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In these modern times, the available meditation techniques and styles are truly vast – spanning the globe and hundreds of traditions. However, the most holistically beneficial practices are largely absent in the West.
Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not a passive relaxation exercise. When practiced correctly, it is actually a tool for investigating the mind – much like the microscope investigates the body.
At its core, meditation is a progressive and detailed process that calms the mind to a place of profound mental clarity, infused with open awareness. This helps us tap into the deep wisdom of our highest Self and provides us with with a more accurate understanding of our self-imposed limitations, as well as our boundless possibilities.
Like many, you have probably tried meditation during different points in your life, but perhaps dropped your practice when faced with common challenges – a hectic schedule, a restless monkey-mind, a judgemental “inner critic,” habitual ego attachments, inconsistent results, etc.
Most likely, you have started and stopped a meditation practice many times – despite all you’ve read about the scientifically-proven benefits for your physical and mental health – and despite your KNOWING that developing and maintaining an integrated practice is vitally important to your personal growth, quality of life and relationships, as well as your ability to be of service to the world.
With the Integral Meditation for Optimal Health course, you’ll discover time-tested strategies for overcoming obstacles and developing an effective, progressive and stable meditation practice – within the context of integral health and well-being.
Integral medicine pioneer, Dr. Elliott Dacher, will share his unique perspective as a trained physician and lifelong meditator. He will demonstrate, with clear scientific evidence and profound personal experience, what the mystics have long understood – that effective meditation has the power to miraculously heal your body, awaken your mind and ignite your spirit. And more importantly, he’ll provide a proven approach for putting effective meditation into action in your life.
We all share a few simple human desires. We want to be happy and free of suffering – to touch into the sweetness of life.
You may or may not realize that we are uniquely blessed to live in a time and place where unusual circumstances offer us an exceptional opportunity to achieve our greatest potential. However, the opportunity to flourish and prosper in health and life does not arise simply because of great circumstances. Something further is required.
We cannot fully access our truest gifts without transforming our inner life – our consciousness. Great sages throughout time have repeatedly told us that no person, technique or remedy can do this for us. Personal development is something we do for ourselves.
And, fundamental change in well-being – a truly integral change – can only come about through a transformation of individual consciousness. This is a movement from a limited consciousness – influenced by habitual patterns of perception and reaction – to an open, spacious, creative and fully alive consciousness, living in the present. This shift can affect the entirety of our being, our relationships to others and society.
Although we must each take this journey for ourselves, it is important that we join together to further accelerate our efforts. Without proper understanding and instruction, the benefits of meditation cannot be achieved. That richness cannot be experienced fully.
Fortunately, powerful techniques CAN be learned in effective ways with a powerful guide like Dr. Elliott Dacher – who has has rigorously studied what works from a medical and research standpoint, as well as spending some thirty years studying with master teachers and developing his own practice. He brings the teaching of meditation together with an understanding of holistic wellness in a way that is truly unique.
What Dr. Dacher knows, and will share with you during the Integral Meditation for Optimal Health sessions, are the specific steps to developing a stable, progressive and exciting meditation practice. And, it is this which opens the possibility of integral health that includes profound well-being and optimal human flourishing.
What You’ll Discover in These 7 Weeks:
Each weekly LIVE teaching, activation and training session will build upon the next, so that you’ll develop a more multi-dimensional understanding of the practices, tools and principles you’ll need to develop a truly transformative meditative practice in our fast-paced, modern world.
Whether you are new to meditation or are a seasoned practitioner who is ready to go even deeper, this course will give you everything you need to know to successfully integrate meditation into your daily life and deepen an existing practice.
All of the following live sessions are on Mondays at 5:00 pm US Pacific time.
