TAT 2018 August Workshop
Beyond Imagination
Friday through Sunday
August 17-19, 2018
at the Claymont Society Mansion, WV
There is a Reality which is Indivisible, One, Alone, the Source and Being of all; not a thing, nor even a mind, but pure Spirit or clear Consciousness; and we are That and nothing but That, for That is our true Nature; and the only way to find It is to look steadily within, where are to be found utmost peace, unfading joy, and eternal life itself.
~ Douglas Harding
Photo: Bob Fergeson nostalgiawest.com
What is holding us back from seeing and intimately experiencing something grand inside of us that is beyond anything we can imagine? How do we permanently open the door to the very depths of our indivisible Being? What keeps us from seeing an enduring Love that forever ends our heartache?
Answers to these questions aren't as complex as often conveyed in spiritual teachings. The TAT Foundation's August Workshop offers three very different approaches to recognizing our blocks and exploring distinct doorways to unimaginable Being and Love.
Using small-group sessions, we hope to create an atmosphere in which our heart and mind might open wide to a simple answer behind our most profound question. We aim to foster an environment where bonds of friendship will be formed, and renewed.
The weekend begins with a standalone session on Friday evening for those who can arrive early. On Saturday, participants split into small groups for two interactive workshops (see August Workshop details), coming back together for other activities. Participants again split into groups for a third workshop on Sunday morning.
Meet our presenters:
Jenny Clarke - In May of 2012, after decades of spiritual study and self-inquiry, Jenny's identification as a separate, individual self fell away. A spaciousness, love, and peace were left in its place. Now, her singular vision is to appreciate and share the simplicity, beauty, love, and perfection of life no matter what direction it may unfold in any given moment.
Currently, Jenny is retired and resides in Raleigh, NC, where her 3 young granddaughters constantly reflect the innocence, play, aliveness, and truth of who we really are. She assists in facilitating Satsangs in the Raleigh area and a monthly "Awakening Experience" group at the Unity Church of the Triangle.
Norio Kushi - Norio was born in New York City to Japanese parents. At age five, while his mother was breastfeeding his younger brother, she said to Norio, "Always trust your feelings, your feelings will guide you through your life." Many years later, he discovered that the world in which we find our self is a world that is continually being created from the way we've been programmed. Norio refers to this current programming as a "linear time-based reality." In 2003, he inadvertently, without effort, shifted from this programmed way of seeing. With this perceptual shift—the attention no longer fixated in this programmed reality—the true nature of being human began revealing itself, finally unveiling the cosmic joke, that we're never lacking, always whole and complete, always at home in our bodies and in the world.
Norio currently drives a truck throughout North America.
Shawn Pethel - Shawn began his search for answers at 3 years old, upon discovering that the voice in his head wasn't him. He lived an otherwise normal childhood until age 16, when he had a profound mystical experience that opened his heart. As a young man, he stumbled upon the literature of enlightenment and sought out various seeker groups until finding a home at the TAT Foundation in 2007. Through TAT he made many new friends and met wonderful teachers to help him on his way. After 7 years and a series of insights, he had a realization that answered all questions and ended his seeking.
Shawn lives in North Alabama with his wife, two sons, and two cats.
Additionally, during the weekend there will be a Silent Rapport Sitting and Group Meditation Sessions.
The registration deadline for the August Workshop is Sunday, August 12th.
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Weekend Schedule 
Friday, August 17, 2018
Saturday, August 18, 2018
~ or ~
Sunday, August 19, 2018 
Sketch of the historic Claymont Society Mansion
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5:00 to 7:30 PM - Set-up and arrivals
Nurturing What We Are with Jenny Clarke.
