beautiful permaculture garden that provides fruits and vegetables for the kitchen, a labyrinth, a meditation hut nestled in a peaceful oak grove, a huge outdoor hot tub, and multiple sitting areas and lovely gardens for quiet contemplation.

This event promises to be the most transformative event we’ve ever offered. Together with Saniel and Linda and an extraordinary gathering of Waking Down practitioners, mentors, and teachers, we will create an intensely powerful transmission field and sacred container for individual and group awakening. Experience the spirit of awakened mutuality as never before.

Here are some special offerings for the 2012 Transfiguration retreat participants:

On Mt. Tamalpais, there is a particular spot with breathtaking views of the Bay Area that Saniel considers the primary sacred Earth site of his Heart- transmission and work. He will bring interested TR participants to this “serene, magnificent place, where Mother Earth is all Heart and gives you a blessing transmission you will never forget.”

In April, Saniel will offer a free group teleconference for all registered participants on Embodying and Expressing Your Unique, Divinely Human Gifts.

Ted Strauss will offer a special event on Awakening and The Creative Process.

Krishna Gauci will offer a special evening. Topic TBA!

On the day off, explore the incredible treasures of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Mt. Tam, Muir Woods, Point Reyes National Seashore, the wine country, and a practically endless list of gorgeous nature and outdoor activities.

Space is limited to only 48 participants; register today to insure your place at this amazing retreat! We are offering a new payment plan for those of you who would like to make monthly payments instead of all at once. See below under “Cost.”

Format In the early mornings, you can choose from special optional group offerings, such as silent meditation, dancing your prayers, shamanic work, and explorations in conscious embodiment. Mid-morning, we’ll divide into several larger sittings for gazing meditation and conversation about your awakening process. After lunch, small group meetings will be held. In each of these groups, one or two teachers, joined by a mentor assistant, will facilitate 6 students in deeper individual work and mutuality in an intimate, highly personalized setting. The afternoon closes with an optional gathering called nectar, a non-verbal space to allow the day’s insights to settle and integrate. You can sleep, rest, or sit silently, absorbing the nectar of this peaceful time. On many evenings, we offer special optional events, including a wonderful creative expression night, presentations, and a party. Wednesday is our day off to integrate and relax in our own ways. You might arrange an outing alone or with others to explore the spectacular Bay Area, or you might simply choose to stay on the beautiful grounds and rest. Meals will be provided for those staying on site.

PREREQUISITES Because Transfiguration Retreats are such powerful events, we require all participants to have previous experience with Waking Down in Mutuality, through both direct contact with teachers and also basic conceptual knowledge from reading. Prerequisites for those attending for the first time include a minimum of 5 sessions by phone with a Waking Down teacher, and/or attending at least 5 Waking Down sittings in person. If you have not met these prerequisites, and would like to attend the TR next spring, please contact Juliet at registrar@awakenedmutuality.org or 503-252-6620 as soon as possible. We will arrange a 5-session telephone tutorial with a qualified Waking Down teacher to prepare you for the event. We will also send you links to reading material so you will be prepared to make the very best use of your experience. The retreat begins on Saturday, May 19 at dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, followed by the opening meeting from 6:45 to 8:45 pm. It ends the following Friday night, May 25 with a party. You are welcome to stay through breakfast on Saturday, May 26. Staying over Friday night and breakfast Sunday morning are already included in your course fee.

COST If paid by February 15 the early discount price is $2095, which covers room, board, and all regular and optional sessions mentioned above. If paid after February 15 you will pay the full price of $2295. Once we receive your deposit, we will contact you with specifics about travel plans, what to bring, and other particulars. Below please find payment details and our cancellation policy.

Monthly payments: For those of you who want to pay in monthly installments rather than paying one large amount, we are offering a new way to pay. You can now pay in 6 monthly installments of $354 through PayPal (from November through April 10) and your total cost will be $2124.

Single Room fee: If you pay in full, you can reserve a single room if one is available when you register. The additional cost is $225.

CANCELLATION POLICY If you cancel by MARCH 15, $250 of your payment will be forfeited and the balance will be refunded. If you cancel between MARCH 15 and APRIL 15, $750 of your payment will be forfeited and the balance will be refunded to you. If you cancel between April 15 and May 15, $1250 of your payment will be forfeited and the balance can be applied toward future IAM courses or events. There are no refunds for cancellations after May 15.

TUITION SUPPORT We have funds available for those who qualify. Applications will be accepted no later than March 15. Our ability to assist you depends on your eligibility, as well as our available funds.
Please CLICK HERE to fill out a Tuition Support Application.

DONATIONS ARE WELCOME Several very generous individuals have donated to our Tuition Support Fund. 100% of these gifts are awarded to defray tuition costs. We invite anyone moved to help in this way to contribute to our fund. Your generosity is deeply meaningful to those who would otherwise be unable to attend our events, and is fully appreciated.
CLICK HERE to make a Donation.

Click here to register

To inquire about the retreat, please contact Juliet at registrar@awakenedmutuality.org

A form of awakening

Bill — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:31:18 +0000

“Waking down” is a form of awakening that is very different from trying to rise out of this world and into some other state or dimension. In this process, you directly realize and bring the infinite divine reality to life.

