
ENLIGHTENMENT
I N T E N S I V E S
with Emma & Barry McGuinness
The Call of
Awakening
Within each of us lies the possibility of awakening — of directly touching the truth of who we are.
Many of us long for deeper truth and meaning, and yet so often we do not believe that such awakening experiences can truly happen to us.
You do not have to be exceptional to have such an awakening.
An Enlightenment Intensive is a unique retreat designed for ordinary people to have an awakening experience of their own.
Such an experience is the inner discovery of ultimate truth.
It is instantaneous and timeless.
It is the direct experience of what truly is:
the essence of reality.
This kind of knowing is not intellectual. It is not imagined. It is direct, immediate, and undeniable. It lights up what it means to be you, and alive, and part of existence.
Many describe it as the very thing they had always longed for. To directly know yourself at the level of ultimate reality is to come home.
We hope that our love for this process and the flavour of what we have gained from it will spring out from these pages and inspire you to experience this for yourself.


What Our Participants Say
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"Life-changing. Gobsmacking. Confirming ⎯ in a way I never expected to happen ⎯ the existence of something divine and bigger than all of us, a force. I now know this to be true. And that the Absolute Truth is jaw-droopingly, eye-wideningly extraordinary, and will change everything about how I lead my life going forward. I wish such understanding of perfection, and of one's own value, to everyone."
– Emily
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“I’m almost crying simply because I have so much gratitude in my heart and I know who I am. I had no idea I could ever really be asked that question and be able to answer it with certainty. It is worth any amount of effort or difficulty, and it is only just the beginning.”
— Sean
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"What a complete transformation has happened to me in the three years I have been participating on Enlightenment Intensives. Really - from wishing life would end to now being fully self expressive and passionate about every aspect of life.”
– Stuart
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“I have had my world turned inside out and upside down by truth. I have always wanted truth and this process blows me away. I can think of nothing else that has set me so totally free.”
– Amala
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"I cannot adequately express by written words alone the fullness and gratitude that fill me as I continue to know and integrate the Truth that has come to me through the vehicle of Enlightenment Intensives."
– Sarah
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“This was the first EI I have participated in. I was very sceptical at first and all I can say is – it was the best experience of my life. I never imagined getting this much out of it. It was eye-opening to experience so much personal growth. And Emma and Barry are amazing! They always knew what to say with their expert advice. The warmth and compassion they both showed was very touching and I will never forget this experience.”
– Lesley
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“I know that this amazing feeling I have now will not stay with me forever, and I will again find myself caught up in everyday struggle. But I also know that something will stay with me - like a small piece of stardust from that star shower which descended on me, and this small piece will further glow inside me.”
– Nora
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"Amazing. Extremely difficult. I got a clearer sense than ever before of who I am, what I am going to do, what I need to do and the path to take. It reinvigorated me. One of the best experiences of my life. Fantastically well run and supported all round."
– Nicholas
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"Absolutely fantastic! It provided far more than I was expecting. I have a clear personal mandate for the next year and also feel as though Intensves should be an integral part of my life! Words cannot express my thanks to you both."
– Guy
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“I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that this EI, and most likely all EIs, give to people something that is of the highest possible value, and I only wish that in the future more people will find their way to this wonderful process.”
– Sean
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"This was one of the best Intensives I have been on. I felt utterly safe, cared for, and truly inspired by the lectures. The house and surroundings added to the pleasure of the overall experience."
– Christine
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"Life changing. You were all amazingly selfless which is humbling to witness. Thinking about it has just made me feel love and realise that I am love, which has made me cry (again). It is an incredible service you do people in giving Enlightenment Intensives. Thank you so much."
– Stevie
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"Mind blowing. I discovered myself several times sitting or walking with my mouth open while thinking about the thing that had just made itself clear to me. Speechless. Fantastic. My gratitude for you, dear Emma and Barry, for enabling and allowing this Intensive to take place is enormous. Thank you So much!"
