PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT & CREATIVE COLLABORATION
FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE & A BEAUTIFUL WORLD
Two-part workshop-retreat with optional extended practicum.
PART 1: HARMONY IN MOTION:
CREATING & COLLABORATING FROM A PLACE OF DEEP CONNECTION
(6-20 March, 2024)
A two-week contemplative workshop-retreat exploring foundational practices for manifesting creativity and accomplishment from a place of profound ease and inspiration, both as an individual and in collaboration with others.
Overview
Programme Type: Immersive residential workshop-retreat
Topic: Creative process from inspiration to reality, with a contemplative approach, and how to develop ourselves as creators and wise leaders
Dates: 6-20 March 2024, with a recommended follow-up creative workshop running 27 Mar - 10 Apr 2024 and an optional extended practicum thereafter
Facilitators: Dharmalaya Institute faculty and community members
Language: English, with translation if needed
Building a Better World?: Yes, this workshop-retreat qualifies as a module in the Building a Better World programme and provides two weeks of credit toward certification in that programme.
About the programme
Dharmalaya Institute is pleased to announce Harmony in Motion:Creating and Collaborating from a Place of Deep Connection. This is a contemplative workshop-retreat exploring foundational practices for manifesting creativity and accomplishment from a place of profound ease and inspiration, both as an individual and in collaboration with others.
The programme was created at the request of a group of Dharmalaya Institute’s alumni and long-term community members in order to serve a need that so many people are experiencing these days: to help good-hearted people develop their capacity to manifest great things in the world in a way that is balanced, healthy, effective, and wise.
Many of us understand this need: we are passionate and sensitive people who care about the world and we are driven to make a difference, yet in modern society the ways we have learned to function can be stressful and exhausting. We find ourselves out of balance, and we are prone to get caught up in the tensions of the world around us. We need a way to approach life, work, and that elusive ‘life-work balance’ that understands the whole human as a system that needs to be in balance in order to function at its best. And we need to understand not only how to work within ourselves but also how to work with other humans effectively and harmoniously in order to create great things that none of us could do alone.
To serve this need, Dharmalaya Institute created this programme in partnership with Earthville Institute in the USA. This very special workshop-retreat combines traditional wisdom and modern knowledge to illuminate a path leading to greater success in the outside world while also tending to our inner world, so that each can support and enrich the other. This path is built from practices that begin with a foundation of inner calm, clarity, and balance, and then maintain that harmonious state as we move into action in the world.
Note: Harmony in Motion is the first module in our two-part Creative Compassion in Action programme, and as such it can be attended either as a stand-alone workshop-retreat or together with Part 2: Flow Zone Creative Retreat (27 March - 10 April). It also qualifies as a module in our 'Building a Better World' programme, which provides holistic training in wise and compassionate leadership for making a difference. The text below on this page refers specifically to Part 1. (For complete information on the two-part Creative Compassion in Action programme, see this page.)
Key themes we will explore
As Part 1 of the Creative Compassion in Action programme, Harmony in Motion lays the foundations for mindful and heartful living, integrating our personal practice with our professional and vocational projects. We explore ways to fine-tune ourselves as creators and as sensitive and effective agents of change.
Harmony in Motion integrates three facets of practice:
Harmonious presence
Harmonious action
Harmonious interaction
1. Harmonious Presence
FOCUS: The art of simply being, in a state of calm, warm-hearted presence that is understood by both traditional wisdom and modern science to be most conducive to health, happiness, creativity , and effectiveness.
Activating our innate potential for:
mindfulness
heartfulness
restfulness
clarity
balance
ease
groundedness
centredness
holistic health
inspiration
2. Harmonious Action
FOCUS: The arts of effortless effort (wú wéi) , stillness in motion, and grace under pressure, which help us work, create, and serve in more deeply present, balanced, effective and joyful ways.
Activating our innate potential for:
action without effortfulness
doing without trying
challenge without overwhelm
perseverance without fatigue or burnout
confidence without arrogance
strength and assertiveness without aggression
leadership without domination
successful accomplishment without attachment or pride
3. Harmonious Interaction
FOCUS: The soft skills of working with other humans to make beautiful things happen, and how to do so effectively and harmoniously.