Module One (Sept. 9th):
Awakening to the Gift of this Life:
The Foundations of a Truly Transformative Meditation Practice
We begin with the age-old and universally-shared vision of the preciousness and promise of human life. We will explore how and why integral meditation is the keystone of this timeless vision for health and human flourishing. In this session, you’ll also learn the time-tested basics of meditation training – techniques that will serve as the foundation for your daily practice. This module will help you:
- Understand why inner development through a precise meditation practice is the key to evolving a precious human life.
- Differentiate between meditation for relaxation versus personal transformation.
- Learn the characteristics of each of the three progressive states of meditation.
- Understand the essential, preliminary practices for meditation, including techniques for calming an overactive mind.
- Extend and integrate your practice into daily life by incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.
Module Two (Sept. 16th):
The Integral Approach to Health and Healing:
Bringing All Dimensions of Your Being into Balance
In this session, you’ll learn more about the integral approach to health and healing. This holistic and evolutionary view of well-being serves as a road map to a comprehensive and expansive health. It is a leap that both embraces and transcends the biological view of modern times. This module will help you:
- Learn about the four quadrants of integral health: psycho-spiritual, biological, interpersonal and culture/community.
- Identify the core elements of the integral model.
- Understand the role that the development of consciousness plays in driving the entire process of integral health.
- Further develop your meditation practice by introducing techniques that increase clarity and presence, and reduce mental dullness.
- Integrate meditative listening into your daily life.
Module 3 (Sept. 23rd)
The Evolving Mind-Body Connection:
Cultivating Your Inner Development to Transform Your Physical Health
We are all aware of the mind-body interface. For instance, we know that when we are nervous that we have a physical response. It’s both common sense and well established science. But how much do we know about the subtler interactions of mind and body – about the effect of an expanding consciousness on brain function, structure, and beyond? How do we translate the capacities conveyed by meditative stability into biological harmony and well-being? This module will help you:
- Honor your body as precious, because it is the home of your consciousness.
- Learn about the evolution of our understanding of the mind-body interface – including perspectives on psychology, biofeedback, psychoneuroimmunology and neuroscience.
- Integrate a subtle-mind body awareness and practice into your daily life.
Module 4 (Sept. 30th)
Awakening the Noble Heart:
Consciously Evolving Your Interpersonal Relationships
How do we transform disconnection into connection, and disharmony into harmony? In this session, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how meditation and inner development can help transform your personal relationships. You’ll learn how interpersonal relationships grow and evolve in tandem with the expansion of consciousness. We will also explore the movement from "I" to "other" to "us" to "all of us" to "one." This module will help you:
- Discover how meditation restores basic well-being, which is the foundation for extending ourselves to others.
- Recognize the connection of consciousness to the development of “otherness.”
- Understand the characteristics and levels of authentic love and compassion – personal, human condition and non-referential.
- Learn and practice the skill of “equalizing and exchanging” as an adjunct to your meditation practice.
Module 5 (Oct. 7th)
The Transformative Power of Selfless Service:
Liberating Your True Gifts
In this session, you’ll gain insight into how ordinary work can be transformed into a spiritual practice. It is possible for you – regardless of the nature of your job. Selfless service opens the heart, clears the mind, and advances your path towards integral well-being. This module will help you:
- Learn about the timeless understanding that drives this transformation.
- Identify five skills that underlie the development of compassionate service – regardless of the type of career or project.
- Integrate these skills into your daily tasks.
- Take on the role of “healer” in your work environment.
- Integrate the practice of transforming work into service into your daily life.
Module 6 (Oct. 14th)
Transforming Adversity into Opportunity:
Releasing Subtle Levels of Suffering & Mental Distress
In this session, you’ll discover, that adversity – both inner and outer – can be a powerful opportunity for personal development. Irrespective of your particular circumstance, there are skills and techniques for transforming challenges and conflicts into opportunities for growth. When we you gain mastery over this process you will no longer fear yourself – your emotional afflictions – nor the expected adversities of life. This module will help you:
- Understand the fundamental cause of suffering and emotional afflictions.
- Discover the three common habitual responses to suffering or adversity that inadvertently feed the problem.
