Presence, Purpose, Passion, Power

2011 Yearlong Program Preview

(Click here for in-depth audio reflections and transcripts from P4 members)

In our workshops over the past years we've focused on presence, healing, and fulfillment. Participants have overcome lifelong blocks and begun to live their dreams like never before. Many of you have inquired about the next step, wanting not just to fulfill your desires but also to become all you were meant to be. You wonder if there's still something holding you back. You ask:

- How do I best serve the planet?

- How do I fully connect with Spirit?

- How do I experience the ecstasy of divine union?

- How do I make every moment absolutely sacred?

It's time for us to answer those questions together, in a year of unparalleled transformation. I'm really excited about this personally, and thrilled that I can offer the program. Here's an overview.

Group size: 12 people

Time required: Approximately 6 hours per month

Location: By phone and email monthly, with two in-person weekend retreats, the retreats take place February 5-7 and October 22-24 on breathtaking Mt. Hood, outside of Portland, Oregon.

Activities: Each month will include a group conference call, partner calls, journaling, and solo explorations. In addition, you'll email me regularly and receive personalized feedback and exercises.

Retreats: We'll gather on Friday evening and commune together till Sunday afternoon. These retreats will expand your capacity for community, compassion, ecstasy, depth, and wild fun.

Themes: Each month will focus on a different aspect of spiritual freedom. Here's a representative sample:

April ­ Approval

Key question: How does the need for approval, and the avoidance of disapproval, keep you from living your deepest truth?

Topics for journaling: Whose approval is most important to you? What, if anything, have you sacrificed to get it? What does this particular need for approval tell you about yourself?

Meditation: On feeling complete as you are right now.

Exploration: Part 1: Do something important to you that you're pretty certain would arouse significant disapproval from a loved one. Stay present to all the feelings and sensations that arise in your body. Pay attention like an avid scientist. Cradle each and every sensation with compassion. Send in an email describing the experience.

Part 2: Have a conversation about this experience with the person whose disapproval you expected. During the conversation, notice the flow of contraction and expansion in your body. If you become reactive, pause and share what's happening. Resume only if and when you're truly present. Make the goal of the conversation to share, and listen, with a wide-open heart.

Partner Work: Call your partner once before, during and after the above Exploration. Let your partner's spacious and caring reflection help you perform the exercise in the most safe, beneficial and authentic way.

Yearlong Program Cost: $2400 (reduced this year in recognition of the economy) Additional $100 discount if your contract and deposit are received by 11/15. Travel to the retreats is additional, but (amazingly) lodging and meals are included. Fees will be due throughout the year in manageable amounts.

TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE: If you're really ready for something like this, it will either catch your attention right away, or you'll attempt to put it aside but it will just keep knocking on your inner door.

Either way, please reply right away by email a few sentences about how and why it speaks to you. In addition, please feel free to ask any and all questions.

"Unique among spiritual guides, Raphael rolls up his sleeves and dives with people into places their inner work may never have pierced. Attending his workshop was an unforgettable experience, a giant wake up call. His teaching is full of humor, humility, maturity, understanding and wisdom. Many of us emerged with new levels of hope and resolve. Personally, I have found no teacher or process that I trust more or that engages so many facets of my being." - Tanya Glazer, Tiburon, CA

Raphael Cushnir is a leading voice in the world of emotional connection and present moment awareness. He has shared his unique approach to personal and professional development with millions of readers in O, The Oprah Magazine, Beliefnet, Spirituality and Health, Psychology Today and the Huffington Post. He has also authored five books, lectures worldwide, and is a faculty member of the Esalen Institute, and the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. In addition, he coaches individuals and teams at Fortune 100 companies, governments, religious organizations, and leading non-profits. For more info: cushnir.com.

Manuela's Story

I attended a workshop where one of the key messages was "Don't think you can go it alone. Surround yourself with supporters."

I decided to stop trying to prove that I could do everything on my own. A yearlong program with a group of other supportive individuals seemed like a perfect way to help me in my journey.

For the rest of the story, click here.

Sharon's Story

“I read Raphael's book, 'Setting Your Heart On Fire' and loved it. Then I signed up for one of his three day Intensives. It put me in touch with my body and consequently with my emotions.

When Raphael told us he was convening a yearlong program, I knew that I had to be included.

I never doubted my resolve to attend until just about 5 minutes before I walked into the retreat house where we would all meet, eat, sleep and share for the next 48 hours!"

For the rest of the story, click here.