Activating our innate potential for:
empathy and compassion
understanding others
understanding ourselves as reflected by others
effective and harmonious communication
integrity and authenticity
creative collaboration
being a team player
leading and supporting others
overcoming conflict
organizing people in service of greater purpose
In support of the contemplative foundation of this programme, there will be time for a group practice session every morning (e.g. meditation and possibly yoga, which might be guided or unguided depending on the circumstances). For those who also wish to keep up their existing yoga and/or meditation practices, our beautiful meditation and yoga hall will be available in the mornings before breakfast and in the evenings.
Extended practicum period (optional and recommended)
Participants who complete this workshop and/or Part 2 (Flow Zone Creative Retreat) and who wish to deepen these explorations through further practice in a supportive environment will be invited and encouraged to stay on after Part 2 for an extended practicum period. The practicum will provide the precious opportunity to apply the learning and experience gained during the programme to real-world projects, thereby deepening the learning, strengthening new good habits, and accomplishing meaningful work, while also strengthening the bonds with kindred spirits in the Dharmalaya community and beyond.
The Practicum will provide the option of three ‘tracks’ for the focus of your work:
Joining the Dharmalaya team to work on projects for Dharmalaya Institute itself (‘Dharmalaya Track’)
Focusing on your own creative and compassionate projects (‘Personal Track’)
Or a combination of both , with half of working hours spent on each (‘Hybrid Track’)
For all three of these tracks, one will be living as a member of the Dharmalaya community and participating in community activities (including daily karma yoga tasks and periodic group discussions and activities), but the focus of the majority of one’s working hours will be determined by the chosen track. Likewise, the modest room-and-board fees for the practicum period will depend on which track one chooses (see the ‘fees’ section below for details).
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to anyone with a caring heart and a passion to do some good in the world, who aspires to empower yourself to make the best possible impacts in the best possible ways.
Whether your passion is expressed in the fields of the arts and creativity, education, sustainability, nonprofit NGO work, social activism or altruistic entrepreneurship, this programme is designed for you.
For those who already have significant experience, this programme will serve as an integrated personal and professional development workshop to refine your skills and sensitivities and enhance your effectiveness.
Qualities that the ideal participants should have:
Sensitive and respectful to the experiences and needs of others
Generous spirit: sincerely wanting to give even more than you receive
Honest with both self and others, putting integrity first
Motivated to improve oneself and take constructive feedback well, with gratitude
What to expect
Two of the keys to happiness are: (1) to have realistic expectations to begin with; and (2) not to be too attached to those expectations, but rather to stay flexible as life unfolds. With that in mind, here are some of the things participants can expect (while remembering to keep a flexible attitude):
Full-time programme focus: For this immersive residential programme, the point is to be completely focused on the experience of being here. While there will be some time for rest, reading, journaling, and personal reflection, there won’t be time for pursuing other activities unrelated to the programme. While you’re here, the expectation is that your full attention will be focused on the programme experience.
Emotional work: In a contemplative programme such as this where we’re exploring some of life’s big questions, it is normal for a range of emotions to come up, and for many this is a necessary part of the process. We encourage all participants to prepare yourselves to welcome whatever you and other might experience and hold a supportive space to move through it without judgment and learn all we can from it.
Supportive routine: A daily rhythm of contemplative practice, outdoor activities, discussions, and silent meditation time.
Natural simplicity: Rustic accommodations in natural earthen buildings or comfortable tents in a beautiful forest setting.
Yogic lifestyle: Clean and simple ashram-style lifestyle in which everyone contributes to the running of the place, including cleaning, washing dishes, etc.
Healthy food: Natural and mostly organic, purely vegetarian meals (100% plant-based, vegan). No junk food or packaged snacks, etc.
Digital detox: In support of the immersive experience, there will be no use of mobile phones or internet from the start of Day 2 until the end, so that everyone stays focused on the group tasks, and present with one another — and with our own experience. For those who are normally glued to your phones, it may take some adjustment at first but soon you’ll be amazed how much better you feel engaging with nature and fulfilling activities with good people rather than the screen.
Schedules & dates
Schedule: Start and end dates
The programme will begin at 10:00am on Day 1. All newly arriving participants will be required to arrive at 9:30am on Day 1 itself (we will provide detailed timing, instructions, and travel tips after confirming your registration). On the arrival day, you’ll be settling in and getting oriented, with introductions and an overview of life at Dharmalaya Institute in general and of this programme in particular.
The programme will conclude at 4:00pm on the last day. Participants who are leaving after the programme should plan to depart at 4:30pm.
Note: Participants in Part 1 who are also registered for Part 2 (Flow Zone Creative Retreat) will have a six-day interval between Part 1 and Part 2. For details on options for how to spend this six-day period, see this page.
