Authenticity in an Artificial World: Mindfulness, Emotion, and Meaning

As we become endlessly distracted by the artificial, the search for authenticity becomes vital.

Contentment, meaning, and purpose have become fleeting ideas of a world forgotten. It does not have to be this way. The world-over is saturated with contemplative practices, structures of philosophy, and therapeutic methods that can point us directly towards personal transformation. Our inner worlds may truly be the final frontier.

In this immersive retreat, explore practices and perspectives from a range of traditions including Buddhism, emotional intelligence, existentialism, mindfulness and more. Over the course of several days together, we will develop and discuss the methods for cultivating an authentic happiness in this lifetime.

Participants will receive a written curriculum at the onset of the program. This will act as a map for directing us through a week of practice and discussion.

Suitable for both new and experienced practitioners. Participants from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Program Highlights

• Learn and practice Mindfulness-based skills from Buddhist and secular traditions.
• Explore the science of emotion as outlined by researcher Paul Ekman, as well as the role of emotion from an evolutionary perspective,
• Bridge contemplative practice with your emotional life and examine how to create contentment, meaning, and purpose as fundamental aspects of cultivating an authentic happiness in this lifetime.
• Interactive sessions and shared group dialogue.
• Extended practice periods and time for discussion / connection with others.

Testimonials

“I have been studying Buddhism for nearly 50 years. I highly recommend any chance to study with Dave. He brings his authentic, loving and humble unwavering focus to teaching. He is particularly adept at weaving in all the emotional intelligence. I found deeper access to self-kindness that has continued to inform my daily practice.” – Lauren R, New Mexico

“I’ve attended retreat with Dave multiple times and can’t recommend the experience enough. Dave has a down to earth, approachable, and authentic practice that supports an atmosphere of depth and ease throughout the multiple days of practice. His grounded and pragmatic teaching style is infused with humor which has been helpful to me in staying engaged and really understanding the dharma perspectives that amplify and support the practice of meditation. My experiences on retreat with Dave have been lasting and important moments in my life that leave me feeling a sense of belonging and connectedness that I get to carry with me beyond the cushion.” – Julio, New Jersey

“I have attended several retreats with Dave as the guiding teacher. I find Dave’s teaching style to be highly accessible, he is clear and direct, and he makes it easy to see how the Buddha’s teachings are relevant to our modern lives. He is also approachable as a teacher and makes himself available to students in a way I find unique among the dharma teachers I have worked with. As a student, I have always felt seen and held by Dave’s presence in the room.” – Jameson B, New Mexico

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.