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June 2023 TAT Gathering

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The Search for Self-Definition

June Gathering – The Search for Self-Definition: What’s Taking So Long?

A TAT Foundation Retreat: Friday through Sunday, June 9-11, 2023

“The path to truth begins with the self.”
– TAT Founder, Richard Rose (https://selfdefinition.org/rose)

“I say that there are three things that have to be answered: Who you were before you were born, who you are after death, and what your relation is to the Ultimate. And any movement that does not answer all three of them doesn’t answer any of them.”
– Richard Rose (Direct Mind Experience, p. 87)

“One of the most difficult things for people on a spiritual path to get away from is cowardice–allowing things to happen to them because ‘God wants them to happen.’ And while you’re indulging in some fascination or another you’re convinced, ‘This is important, this is my destiny, this is the real me.’ But after your appetite is sated, you look up and shake your head and wonder what is [SIC] was that possessed you. Whole lives pass that way, moving from one distraction and disappointment to another, and people never wise up–until it’s too late.”
– Richard Rose (After the Absolute, Gold; ed. Marshall, p. 50)

How do you define your “self?” And how long have you been seeking answers to your most burning question(s)? What keeps you motivated? Please join fellow seekers at the TAT Center in North Carolina for the June, 2023 TAT Spiritual Retreat weekend. Together, we will explore the idea of self-definition, as well as possible obstacles that may be blocking a satisfactory answer and conclusion to your journey.

The registration deadline for TAT’s June Spiritual Retreat Weekend is Wednesday, June 7.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, June 9, 2023

  • 5:00 to 7:30 PM – Set-up and arrivals; Potluck drop off; informal tours of the TAT center
  • 7:30 to 9:00 PM – Getting to know you: “Who are you, really?” Introductory group session
  • 9:00 PM to ? – Informal conversation

Saturday, June 10, 2023

  • 7:30 to 8:00 AM – Optional group meditation
  • 8:00 to 8:15 AM – Break
  • 8:15 to 9:15 AM – Potluck continental breakfast and open discussion
  • 9:15 to 9:30 AM – Welcome
  • 9:30 to 10:30 AM – “Self-Definition” Part 1: Presentations by long time spiritual seekers. Q & A
  • 10:30 to 10:45 AM – Break
  • 10:45 to 12:00 PM – “Self-Definition”: Writing exercises and small group discussions
  • 12:00 Noon to 12:15 PM – Break
  • 12:15 to 1:15 PM – Potluck lunch
  • 1:15 to 1:30 PM – Break
  • 1:30 to 2:45 PM – “Self-Definition” Part 2: Presentations by long time spiritual seekers. Q & A
  • 2:45 to 3:00 PM – Break
  • 3:00 to 5:45 PM – Group activities to include:
    • Write your spiritual resume
    • Motivation: Is your motto “What’s the hurry?” Or, “Why the wait?”
    • Backing away from untruth: What are you not? How are you kidding yourself?
    • Group self-inquiry
  • Optional free time or movement session.
  • 5:45 to 6:00 PM – Break
  • 6:00 to 7:15 PM – Potluck dinner
  • 7:15 to 7:30 PM – Break
  • 7:30 to 9:00 PM – What have you learned? What do you know for sure? Panel of long time seekers explore what they are looking for, why they think they do or don’t have it and what experience has taught them. Q & A.
  • 9:00 to ? PM – Free time; informal discussion

Sunday, June 11, 2023

  • 7:30 to 8:00 AM – Optional group meditation
  • 8:00 to 8:15 AM – Break
  • 8:15 to 9:15 AM – Potluck continental breakfast and open discussion
  • 9:15 to 9:30 AM – Break
  • 9:30 to 10:30 AM – “What’s Taking So Long?” A panel of long-time seekers will discuss motivation and obstacles.
  • 10:30 to 10:45 AM – Break
  • 10:45 to 12:00 PM – Art Ticknor Why does it take so long? Art will attempt to track the explanations provided by the presenters and in discussions, ask all participants to estimate how probable each explanation is, and then add his own perspective.
  • 12:00 PM to 12:15 PM – Meeting wrap-up and feedback for future meetings
  • 12:15 to 1:30 PM – Potluck lunch and open discussion
  • 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Clean up and adjourn
  • 2:00 PM to ? – Talk / walk / explore
Photo by Veri Ivanova on Unsplash

Location, Facilities, and Lodging

The event is being held at the new TAT Center near Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, USA. The 5,500 square foot Center is situated on a beautiful 15-acre site. It is only 50 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).

