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The largely consensus human view is that our thoughts about reality are essentially the same as reality, what psychologists term “cognitive fusion.” But is that really true? Do our experiences actually conform to the ideas and beliefs we hold about them?

Through a series of meditative inquiries and dialogue, John Astin invites us into a deep dive into this question, exploring the nature of what’s appearing experientially. This discovery reveals the most profound freedom, the realization that every moment—even the ones we conventionally think of as problems—is a doorway into the inconceivable miracle of life itself.

John Astin is a spiritual teacher and psychologist, the author of five books exploring the nature of reality, and also a singer, songwriter and recording artist with seven CDs of original spiritual-contemplative music. John holds a PhD in health psychology, is an internationally acclaimed scholar in the field of mind-body medicine, and a professor of counseling psychology at Santa Clara University.

When we know that we are no thing, we are free to be as we are – both as spacious, loving awareness and as unique, individuated being. Through silent and guided meditations, a talk, meditative inquiry, and experiential conversations in community, we will explore seeing and feeling through who we have mis-taken our self to be and discovering what remains.

John Prendergast is 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.

Everything you ever wanted to know about spiritual liberation but never had an enlightened friend to ask! In this session, we’ll begin with a grounding and uplifting guided meditation and then move into a clear, experiential teaching followed by an open Q&A.

Together, we’ll explore the universal foundation beneath all practices and techniques—the simple, direct truth they’re all pointing to, and share insights that illuminate this essential presence and help you recognize your own true nature in real time.

We’ll also look at what it actually means to live from that recognition: how to embody it, integrate it fully, and let it transform your inner and outer life.

Stephen D'Amico spent much of his early life connected to the enlightened state of being, and attained full self-realization at age 22. For nearly three decades, he has been teaching and guiding others on the path. Based in Toronto, he runs an urban ashram where he hosts Satsang and offers spiritual direction.

The largely consensus human view is that our thoughts about reality are essentially the same as reality, what psychologists term, “cognitive fusion.” But is that really true? Do our experiences actually conform to the ideas and beliefs we hold about them?

Through a series of meditative inquiries and dialogue, psychologist and spiritual teacher John Astin invites us into a deep dive into this question, exploring the nature of what’s appearing experientially to discover how it is not just those special, “peak” experiences that lie beyond the reach of our concepts and descriptions, but every experience.

John Astin is the author of five books exploring the nature of reality, and also a singer, songwriter and recording artist who has produced seven CDs of original spiritual-contemplative music. John holds a PhD in health psychology, is an internationally acclaimed scholar in the field of mind-body medicine.

Susanne will explore the evolving dynamics of teacher–student relationships in spiritual spaces, with particular attention to projection, idealization, and the subtle ways personal authority can be surrendered. Drawing on the insight “don’t mistake the finger for the moon,” the conversation will examine how genuine realization is often confused with external figures, and how both students and teachers are invited into a more mature and balanced relationship with guidance. The meeting will also reflect on a broader collective shift toward self-responsibility and inner authority.

Susanne Marie offers integrated teachings in support of freedom, and the celebration of our common essence of love and unity with all life. As a natural empath, her teaching style is heart-centered and practical, with a focus on supporting your unique awakening journey.

We are living in an extraordinary moment. The pace and intensity of modern life often exceed our nervous system’s capacity to metabolize experience. When the nervous system perceives overwhelm, it naturally organizes around protection. Attention narrows. Reactivity increases. Even the most sincere spiritual insight can become difficult to embody, because the organism itself is working simply to maintain stability.

When we learn how to support the body’s natural capacity for safety and coherence, emotional activation no longer needs to overwhelm us. Instead, it can become workable material — living energy that deepens presence, vitality, and our capacity for authentic relationship.

Ajaya Sommers is a somatic practitioner, teacher, and speaker, whose work lives at the intersection of somatic embodiment, relational intimacy, and non-dual inquiry, helping people reclaim presence, coherence, and deeper connection to themselves and others.

Awakening to an infinite source of Love does not in itself resolve all our human wounding and trauma. It is through embodying that Love that we become empowered to bring about true change and healing in all dimensions of our life. This occurs as we meet our pain, hurt, and wounding in/as awakened Presence, undivided. It is that simple. Yet, our body-mind often needs skilled support to build a capacity for allowing that simple, yet powerful, nondual healing to manifest. This 4-part series offers an experiential exploration of Empowered Embodiment, which brings about nondual healing and awakening on four dimensions of human experience: somatic, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Lynn Marie Lumiere's work offers a rare integration of depth psychotherapy, somatic trauma healing, and embodied spiritual awakening.