Saniel Bonder, founder of Waking Down in Mutuality

Videos from our Archive

Bill — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:33:55 +0000

Waking Down in Mutuality Defined (00:10:15)

What is Awakening? (00:01:41)

What is Mutuality? (00:01:37)

The Benefits of Waking Down in Mutuality (00:01:16)

How Can I Really Trust Myself? (00:01:46)

The Origins of Waking Down in Mutuality (00:35:31)

Transfiguration Retreat Course Description

Bill — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:29:41 +0000

2012 Retreat Information

Our 2012 Transfiguration Retreat will be hosted at Earthrise at IONS, one of the most beautiful and inspiring conference centers in the world. Located in Petaluma California, EarthRise is housed on 194 acres of beautiful rolling hills where hiking trails meander through pristine native live oak woodlands, and the surrounding open space offers panoramic vistas of the California landscape. Special features include a beautiful permaculture garden that provides fruits and vegetables for the kitchen, a labyrinth, a meditation hut nestled in a peaceful oak grove, a huge outdoor hot tub, and multiple sitting areas and lovely gardens for quiet contemplation.

link to 2012 TR Retreat registration page

General Information

Our annual 8 day Transfiguration Retreat is held in May each year.

These retreats are extraordinary gatherings of the community of Waking Down in Mutuality practitioners, mentors, and teachers. Our group will become a sacred container for the precious work that unfolds through our collective presence.

Our focus on Individuality and Mutuality will bring us into a deep consideration of how we tend to feel we don’t belong if we’re different. Celebrating our differences is so much a part of Waking Down in Mutuality but it can take some time and exploration to find the feeling of safety and belongingness, especially relative to spiritual groups. Our aim is to make a lot of space for us all to be who we are and come together in whatever ways are natural.

In the early mornings after breakfast, you can choose from special optional sessions, such as silent meditation, dancing your prayers, shamanic work, and explorations in conscious embodiment.

Mid-morning, we’ll divide into several larger sittings for gazing meditation and conversation about your process. After lunch, small group meetings will be held. In each of these groups, one or two teachers, joined by a mentor assistant, will facilitate 5 or 6 students in deeper individual work and mutuality in an intimate, highly personalized setting. The afternoon closes with a gathering called Nectar, an optional non-verbal space to allow the day to settle and integrate into our bodies. The Nectar sessions are led by various teachers who offer gentle music. People sleep, rest, or sit silently as they bathe in this peaceful time.

On many evenings we offer special optional events – parties, a creative expression night, presentations, and sittings. Our parties are always a wonderful and deeply treasured feature of our Transfiguration Retreats, and our creative expression nights are consistently stunning.

Mid-week, on Wednesday, everyone takes a day off to integrate and relax in their own ways. You might arrange an outing alone or with others. Or, you might simply choose to stay on the grounds and rest. Meals will be provided for those staying on site.

PREREQUISITES

Because Transfiguration Retreats are such powerful events, we require all participants to have previous experience with Waking Down in Mutuality, through both direct contact with teachers and also basic conceptual knowledge from reading. Prerequisites for those attending for the first time include a minimum of 5 sessions by phone with a Waking Down teacher, and/or attending at least 5 Waking Down sittings in person.

To learn more or register for this year’s Transfiguration Retreat, Click Here.

Online Foundation Course

Bill — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:54:23 +0000

Welcome to Waking Down in Mutuality: A Foundation Course in Profound Embodied Awakening. This home study course is a thorough orientation to the essential elements of the Waking Down process. It will also give you direct personal experience to help catalyze your awakening process at a new level.

“This course has been an amazing vehicle to get a sense of what this work is all about. Ted has the wonderful ability to bring this work down to Earth, in a language that’s clear and accessible to ordinary folks. His delivery was so compassionate that I felt held throughout each session. It’s been like a breath of fresh air.” — Elaine Duncan

This Course Includes:

10 Lesson Foundation Course text (pdf download)

10 Follow-Up sessions (1 for each Lesson ) available as video or downloadable mp3 audio files

30 minutes free phone time with a personally assigned Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher (new students only)

Special discounted rate on additional phone sessions with your assigned teacher for 10 weeks (new students only)

Complete Course Fee $129.00

Waking Down and Shamanism

Bill — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:24:51 +0000

With Cielle Backstrom, Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher and Shamanic Practitioner.

Date: July 16, 2010 File Size: 45MB Audio Duration: 01:41:51 [h:m:s]

Download audio file (Cielle-Shamanism-jul2010.mp3)

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The Practicality of Waking Down in Mutuality: the ability to embrace the entire spectrum of human emotion.

Bill — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:30:25 +0000

Awakening in Mutuality teleconference: The Practicality of Waking Down in Mutuality: the ability to embrace the entire spectrum of human emotion, with Jean Marchand, May 19th, 2010.

Date: April 17, 2010 File Size: 72.8MB Audio Duration: 01:19 [h:m]

Download audio file (Jean_Marchand-20100606.mp3)
[Download This File]

Broken-Open Heartedness

Bill — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:20:23 +0000

With June Konopka, Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher and Certified Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapist, & Steve Boggs, Interning Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher.

Date: March 17, 2010 File Size: 46.88MB Audio Duration: 01:21:55 [h:m:s] Download audio file (Broken-Open-Heartedness.mp3)
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02: Waking Down & Integral Spirituality Teleseries: Clarifying Distinctions for Greater Wholeness

Bill — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:30:46 +0000

With Terry Patten, Integral practitioner, teacher, and author (with Ken Wilber of the book Integral Life Practice), & Sandra Glickman, Senior Waking Down in Mutuality Teacher and Transpersonal Psychotherapist.

Date: March 2, 2010 File Size: 54MB Audio Duration: 01:29:57 [h:m:s] Download audio file (02-Clarifying-Distinctions-for-Greater-Wholeness.mp3)
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