We ask that attendees respect the health of other attendees. If you think you’ve got something contagious, whether that be a cold, flu, or whatever, please use your common sense, think of others, and stay home. Refunds will be issued on request. Masks will be available at the TAT Center if needed.

There are a few (less than 15) on-site beds available. Sleeping accommodations include new, comfortable twin-size beds, linens, pillows, and blankets in bedrooms shared with 1 or 2 people. All bathrooms are shared and towels are provided. The capacity of the water system is suitable for the meeting and as there are three showers available during the weekend, we will schedule time slots for those at the TAT Center as you arrive.

If you are interested in on-site lodging, please click “Add to Cart” under the Room reservation section below.
Lodging is an additional $50 for the weekend. Note that we will do our best to accommodate room preferences, but all guests should expect to share sleeping quarters and bathrooms with at least one other participant.

Costs

The fees per person for TAT members are as follows:

$90 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:

$130 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 TAT Foundation events for information on discounted registration fees.

If cost is a serious issue that will make or break your attendance, please let us know. We do not want someone to refrain from attending for reasons of cost.

Event registration closes on Wednesday June 7, 2023. To Register:

A. To register for the event only, please enter your name, email address, and meal preference. Registration fees depend on membership status. Check the drop-down list below. If you are interested in on-site lodging, please click “Add to Cart” under the Room reservation in section B. If you want to become a member or renew an annual membership in the same transaction, please see the drop-down list in section D.

Fee
Vegetarian Meals?
Your Name
Your Email

B. Room Reservations are $50. Add to Cart if required. Please note these are sold on a first come, first served basis. No rooms are available.

Room Reservation
Name
Email

C. The TAT Foundation currently has three categories of membership:

  • Annual (calendar year): $40
  • Sustaining: $10 per month
  • Lifetime: $500

Please note that while one membership covers both spouses, two participation fees are required if both spouses participate in the event. You can pay for a $40 Annual membership in section D below, or visit our membership page for the Sustaining and Lifetime options.

D. Become an annual member/renew membership AND register for the event:

Registration Fee
Vegetarian Meals?
Name
Email

The deadline for registration is Wednesday, June 7th. Upon receipt of your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with information on the venue’s address, facilities, and meals. You may cancel your registration on or before June 7th and receive a refund, minus the PayPal transaction fee. Cancellations after June 7th will not be refunded. Because ADA-compliant facilities are limited, persons with a disability should contact TAT Foundation events before registering.

Meals

Meals are potluck style for Saturday and Sunday continental breakfasts, Saturday and Sunday lunches, and Saturday dinner. All meals are included for non-members. We ask that each TAT member bring 2 items, totaling about $20. A good rule of thumb is to bring enough food to serve 7 people with each item. Sorry, we cannot reduce fees for those who prefer to bring their own food. TAT will provide coffee and tea.

Off-Site Lodging

For those who register using the alternative (off-site) lodging option, the following overnight accommodations are a 20-to-30 minute drive from the TAT Center:

  • Americas Best Value Inn Roxboro, 1006 N Madison Blvd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-9276
  • Budget Inn Roxboro, 1033 N Madison Blvd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-3151
  • Hampton Inn Roxboro, 920 Durham Road Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-8800
  • Holiday Inn Express Hillsborough, 202 Cardinal Drive , Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 (919) 644-7997
  • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hillsborough, 120 Old Dogwood Street Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 (919) 245-3102
  • Quality Inn Roxboro, 906 Durham Rd, Roxboro, NC 27573 (336) 599-3800

You may also try searching Airbnb or VRBO for accommodations in the Roxboro, Hillsborough, or Hurdle Mills areas.