– Astrid
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"Mind-blowing! Blown out of the ways - ah, the joys of no mind. I loved being here and am grateful for this opportunity to experience myself and others. I have understood so much about me and leave with faith.”
– Dominique
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"I learned truths, first hand. Truths that I have read in books over and over without understanding or being able to truly believe. That I am perfect, right now, just as I am, with all my neuroses etc - and so is everyone else!."
– Tina
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“Quite simply, I have learned that pretty much everything I’ve ever heard or read by realised spiritual teachers about the experience of knowing who you are is absolutely true. The world would be truly changed quite dramatically and rapidly if everyone on the world had to do an EI or something very similar every now and then, and that there is probably no better thing you can do for any person than to simply truly listen to them and be as open as possible.“
– Sean
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“The Enlightenment Intensive was extremely well organised, down to the tiniest detail, which shows a level of thoughtfulness that went into the preparation. The physical environment was very congenial to the purpose of the retreat, comfortable, and felt homely. I felt taken care of on many levels, physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
— Inessa
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“The discipline gave me space and opportunity to experience myself and others in a deep way. Safe enough to feel my fear.”
– Francesca
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“The experience moved in waves from physical pain, hunger, struggle and sadness and tight and closed, to calm, released, blissful and in awe at the beauty of the world, of people, and even, just once, of me. “
– Tina
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“As a bit of an initial sceptic, I can honestly say that this has been an intense, rewarding, emotional and life-changing experience for me. The difficulties I have had all of my life in verbalizing and expressing my feelings have been overcome during the Intensive. I am hopeful and determined that I will take this into my everyday life.”
– Stephanie
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“This was exactly what I was looking for at this time in my life. When I think of it the image comes of a quartz crystal – transparent, structured, edgy, sharp, natural and mysterious. It was an incredibly important and significant experience of my life!“
– Nithya
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“I learned that hidden things/issues cause the tension. Expressing them to somebody who can understand the meaning requires courage. Nevertheless the effect is so great, I encourage anyone to do it. The reward is huge!”
– Milan
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“I thought Emma’s openness, honesty and ability to communicate were all profoundly amazing. The care and attention to detail in teaching the technique was impressive.”
– Gabriel
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“I was loved and welcomed at all times – a stranger and yet totally precious. The love and faith/commitment shown towards me enabled me to open in entirely new ways. It’s the attitude here I find astounding. It inspires me to uncover what’s real in all areas of my life. Thank you!”
– Mark
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“This was my first Enlightenment Intensive. Barry and Emma held the space really well. There was a lot of deep and authentic content being voiced in the dyads and so holding the integrity of the space is vital. As a participant I was very reassured by the safety of the space to hold my truth.”
– Ayesha
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“A space for you to truly be yourself and open up. A space where constant curiosity and openness open up doors you never knew existed. You go in with one question and leave with many answers you were not even looking for.”
– Tanja
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“This was a tough intensive for me, but I felt the loving support and attention to detail that was skilfully applied by Barry, Emma and the team. I am deeply moved by their unwavering commitment to the flowing of truth within a well held container. I could travel deeply within myself and discover things at a more profound, satisfying and meaningful level.”
– Anthony
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“A great invitation into openness and telling the truth, living from the truth. Everyone was allowed to be who and what they are. I am inspired by others’ passion for truth. I am so grateful to Barry and Emma and the staff for all their input into this.”
– Mark
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“I learned about being with the truth of who I am in each moment, the power of expressing it, and allowing it to be seen by others. Not hiding from myself. Seeing and hearing clearly my heart's desire and intention to awaken to the truth, and my commitment (which seems much wider than this life) to the path.”
— Emma
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“I feel more clarity about myself and life. I feel physically cleansed and spiritually nourished. I had a direct experience of truth which, though short, was a real eye-opener – simple, beyond duality, clear and precise.”