- Cultivate the five skills that transform suffering and adversity into opportunity – bringing challenges onto the path to an integral health and life.
- Learn how to integrate inner mental calm and mental clarity – the basis for becoming peaceful and carefree inside – while dealing with complexities in the outer world.
Module 7 (Oct. 21st)
Human Flourishing and the Perfection of Health:
Integrating
The great sage Aurobindo spoke about what he called, the Perfection of Health. And, it is available to all individuals, irrespective of their state of physical health. The perfection of health – human flourishing – is a state of being, rather than a state of biology. This module will help you:
- Understand how it is possible to sustain high-level well-being throughout the cycles of human life.
- Learn the skills for human flourishing: intention, attention, mental/emotional stabilization, mental clarity and insight.
- Discover the qualities and three developmental phases of human flourishing – a serenity that surpasses understanding, penetrating wisdom, enduring happiness, compassion, boundless freedom and the perfection of health.
- Identify the key components of our course: the cultivation of a stable and progressive meditation practice – and the knowledge to bring all of life’s activities on the path to a larger life of integral health and well-being.
- Identify resources and directions to build upon what we have learned into your future practice.
The Meditation for Integral Health Bonus Collection
In addition to Elliott Dacher’s transformative 7-week course, you’ll also receive these powerful bonuses that complement the core teachings and practices. These bonus sessions will help you take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
Consciousness, Compassion and Selfless Service
Live Dialogue with James O’Dea and Dr. Elliott Dacher
Aurobindo speaks of integral health as a vertical ascent that develops our spiritual life and a downward descent that infuses an expanded consciousness into day-to-day life. The upward movement leads to a healthy human life. The downward movement, compassion, leads to a noble life. Compassion, rooted in a mature consciousness, finds its focus in a concern for our personal relationships, the welfare of humanity, and the environment we inhabit.
In this powerful session, James O’Dea and Elliott Dacher explore the role of consciousness as the basis of selfless service. They will also explore how we meditate in the field of action and how spiritual principles guide informed work in the world.
James O’Dea is the award-winning author of Cultivating Peace, Creative Stress and other works. He is lead faculty for the Shift Network’s acclaimed Peace Ambassador Training. He has conducted frontline social healing dialogues for many years. James is former president of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Office Director of Amnesty International (Washington) and CEO of the Seva Foundation. He offers consulting and leadership intensives at his mountain home in Crestone Colorado.
The Third Stage of Meditation: Non-Dual Consciousness, and its Emergent Capacities
Live Dialogue with Dr. Larry Dossey and Dr. Elliott Dacher
Traditionally, there are three progressive stages of meditation that relate to three levels of consciousness: calming the overactive mind, resting with alertness in the still mind, and the non-dual aspect of consciousness when mediator and meditation, subject and object, drop away. In this latter level of consciousness the great traditions speak of special powers and capacities that reveal themselves. In this discussion Larry Dossey and Elliott Dacher will discuss the character and significance of the non-dual state of consciousness, and its impact on integral health and well-being.
He is executive editor of the peer-previewed journal Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing. He is the author of twelve books on the role of consciousness and spirituality in health, which have been translated into twenty languages. Dr. Dossey’s most recent book is ONE MIND: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters. He lectures around the world.
Here’s What You’ll Receive
Seven 90-Minute Class Sessions with Elliott Dacher
Experience a rare opportunity to mentor and learn with one of the world’s leading meditation teachers from the comfort of your own home. Each class session helps you develop a meditation practice that integrates all dimensions of your being.
Audio Recordings of Each Class Session (Seven Total)
After each class, the audio will be available to you to download in high quality MP3 format. This way, you’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can listen anytime and anywhere – on your iPod, in your car – and at your convenience.
PDF Transcripts of Each Class Session (Seven Total)
In addition to the high quality MP3 audios, you’ll also receive the entire class transcription in PDF format after each session is completed. This way you can review, print and highlight the most important insights and practices that you’ll learn.
