An Introduction to Fourth Turning
Planetary Dharma
December 1 - 3, 2023 | Online Community Retreat
with Dr. John Churchill & Nicole Churchill, MA, MT-BC
Awaken Your Bodhisattvic Avatar
Welcome to the course! We are delighted to have you join us on this transformative journey of dharma practice and psycho-education. As you know, we live in extraordinary times that hold both great opportunity and great existential risk. Our planet is birthing the Fourth Turning of the Dharma, a process within our collective human psyche that is ushering in various paths that will support the next levels of human potential and unfolding. Planetary Dharma is our offering to this Fourth Turning.
In this weekend intensive we will:
Receive an overview from a planetary perspective of the transformational potential of humanity
Gain an understanding of the psychological path that leads to new levels of human development and a healthy civilization
Come to recognize the various skill sets unique to you, that need to be developed for your integral unfolding, and in turn, to help you awaken your Bodhisattvic Avatar
Practice guided meditations with body, heart-mind, breath, movement and music to experience some of the various states experienced through the larger Planetary Dharma curriculum.
Daily Schedule & Zoom Link
December 1-3, 2023: US Mountain Time:
Practice Session 1: 7:00am - 10:15am US Mountain Time
Meal Break: 10:15am - 11:45am US Mountain Time
Practice Session 2: 11:45am - 3:00pm US Mountain Time
Tips for getting your space ready for the weekend:
In order to enhance the ambiance and efficacy of your practice sessions, it is advisable to allocate a specific space for your meditation practice and rituals. This can be in the form of an altar, thoughtfully arranged with meaningful objects, in a dedicated area in your home or office. By doing so, you create a sacred atmosphere that serves as a tangible reminder of your intentions for growth and unfolding. Additionally, consider adorning your altar with fresh flowers, which bring a sense of vibrancy and beauty.
It can be helpful to have two seating options in this space, one on the floor so you can lay down if instructed, and another on a meditation cushion or a chair, allowing for an easy transition between different meditation postures. And please know…sitting in a chair is perfectly fine!
The aroma of incense, sage, palo santo, or a scented candle can also contribute to the atmosphere and intention of your sacred space.
For improved audio quality during guided meditations or spiritual discourses, having AirPods, headphones, or a Bluetooth speaker at hand can enhance the auditory experience.
Keeping a notebook nearby enables you to jot down any insights or reflections that arise during your sessions, helping you to retain and further contemplate on them later.
It is also very helpful to have tissues handy for pranayama practice to clear the nasal passages before the practice begins. Also, sometimes the meditations activate the release of emotions - so it’s helpful to have a tissue nearby!
Lastly, during meal breaks, we recommend consuming light and easily digestible meals, such as vegetarian dishes, soups, or broths. This will ensure that your body feels nourished, yet not burdened, enabling you to fully enter into the transformative journey of your meditation practice.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
- John & Nicole