When we try to think about what we truly are, it is like looking into a black hole – the mind simply cannot go there. So, how can we nurture something that the mind cannot see or cannot think about? Perhaps the key is to consider that there is a space that is "not the mind." How might we nurture that space? How might we use Love as a guide as we work ourselves backwards through the layers of misidentification of the mind? Join Jenny as we explore how affectionate attention and love can be used in the self-inquiry process and open us into that which is already there in us, and waiting to be nurtured.Location and Facilities
The event is being held at the Claymont Society Mansion near Charles Town in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. The mansion's historical ambience mixes perfectly with 350 private acres of forests and farmland. Sleeping accommodations include a mixture of single and double beds in 12 rooms and 6 shared bathrooms. Claymont provides towels and bed linens for overnight guests (guests make and strip their own beds). During the registration process, we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all mansion guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with other participants. On-site camping is available in the lawn area near the mansion.
The Claymont Society Mansion is located at 577 Claymont Mansion Road, Charles Town, WV 25414 [GPS coordinates: N39.26740, W77.90390]. Claymont is 50 miles/60 minutes from the Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C. Travel directions to Claymont Mansion.
Costs
The August Workshop fees per person for TAT members are as follows:
- $130 for members, which includes meeting registration and overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday in the Claymont Mansion, or
- $80 for members who arrange alternative lodging; this includes meeting registration and on-site camping if desired. Camping is informal—no hook-ups or restrooms.
The non-member fees per person are:
- $180 for non-members, which includes meeting registration and overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday in the Claymont Mansion, or
- $120 for non-members who arrange alternative lodging; this includes meeting registration and on-site camping if desired. Camping is informal—no hook-ups or restrooms.
Full-time students should contact for information on discounted registration fees.
Use PayPal to pay with these credit cards (PayPal account not necessary).
PayPal
is "fast, free and secure" and allows payment by credit card or electronic withdrawal from a bank account. Checks (in U.S.
dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank) or money orders (domestic only) made payable to the TAT Foundation are also accepted if received by the registration
deadline.
Support TAT by becoming a Regular, Sustaining, or Lifetime Member.
Visit our membership page for information about TAT memberships.
* The TAT Foundation hosts four public events each year. Registration fees vary depending on the event location. Because we are an all-volunteer organization, please allow up to 5 business days before receiving confirmation of your payment. See our membership overview or email if you have questions about registration fees.
Space is limited, so registration is required. The deadline for registration is Sunday, August 12th. Upon receipt of your registration, a packet containing information on lodging and driving directions will be sent to you. You may cancel your registration on or before August 12th and receive a refund, minus a $5 handling fee. Cancellations after August 12th will not be refunded. Because ADA-compliant facilities are limited in the mansion, persons with a disability should contact before registering.
Meals
Meals are potluck style for Saturday and Sunday continental breakfasts, Saturday and Sunday lunches, and Saturday dinner. We ask that each event participant bring 2 items, totaling about $15. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough food to serve 7 people with each item. All meals are included for non-members. Sorry, we cannot reduce fees for those who prefer to bring their own food. TAT will provide coffee and tea.
Lodging
For those who register using the alternative (off-site) lodging option, the following overnight accommodations are located near the Claymont Society Mansion:
- Americas Best Value Inn, 807 Willow Spring Dr, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2041
- Carriage Inn Bed & Breakfast, 417 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (800) 867-9830
- Hampton Inn and Suites, 157 Pimlico Drive, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2200
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel Ranson, 681 Flowing Springs Road, Ranson, WV (304) 725-1330
- Northgate Inn, 106 Jefferson Terrace Rd, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-1402
- The Inn at Charles, 750 Hollywood Drive, Charles Town, WV (304) 885-5800
- Towne House Motor Lodge, 642 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-8441
- Turf Motel, 741 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV (304) 725-2081
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For more information... email:
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What is the TAT Foundation?
A group encouraging people to think rather than believe. A group determined to help people find ways and means to answer their deepest philosophical questions. A gathering of friends who are not afraid to be honest with one another. An island of hope and sanity (or at least the hope for sanity!). Last, but not least, TAT is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization chartered in 1973.