Daniel Schmachtenberger
Diane Musho Hamilton
John Vervaeke
Doshin Roshi
Sara Ness
Alexander Beiner
David Fuller
Ivo Mensch
Course Structure
The course includes a 90 minute Zoom call each week with a live lesson and Q&A from that week's instructor. The live zoom calls will take place on Thursdays at 8pm GMT / 3pm EST / 12:00pm PST. There might be slight changes to this which we will inform you of well in advance of the course start date. Occasionally a module will be taught by a special guest - please see the schedule below to see who's teaching which module in the upcoming cohort.
All lessons will be recorded and available to you in case you miss one or want to rewatch it. Between the live calls you will have a Zoom call with your 'pod' of three to discuss the recorded interviews with the instructors ahead of the live call, to deepen your inquiry into that week's topic and to practice emergent sensemaking together (these will be arranged between you to find a convenient weekly time).
As well as this, you have the option to participate in up to 3 hours additional study per week using the workbook. Hover over the images below to find out more about each week.
Schedule for Summer Cohort, 2021
WEEK 1 - Introduction with Rebel Wisdom
4 February, 2021
This week is about mapping out the territory we'll be covering, and learning how we can support each other on our collective journey. We'll explain our rationale for choosing the practices and theories we'll be working with, and set out guiding principles.
You will have a space to clarify your intention, purpose, commitment and personal goals. You'll also connect with the other two people in the 'pod' of three you'll be travelling with throughout the course.
WEEK 2 - Presence with Alexander Beiner
11 February, 2021
The ability to respond consciously to your environment, choose who you are in relation to other people and exercise agency relies on presence. Without it, we are on autopilot, reacting to information instead of discerning. Presence is the container that holds all the other psychotechnologies we will be developing.
Alexander Beiner has taught thousands of beginners how to meditate and spent several years facilitating inner growth retreats. He uses a straightforward approach with simple language to help you develop this essential skill.
WEEK 3 - The Shadow with Doshin Roshi
18 February, 2021
The shadow is a key concept from Jungian psychology, and one that we've found to be essential in coming into generative discussions. This week is led by Zen master Doshin Roshi, Head Abbott of Integral Zen and an expert on the shadow.
Perhaps most simply described by Doshin 'the me I can't see', the shadow is all the parts of ourselves we reject, and then subsequently project onto other people. Owning these parts of ourselves is a process of becoming more whole and more authentic. Unless we do this, we can't truly enter into collaboration with others.
WEEK 4 - Wisdom with John Vervaeke
25 February, 2021
Featuring Dr. John Vervake, cognitive scientist and host of the pioneering YouTube series 'Awakening from the Meaning Crisis'. This week explores the transformative power of wisdom, why it matters that we orient ourselves toward it, and the psychotechnologies available to us to access it. We take a look at theories in cognitive science and specific psychospiritual practices that have been used for awakening throughout history. You will have the opportunity start bringing some of these practices into your life so that you can develop a clearer perception.
WEEK 5 - Making Sense Together with Sara Ness
4 March, 2021
It's one thing to make sense of the world alone, and another to do it in a group. If we want to come together in such a way that we generate new ideas and insights, we need to understand both how to relate and communicate, and the dynamics that play out in groups.
Sara Ness is a highly regarded facilitator and a pioneer in the practice of Authentic Relating, which helps people open up deeper levels of co-operation, creativity and coherence.
WEEK 6 - Making Sense of Complexity with Daniel Schmachtenberger
18 March, 2021
How do we distinguish signal from noise? What models can we use to order and make sense of our perceptions and what are some common biases that distort it? What are the dangers of using models, and why do we outsource much of our sensemaking to authority figures?
This week you will draw on the skills you've developed in the previous weeks to inquire more fully into how you make sense of the world, and how your unique perspective synthesises with the rest of the group. We'll also practice navigating a complex information ecology in such a way that we avoid the many traps and illusions waiting to snag us.
WEEK 7 - Sensemaking the Media with David Fuller
25 March, 2021
This week will further develop the skills you've learned on the course to date and apply them directly to how you make sense of the media environment and information ecology. In a post-truth world, where the old gatekeepers of information are failing, how do we arrive at and agree on truth?
David Fuller will draw on his experience as a professional journalist and facilitator to help you develop your sovereignty, agency and discernment as you engage with social media, news and more.
WEEK 8 - The Next Steps with Rebel Wisdom
1 April, 2020
Here, we return to our 'why' and consolidate everything we've learned in terms of Waking up, Cleaning up, Showing up and Growing up. We look at the larger shift that's possible in our culture and how we can participate in it meaningfully. We also lay out a challenge: can we cohere around a real-world project by devoting a few hours of our time per week after the course ends, to bring what we've learned into the world?