There's a feeling of longing that clings to the undefined human being. It points backward in time, to a previous state of untroubled innocence and beauty. It's often associated with childhood, and we know we can't go back there, which can color the feeling with sadness. Ultimately, though, it points back to before time began, to the Home we come from before consciousness arises. And, by awakening to our true state of being, we can go back there. Such awakening of the mind is the True Desire underlying all lesser desires.
Join us during TAT's April 2012 weekend intensive. Experience a weekend of open and honest communication, hear stories of seeking and finding, participate in discussion, and make connections with others on the path of self discovery.
The registration deadline for the April intensive is Friday, April 6th.
Weekend Schedule
(click on any photo to enlarge)
Saturday, April 14th, 2012
8:00 to 9:30 AM - Potluck continental breakfast
9:30 AM - Welcome and introduction with Gerry Forewell.
9:45 to 10:30 AM - Swimming in the Inner Ocean: Trips to the Beach, presented by Bob Fergeson
Join Bob in a discussion of the varied ways we can use to hear the voice of our inner ocean, the heart of our true desires.
Read an excerpt from Bob's book The Listening Attention for a preview of his perspective.
10:30 to 10:45 AM - Break
10:45 to 11:45 AM - Further exploration of Bob's talk
Noon to 1:30 PM - Lunch (provided)
1:30 to 2:15 PM - A Wider and Wilder Vision, led by Shawn Nevins
Notes on assumptions, beliefs, and perspectives that bind and free us.
Shawn's essays and poetry appear in the TAT Forum. Visit the Forum Archive for a complete list of his writings.
2:15 to 2:30 PM - Break
2:30 to 3:30 PM - Further exploration of Shawn's session
3:30 to 4:30 PM - Optional rapport sitting, led by Paul Constant
4:30 to 5:30 PM - Free time
5:30 to 7:00 PM - Dinner (provided)
7:00 to 9:00 PM - TAT Unplugged: an Open Space session
Sunday, April 15th, 2012
8:00 to 9:00 AM - Potluck continental breakfast
9:00 to 10:15 AM - Remembering Your True Desire ... and Acting on It, presented by Art Ticknor
Spiritual action is like diving for the Pearl beyond Price. What do you do when you don't know what to do or how to do it?
An informal discussion centered around the question: "What prevents effective spiritual action?"
Read Look at Awareness for a sample of Art's thinking.
10:15 to 10:30 AM - Break
10:30 AM to 11:30 PM - Further exploration of Art's topic
Noon to 1:30 PM - Lunch (provided)
1:30 to 2:15 PM - Make Your Whole Life a Prayer, with Heather Saunders
An exploration of prayer as a tool on the path to Truth.
See My Palliative Guru for an example of Heather's writing.
2:15 to 3:00 PM - Break
3:00 to 4:00 PM - Further exploration of Heather's topic
4:00 to 4:30 PM - Closing remarks and adjourn
Location and Facilities
T he event is being held at Penn Scenic View in southwestern Pennsylvania. The facility includes a conference room in Stable Lodge, which has an upstairs bunkhouse room and several dormitory rooms for overnight lodging. Additionally, the Red Oak and Green Hemlock cabins are available for lodging and break-out meeting locations. Penn Scenic provides bed linens, pillows, and bath towels for overnight guests. During the registration process, we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with other participants. On-site camping is available in the lawn area near Stable Lodge.
Penn Scenic View is located at 118 Scenic View Lane, Rockwood, PA 15557 [GPS coordinates: N39.97635 W079.24017]. Penn Scenic is one and a half hours from the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Costs
The April intensive fees per person for TAT members are as follows:
The non-member fees per person are:
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.
Become a TAT member for $40 before March 15th and register at the discounted member prices.
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 Friday, April 6th. 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 Friday, April 6th and receive a refund, minus a $5 handling fee. Cancellations after April 6th will not be refunded. Because ADA-compliant facilities are limited in the Stable Lodge, persons with a disability should contact before registering.
Meals
Lunches on Saturday and Sunday and dinner on Saturday are catered from a local establishment. Continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday are potluck style. Bring and share your favorite cereal, pastries, fruit, juice, bagels, etc. Coffee and tea are provided throughout the weekend.
Off-Site Lodging
For those who register using the alternative (off-site) lodging option, the following overnight accommodations are located near Penn Scenic View:
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 folks 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.