Schedule: What will the days be like?
Although the day-to-day schedule will vary a bit, the schedule for a typical day during this programme would more or less as follows:
6:00 Wake
6:30 Morning practice (group meditation or your own contemplative practice)
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 Morning sessions: learning, practice, and/or creative activities
12:30 LUNCH
2:00 Afternoon sessions: learning, practice, and/or creative activities
5:00 Personal time
6:00 DINNER
7:00 Evening session: meditation and often a short talk or discussion
8:30 Quiet time for journaling, reading and personal meditation
9:30 Lights out
Programme fees
Dharmalaya Institute is a not-for-profit charitable and educational organisation, and as such seeks to make its programmes accessible everyone. Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for each participant to give according to their means. Total fees for this two-week workshop-retreat (inclusive of shared accommodation, three healthy meals daily, and tea), at each of the three tiers are as follows:
Subsidized rate
(For low-income participants who can’t afford the standard rate)
Rs 12,000
For transparency: This subsidized rate is approximately 33% below our break-even rate, which means it is not enough to cover the Institute’s costs in providing the programme, though that shortfall might be covered by participants who choose to pay the ‘Supporter rate’ to the right.
Standard rate
(For most participants)
Rs 18,000
For transparency: This standard rate is essentially a break-even rate, just enough to cover the Institute’s total average monthly costs in providing this service-learning opportunity.
Supporter rate
(For those who can afford to help subsidize lower-income participants)
Rs 24,000
For transparency: This supporter rate is approximately 33% above the break-even rate, and 100% of that surplus will be used to support lower-income applicants to participate at the subsidized rate. We thank you sincerely for your generosity in choosing this rate if you can.
For participants who register for both Part 1 and Part 2 of Creative Compassion in Action at the same time, there is a slightly reduced tuition fee. See this page for details.
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation, so if you have exceptional financial hardship and cannot afford even the lowest subsidized rate, you can contact us to let us know your situation and your needs and we’ll be happy to discuss options for work-study scholarships (subject to limited availability).
For those who prefer private accommodation, a very limited number of private rooms and cottages are available at additional cost, on a first-come-first-served basis. For information on accommodation options, see the ‘Facilities’ section of our eco-campus page. Inquire for details.
OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP COURSE (PART 2) AND EXTENDED PRACTICUM PERIOD
For those who join Part 2 of the programme (Flow Zone Creative Retreat), there are separate fees for that (detailed here), and there is an option to pay for both Part 1 and Part 2 at the same time and receive a small discount (detailed here).
For those who attend both Parts 1 and 2, there is also the option of an extended practicum period to to deepen the explorations through further contemplation and practice, with options to focus on collaborating with the Dharmalaya team, or focusing on manifesting one’s own projects, or a mix of both. For those staying on for the practicum and choosing the option to collaborate with the Dharmalaya team, there will be the opportunity for a reduced work-study rate in exchange for taking on a few responsibilities to help with the work of the Institute. For details, see this page.
Important information
Before you pack for your trip to Dharmalaya Institute, please read the important information on our Campus Life page and our FAQ. If you have a specific question that is not answered there, contact us here and we’ll be happy to answer.
NOTE FOR THOSE SEEKING CERTIFICATES: This is not a certificate course. However, this course does qualify as a module in our long-term Building a Better World programme (which can be taken as a certificate course) and provides two weeks of credit toward certification in that programme.
About your facilitators
This workshop-retreat will be hosted and co-facilitated by members of Dharmalaya Institute’s core team, with the main sessions being led by cofounders of Dharmalaya Institute and Earthville Institute (some of whom may join via Zoom).
Application process
Space in this programme is limited. Participation is by application and is subject to acceptance.
STEP 1 — APPLY: Submit the application form using the button below and wait for our reply. We may email you to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
STEP 2 — INTERVIEW: If your application is selected for consideration, the next step will be for us to schedule a time to do an interview on a video call. During this interview, you’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have, and we’ll have a chance to get to know you a bit better. If necessary, there might be a second video interview for final candidates.
STEP 3 — ACCEPTANCE & DEPOSIT: If you are selected for the programme after your video interview, then at that time we will send you more detailed information about the programme and how to prepare for your time at Dharmalaya Institute. You will then have one week from the date of acceptance to make your nonrefundable deposit to hold your place in the programme. The minimum deposit is 50%, but it is also possible to prepay in full.
If you have any questions after reading all the material here on our website, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to address your questions.
We look forward to connecting with you!