Undefended Love: When Close is Not Close Enough

February 15, 16 & 17 2008: ESALEN Institute
July 11, 12 & 13 2008: Mount Madonna Center

C.E.U.s for MFTs and LCSWs

The capacity exists in all of us to love without defenses or requirements, so that real intimacy-direct, unmediated, heart-to-heart connection with ourselves and with our partner-becomes a lifelong expression of our deepest nature. This is the power of Undefended Love, a transformative path that guides us beyond close, companion-based partnerships toward intimate relationships, where each moment is a fresh, spontaneous expression of who we genuinely are.

This workshop, open to couples and individuals, offers a vision to cut through personal differences and reach the direct connection-with ourselves and others-that can only occur when the heart is undefended. The focus is on shifting our center of gravity away from our conditioned personality (the places where we feel stuck, confused, hurt, and defensive) toward our essential self (the part of us that is free, whole, connected, peaceful, powerful, and joyful).

Through lively experiential practices, participants will learn:
• What unconditional love really is and how to achieve it
• How to sustain our experience of ourselves regardless of what our partner is feeling
• How to "dissolve" rather than "resolve" relationship problems
• When "needs" can be unexpected guides to undiscovered inner resources
• How problems can be entry points to deeper connection
• Why there is no difference between men and women when it comes to intimate loving
• How comfort and safety can prevent rather than promote intimacy

Recommended reading: Psaris & Lyons, Undefended Love.

Register for the Feburary workshop (@ ESALEN website)

Register for the July workshop at Mount Madonna.