Testimonials
'The Enlightenment Intensive was just that, Enlightening and intensive. I experienced very deep connection with myself and others that was powerful and spiritual in nature. I experienced a state of being, a state of oneness, devoid of the distractions of thinking and feeling, or attitude of believing. I experienced unconditional loving regard for myself and others that was communicated through my enhanced presence in subtle but powerful meaningful ways.
I've been flowing and glowing since. People have been commenting on how good my haircut
looks? (its got nothing to do with my hair!) Seeing something different
but not being able to put their finger on it. Others have made
comments like, "Richard is just glowing today." My partner says my eyes
are wider and brighter and that I have a sense of peace and serenity
about me.
I've been very conscious and aware of my internal state since the EI. I have a depth of awareness and being available to me that wasn't known to me before. I've been able to deepen my connection with loved ones and to form a deeper connection with my counselling clients in their contact with themselves and in their moments of choice. Simon, our EI master, made his passion for this work obvious as he supported and encouraged us through the weekend. He communicated his desire to us through his direct loving presence.'
RICHARD
'My experience of my first intensive was one of pure liberation. I can truly say that the experience helped me see the reality of my life and that how I had been living it was not how I wanted to be living it. Most notably, I became aware of how much fear I was living with and how much this fear was influencing decisions and choices I was making.
One year later, I am amazed at how far I have come with the new understanding of me. I intend to take EI's twice a year for the indefinite future. I can honestly say that it is without a doubt the most important choice I have ever made.'
COREY
'When I attended my first retreat, I really didn’t have any idea what it would be like. My partner said to me “it’s on a small island off Vancouver Island, and you spend three days contemplating Truth.” I signed up.
At that point in my life I was ready to explore the inner landscape. I was a seeker in search of a path. I think that if this EI retreat had not appeared I would have found some other way of embarking on this journey of spiritual discovery. I am very grateful that I was led to the EI experience. What I like about the EI, is that it is not a doctrine, a religion, or even a practice. It feels more like a gateway. A structure that is carefully constructed with great love and attention, and you are invited to enter the gateway and go wherever your inner journey leads you.
I think I had some idea that I would be sitting on a sunny hilltop, legs folded, meditating for hours on end. It was nothing like that. I found myself in intense relationship with the teachings, the other participants and most suprisingly, myself. When I think of it, it brings tears to my eyes and a wave of gratitude to my heart. It was like sinking deeper and deeper into myself, and as this happened I was able to see and feel more of my connection to the world around me. I was removing constructs and beliefs, injuries and judgments that made up the shell that I had thought was me. At times it was like joyously tossing aside unwanted baggage, and at other times it was more like a battleship with all hands on deck. I was fighting a battle of inner resistance. Whatever my state, wherever I decided this journey was going, I was completely surrounded with support. My fellow participants, each on their own courageous adventure, gave me so much- inspiration, presence, solidarity. The moniters, there to guide, support, and instruct, stepped in when I was stuck and gave counsel from their own rich experience in this work. And Simon was like a lighthouse. He was a beacon, and his devotion to the work and to the participants shone throughout. When I got myself lost, or the storm picked up around me, I was always aware of that beacon that was there to guide me if I needed it. And I also knew that if I couldn’t find my way back, or wouldn’t, Simon would have gotten in a rowboat and come out in the storm to see if I needed anything out there.
KAREN
'There were several different people I spoke with about Simon, Kira, the Enlightenment Intensive and the whole process, but regardless of who they were, how different each one was from the other, there was one commonality I got from each one: Utter conviction and a humble, sincere knowing that this process, with these people, was something beyond which they had ever experienced anywhere else, and at a level that surpassed anything else they had ever experienced. Something I had kept saying was, "I have been on this path for over two decades and have seen and experienced many wonderful things, but honestly, I am still looking for more." All of them replied to me, in a quietly knowing way, "This will bring you more." They were absolutely right. My expectations were not only met, but profoundly surpassed.
The simplicity of the technique allowed me to leave the left brain behind effortlessly and soar. The compassionate warmth of Simon, the facilitators, and the participants creates a nurturing space of love and acceptance, in which one feels it is safe to go to the depths or soar to the heights. The complete and utter respect that is given to every one of the participants at every level, stage and step of their process gives you the freedom to root out the painful, the difficult or the dark, and shine in the beauty of the heart, the soul and the spirit. Each aspect is treated with equal respect, value and importance.
The clear boundaries and ground rules under which the process operates, and throughout which the entire Intensive is conducted, gives everyone the space they need and the confidence required in order to do the profoundly deep work that can be done during this process.
I was profoundly uplifted from the first Enlightment Intensive I was on. The transformation and spiritual energy that engulfed me on that Retreat stayed with me very strongly for months, and the positive affects of it have never left me. This was different than most other experiences I have had, where you uplift in the moment, but then it quickly fades once you leave the experience, and return to the "everyday world". I found this to be a powerful, real tool for change, so I knew I had to come to the next one too.'
KALIA
'Thank you so much Simon for introducing me to this practice and for creating this wonderful space in which I can inquire into the deepest truths of life. I always know that I will be unfailingly supported through the personal contact with you and your staff, through the excellent food served and through the beautiful natural setting in which your retreats take place. Enlightenment Intensives have completely changed my perspective on myself and on life in a way that has given me much deeper meaning and direction.'
ROGER
