May 14-16 , 2004
We write our workshop leaders to invite them to share what their workshop will be about. This may be the most unusual answer.
“I’ve been asked to describe the content of the workshop. I can give you a list: the four purposes of life; idealism and realism; conventional and transcendental truth; the twelve gateways to human potential; spiritual relationship to loved ones, and to life; the gift of adversity; the power of surrender; the magic of spiritual law; how to live simply in the present; three keys to reality; and overcoming fear.
“Every seminar includes lists like this, but ultimately you choose on faith in the teacher, the same way you might pick a book: you get a feel for it, a sense of whether it’s a match for you. Am I the best teacher around? The truth is that there is no best book, or best teacher, or best workshop — only the best one for you at a given time. I can only give you a sense of what I intend to provide to help you make an informed, intuitive decision.
One of the best things about my workshops is the people who come to them. Perhaps it’s the `peaceful warrior’ frequency that attracts so many bright, high-functioning, open, loving folks. For the past 20 years, I’ve attracted about an equal number of men and women — which is unusual. What I teach embraces both women and men, east and west, flesh and spirit, reason and faith.
“Whether you’ve attended my workshops before, or are a first-timer, or don’t even know my writings, you should know this workshop consists of 80% direct experience and 20% talking. I do need to convey some information to provide a map of understanding. The rest of the time you can expect a wide variety of enjoyable, healthful, often moving, sometimes humorous practices, including sharing with a partner, deceptively simple `games,’ and unique movement exercises to support your health and mind-body integration.
“What is spiritual growth? From some unique perspectives, we’ll also explore Personal growth? Is it necessary? If so, what best serves this process? How can we turn our everyday challenges into the perfect school for personal evolution? What is the purpose of life? Where does just plain fun fit in? How do we integrate the conventional with the transcendental?
“I keep a balance between what you may want and what you may need. I’m not here for you to trust me; I’m here to help you trust yourself and the process of your life. I can’t tell you anything you don’t already know on some level; I can offer effective reminders of what you might have forgotten. At the end of the retreat, you’ll have a new vision (not my vision, but your own) — of a clearer sense of purpose, direction, and reality. And a sense of “okay-ness” about your life. You’ll experience what it means to live with a peaceful heart and a warrior’s spirit.
“Even after all these years, it’s a thrill to step into the room on the first evening and see who decided to attend the party. Bring an open mind, a sense of humor, and a friend or loved one. Or, come alone, expect to meet new friends. There is one Light but many lamps. I am only one. I have a gift for teaching. I care about each person who shows up. There’s nothing I’d rather do. This will become obvious when we meet.
Dan Millman is a former world champion gymnast, university coach, and college professor whose eleven books, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, The Life You Were Born to Live, Body Mind Mastery, Everyday Enlightenment, The Laws of Spirit, and Living on Purpose, have inspired millions of readers in 22 languages. Dan gives a great deal in his workshops, which have transformed the lives of people from all walks of life, including leaders in the fields of business and finance, health, psychology, education, politics, entertainment, sports, and the arts.