— Christine
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“I've learned that the answers to the questions of deep meaningful life are already within me, and me alone, if I dare to look within without fear and with appreciation of my inner wisdom. It has confirmed to me that I am not alone in this search process, and that the transcendence of lower self and inner evolution is a never-ending flow.”
— Inessa
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“I learned what it takes to be honest. To find the courage to reveal oneself no matter what it is. I realised the true commitment required, and felt that this grew stronger as each day passed. I learned it's important to be a good listener and how this truly helps in the sharing of yourself with another.”
— Maxine
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“I've learned how to surrender: by accepting what is true, in both the ordinary sense and the totally humbling divine sense. I know it is going to be difficult to surrender in ordinary life but at least I know what it is now so I have a journey to set out on.”
— Stevie
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“As I write this now, I realise that among the very few things one can count on are the Truth and myself. These two are always present and so, so close by. An endless and immediate source of reassurance and advice.”
– Astrid
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“I learned to let go of my mind/ego and to experience with my heart. I danced with my partners' eyes and opened my soul.”
– Dominique
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“A way of describing what I’ve experienced it is that me, truth and God are the same thing fundamentally. It’s made me realise that I want to live serving truth. I want my whole life to be a reflection of truth and to live in openness and compassion. “
– Caspar
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“I have spent my previous 61 years avoiding the truth about my own feelings. I have not been open with others, particularly those close to me, and as a result have spent years feeling guilty, frustrated, and even more scared of the truth. I feel empowered to deal with this in the future.”
– Stephanie
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“The EI experience has shown me that if I open to the truth I can: accept the present moment; relate openly with other people; process my emotions; have confidence in the future; and not fear death.“
– M.B.
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“We share so much more in common, not only our stories and issues but also on a deeper level. There’s also a deep sense of unity that is wonderful to see when looking into each other’s eyes.”
– Tanasu
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“Connecting to the truth of what is happening internally is the foundation of love, spontaneity, and making life work. The intensive is like filling up with petrol. The journey has to be taken with attention and focus in the moment.”
– Gabriel
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“I did not have a direct experience of truth on this intensive, but that seems somewhat irrelevant compared to what I have received from it. And by the end of the process, without having said a word personally to any of the other participants, I just felt this incredible quality of oneness with them that made all my initial mind-judgements utterly redundant. I’ve read the ‘We are all one’ line for years in books, but the experience of it was simply amazing.”
– Ayesha
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“Speaking and expressing the truth is truly transformative and leads me closer to my heart’s desire: closeness with others, authentic contact, self-acceptance and oneness. I experienced that death leads to life. In healing my grief at the loss of my son, I have a new journey and direction to undertake if I choose to. There is a blessing in all things if we are open to knowing the truth that lies at its heart.”
– Anthony
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“I learned that I am not defined by my fears!! The fears are not real, they are memories the mind has stored from traumatic past events. I didn’t understand this straight away but it was blindingly obvious when I did. Thank you!”
– Lesley
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Through being seen and witnessed with your ordinary truths you align yourself with the truth of who you really are. You clear the way to love by summoning the courage to speak the truth of your present moment.”
– William
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“I’ve learned that the answers we are seeking are much simpler than we realise. Yet the simplicity of it is very much a part of the profundity that comes with a realisation. And the truth doesn’t care how tired you are. You can be so utterly exhausted, dejected, lost even, and the truth can still hit you smack bang in the face.”
– Sean
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“I had, sort of subconsciously, thought that the spiritual path was above/beyond and hindered by human stuff, e.g. childhood trauma, aspects of the ego. It now seems to me that that they’re not things I need to quickly overcome so that I can get on with the real work, but instead they are a significant and real part of who and what I am..”
– George
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“I learned to feel real deep down joy over simple/trivial things. How to laugh without inhibition.”
– J.P.
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“That openness and clarity, sincerity of intent are key to not only the technique but also to life itself.”
– Julie
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