Seven 30-Minute Interactive Group Practice Sessions
Following each class session there will be a live 30-minute interactive practice session, where you will be placed in an intimate group with several other participants on the conference call – to interact, share and do additional practices and help further integrate the weekly lessons.
Interactive Exercises and Questions for Each Lesson
After each lesson you will then have the option to do related exercises and answer questions in order to accelerate your learning and integrate each week’s lesson.
Custom Online Community
Our exclusive, custom-built online community is the perfect place to continue your learning after each class. Here, you can ask additional questions, interact with your fellow students – and get access to additional resources to take your learning experience to an even deeper level.
Integral Meditation for Optimal Health BONUS Collection:
- Consciousness, Compassion and Selfless Service
Live Dialogue with James O’Dea and Dr. Elliott Dacher - The Third Stage of Meditation: Non-Dual Consciousness, and its Emergent Capacities
Live Dialogue with Dr. Larry Dossey and Elliott Dacher
What People are Saying About Elliott Dacher . . .
“Dr. Elliott Dacher is an experienced and soulful American physician who has immersed himself in the spiritual traditions of the world – most recently spending long periods of time in the East with his spiritual community. Dr. Dacher comes back to us with a simple yet profound message – that our lives are precious, and if we embrace that fully, we can direct our lives towards better health, deeper love, and greater joy. . .”
–Martin L. Rossman, M.D., UCSF Medical School, author of Guided Imagery for Self-Healing and Fighting Cancer From Within
“Elliott Dacher has the heart of a sage, the voice of a muse, and the skill of a trained physician...He calls us to a transformation in self and society that can promote nothing less than human flourishing...”
–Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Education Institute for Noetic Sciences, author of Consciousness and Healing
“We are living in a remarkable time of increasing medical miracles, but diminishing patient satisfaction. Finally, one of our own has come to the rescue with wisdom and sensitivity...Dacher has given us direction for the future, so that we might once again come alive to the needs of our patients and understand the spiritual connections that are the root cause of many modern illnesses...”
–Steven F. Horowitz, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology at the Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut
“Elliott is a wise, gentle and deeply reassuring teacher and companion on the journey toward a more joyful, peaceful life...”
–James Gordon, M.D., Founder and Director The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
An Unprecedented Opportunity to Learn a Powerful Meditation Practice for Your Optimal Health and Well-Being
We, at The Shift Network, feel deeply honored that Elliott Dacher has chosen to partner with us on this exclusive, LIVE online training. As you may know, this is a rare opportunity to learn directly from an integral medicine pioneer and renowned meditation teacher, who has developed a scientifically-proven, truly integrative meditation practice that works for your body, mind, heart and soul.
Through this powerful online format, you’ll not only save time and money on workshop costs (plus travel, accommodations and meals – which would cost thousands of dollars). But, you’ll be able to benefit from Elliott’s incredible work from the comfort of your home – at your own pace!
If you are serious about developing a solid meditation practice that nurtures your optimal health and full human potential, then it’s a gift to yourself, your loved ones – and our world – to take this one-of-a-kind training with Elliott Dacher.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your spiritual journey, click the register button below to reserve your space now.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!
What Students are Saying About Elliott Dacher...
“Elliott’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach demystifies the subject and brings you to a place where you can clearly understand and experience the benefits of this inner work.”
“Throughout the years, I’ve tried meditation, but without any consistency. I now feel that I am better prepared to make the necessary changes. The changes within me are subtle, but with patience and persistence my life will be made different. I no longer ignore the urgency of now.”
“I can’t imagine not having these insights as an integral part of my life. I am no longer sweating the small stuff, and it is so much easier for me to keep things in perspective.”
“There is a profound and rare generosity of spirit that shines through Elliott Dacher’s teachings. They are intellectually and spiritually rich and practically helpful.”
