Location: Novato, CA What it is: NLP Marin is an organization that trains people in their own version of Neuro Linguistic Programming. They offer certification programs, as well as Family Constellation evenings, and other courses.
If NLP usually turns you off, or you find it gimmicky, manipulative, or overblown, then I would recommend this course as a breath of fresh air for beginners and those with more experience as well.
What it is: Insert DVD, step onto your mat, take a deep breath, and let the transformation begin. This DVD provides yoga instruction that touches all levels of practicioners. And the best part: no reason to miss a class, all you have to do is push play. It’s Yoga-to-go, for when you’re on the go and need to ‘find your balance’.
Location: 953 Mission Street, san Francisco What it is: Learn to dance with fire while engaging in a developmentally focused community. The classes are just as much about a non-judgemental learning philosophy, getting in touch with your body, self-expression, and relaxation (being in flow) as they are about dance.
Location: Various locations in the U.S. and Europe What it is: At the School for The Work, participants spend nine days and nights “learning to unlearn” the stressful thoughts that cause fear, anger, stress, and suffering. Exercises are based on Katie’s personal experience of “waking up to reality” to ground participants in practical applications of The Work’s four questions and turnaround.
Location: North Fork, CA (and others) What it is: A ten-day silent retreat to learn Vipassana meditation. The course is designed for all levels, even people who can’t sit still for longer than it takes to check email. The instruction leads you bit by bit to the first real sit a few days in. Don’t expect to show up, shut up, sit down, and deal with it. This course gives you tools that build, so you can feel some progress and be able to make that first sit, at around day 5, a real one.
Location: 2323 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA What it is: Gosh…InterPlay is one of those experiences that defies description. But I’ll try anyway, if you promise to do your best to imagine what I’m talking about! By definition, InterPlay is a community-based, improvisational arts practice. Gather a bunch of regular-ish people in a dance studio and invite them to play together…being as silly or serious, goofy or silent, as they care to be. Mix together some clearly led structures for storytelling, movement, and singing, and you get…InterPlay!
Location: Various locations in the U.S. and around the world What it is: Pamela’s gatherings, called satsang (Sanskrit for “meetings in truth”), are meetings where people come to “take refuge in the heart.” In a supportive atmosphere of like-minded seekers, she employs techniques to question and quiet the mind, so that the loving, true nature of our authentic selves can be experienced. (note: this video was not taken at one of Pamela’s gatherings, however it does show the level of meditation skill you need to attend, i.e. very little…)
Location: San Francisco, CA What it is: This is a 3 day course designed to help people have more pleasure, and fulfillment in all aspects of their life, with an emphasis on their intimate relationships.