For three days, you are immersed in continuous self-enquiry. This isn’t simply meditation – it is an active search for truth.

At the start of the Intensive, you are taught a simple contemplation technique using the question: “Who am I?”

You will be supported to contemplate this question throughout the three days.

This is part of what makes the process intense.

• "It was one hell of a shock. The daily schedule ran from about six in the morning to nearly eleven at night, and it was "Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?" virtually all the way. No social chat, no alcohol or coffee, no wristwatch, no shaving or cosmetics – and nothing to do but contemplate a question. … I found myself, like everybody else, going through all manner of stuff during the three days—anxiety, amusement, boredom, frustration, happiness, grief. On the first day I was mostly affected by the orderliness of the situation—the lack of everyday distractions, like TV."

  - Barry

• "Never before had I spent such a concentrated time looking into myself, my 'essence' if you will. Feeling at once exhilarated and scared, I asked the question "Who am I?" continuously for three days. By the end of the third day... I felt for the first time in my life I had experienced the transcendent truth.”

  — T.R.

At the heart of this process are partnered contemplation exercises called DYADS.

Sitting in pairs with other members of the group, you take turns to communicate what's happening in your contemplation.

Talking with others in this way is not like having a normal conversation.

You listen and are listened to with full attention but what you say is never commented on. No advice is given, no judgements made.

• “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 its important to be a good listener and how this truly helps in the sharing of yourself with another.”

  — Maxine

The safety of the dyads gives you incredible freedom and promotes ever increasing openness.

Each day alternates between these partnered contemplation-communication exercises and periods of silent contemplation, including walking, eating and gentle physical exercise.

Trust, courage and great heart build up within the group. You are not alone in your quest.

•  “It is a huge relief to remove the social masks I wear….I put so much pressure on myself to be somebody else. Now I can see how to be me – without barriers!”

  – Joe

• "Seeing others taking risks to say what was really going on for them was, for me, incredibly inspiring, and I began to feel very close to several in the group, despite the formalities. That second day was the noisiest - there was screaming, shouting, hysterical laughter, yet all the time we remained sitting respectfully in our neat rows!” 

  - Barry