“I see everything differently now, and in a much more positive light. My interactions with others are more relaxed, more connected, more fulfilling.”
About Elliott Dacher ...
Dr. Dacher studies and teaches the principles and practices of health and healing, with a special focus on inner development and human flourishing. His work emphasizes the traditional goals of medicine – the end of distress and suffering and the promotion of each individual’s fullest potential.
Dr. Dacher received his Bachelor’s degree from Queens College, C.U.N.Y. and attended medical school at S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo. His postgraduate training was completed at the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and the Harvard Medical Service at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. He is board certified in Internal Medicine.
In 1975, Dr. Dacher began his medical practice and served as a practicing internist, physician/administrator and Director of wellness and health promotion services for the Kaiser Permanente Health Care Program. In 1984, he established a private medical practice and began exploring and integrating innovative approaches – such as meditation, imagery, yoga, biofeedback and alternative therapies – into his day-to-day work with patients.
In 1996, Elliott left medical practice to begin an in-depth study of the principles and practices of consciousness and health – an ongoing study of mind/body medicine, integral health and human flourishing – which he pursued amongst the wisdom traditions of Asia. This unique education on the inner aspects of health and healing led to his most recent book, Aware, Awake, Alive. In this book. Dr. Dacher brings together the wisdom and practices of East and West, introducing the reader to a time-tested, practical and accessible approach to a far-reaching health and healing.
He is a past fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and a past advisory board member of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Dacher is a frequent presenter and seminar leader, as well as the author of multiple books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a virtual course?
A: It’s a great way to engage live teachings and each other from the comfort of your home! All you need is a phone line (or an equivalent voice service). If there is more than one person in your household taking the course, you will each need your own line. We use MaestroConference to make it just like an in-person event, where you can ask questions, participate in groups, and deepen your exploration of the course themes.
Please note that dialing MaestroConference from your phone is a regular toll call to California, and your telephone service provider will charge you according to your existing long-distance calling plan. You can also use Skype credit/subscription or Google Voice to dial in to MaestroConference, and you’ll need to use your virtual keypad to enter your PIN and to indicate that you want to ask a question. Other options include calling cards and discount long-distance carriers, and we also have a webcast which is free to use from anywhere in the world.
Q: Can I get benefit from the course if I miss the live classes?
A: Absolutely! You can download the recordings and transcripts of all course sessions from our online media archive, so you never need to worry about missing live calls. You can also engage the full community and leaders on our private community website.
Q: Can you tell me about the Private Course Group?
A: We will have a private community group for all course participants on our Shift Movement that will support you in making connections with others, sharing insights, engaging in discussions, completing homework assignments and exchanging information about events and other activities that can supplement your transformational journey. You’ll have the ability to share your experiences, projects, and growth throughout the Course.
Q: Are there scholarships available for this Training?
A: Yes, we always make a certain percentage of spaces available for partial scholarships, giving preference to those in developing countries or doing important but underpaid work to which they can apply the training material immediately. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please review our guidelines, which include a link to our online application form.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: Your satisfaction with The Shift Network and this course is our highest priority! If you find that the course is not meeting your needs, please visit our support site and submit a request at support.theshiftnetwork.com so that we can address your concerns. We offer a satisfaction guarantee for a full two weeks so that you can try out the course risk-free. The deadline to receive a full refund is before the start of the third class on September 23, 2013. Submit refund requests at support.theshiftnetwork.com with the subject "Refund request".
Q: How can I reach Customer Support?
A: Please visit our Customer Support Center, where you should be able to find the answer to your question or the solution to a problem. And if you can’t, you can submit an online request form and we’ll get right back to you.
Q: What are the benefits of telling my friends to join the program?
A: You can sign up as an Affiliate of The Shift Network and receive 20% for anyone that you introduce who registers for the virtual event. If you bring five friends into the event, you can cover your own! Register at theshiftnetwork.com/affiliate and you’ll receive a promotional link to use.
