40 Days Alchemy of Tranquility Program
Our project is called the 40days program Alchemy of Tranquility. The program is designed for anyone interested in exploring psychology, science, environment and spiritual experience as interrelated dimensions of the self. Our project heals the individual who can then share this healing within his or her community, society, our planet and the global community.
About You
Section 1: About You
Section 2: About Your Organization
Organization Name
Community Healing Centers
Organization Website
Organization Phone
415-499-1115
Organization Address
14 Commercial Blvd., Suite 101, Novato, CA 94949
Organization Country
United States
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
Your idea
Name Your Project
40 Days Alchemy of Tranquility Program
Country your work focuses on
United States
Describe Your Idea
Our project is called the 40days program Alchemy of Tranquility. The program is designed for anyone interested in exploring psychology, science, environment and spiritual experience as interrelated dimensions of the self. Our project heals the individual who can then share this healing within his or her community, society, our planet and the global community.
Innovation
What makes your idea unique?
Our project is called the 40 days program Alchemy of Tranquility. Alchemy is an ancient science used to transform base metals into their purest form, gold. Throughout the ages and in traditions across the globe, a practice of 40 days has been valued as a concentrated method of self discovery, a means of experiencing increased awareness, personal alchemical transformation and healing. We focus on the four seasons of our program which include body, mind, spirit, environment, human being and practice. Our project heals the individual who can then share this healing within his or her community, society, our planet and the global community. The Alchemical process transforms the individual and our world. We provide small salon style practice groups in which individuals work with meditation, stress management techniques and develop their own plan for healing and transformation. In this way
we can begin to positively affect the destructive suffering we experience at the hand of trauma. The small groups then lead to a large meditation practice group to develop and integrate healing. This sequence leads to positive service in our communities at home, the environment or in the global community.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
What impact have you had?
The 40 days program offers an innovative and unique model of change because it integrates body, mind and spirit in a practical method for healing the individual. It differs from other initiatives in the mental health field by offering practical tools based on self inquiry and techniques for inner balance and self discovery including psyche and spirit.
We have implemented a pilot program during 2008 which we are now continuing to develop in 2009. We have impacted several hundred individuals through our program. The impact has led to the development of individual healing and knowledge of self. Individuals have told us that the program creates healing and transformation.
Some of the participant’s comments have included the following:
This program help balance the whole person so we can help the world.
From here I know myself. Now I can help others in my community and in the world.
Thank you for helping me find myself.
Individual’s who are therapists have found it helpful for healing vicarious trauma and restoring their inner balance and understanding. (CEU credits are available for psychotherapists).
Problem
The primary problem our project is addressing relates to the core struggle of the human being in terms of imbalance between body, mind and spirit. There is a need to heal this core aspect of the psyche which becomes the foundation for witnessing peace within and conveying that among our communities and throughout the world.
The Problem: Practical. Intense. Transformative.
This unique program is based on the ancient recognition that psychology, science, and spiritual experience are interrelated and interconnected dimensions of the whole self. To better understand any one dimension requires exploration of all dimensions. Such an exploration fosters emotional balance and a deeper understanding of our attitudes, behavior and spiritual development.
Four day-long sessions are offered over the course of a year, one in each season. Each session builds upon information presented in the previous session. Attendance at all four sessions is encouraged but not required.
Participants interested in more intensive study and who wish to fully integrate, through concentrated practice, the concepts presented in day-long sessions may sign-up for a guided practice group that meets weekly over a 40 day period. Attendance of at least one of the day-long sessions is required and there is a separate registration form and fee.
What to Expect
The workshops introduce techniques of ancient wisdom that lead to confidence and stability. The principles and practices of psychological and spiritual development include:
• Awareness of the body and bringing it into a state of equilibrium.
Exploring the dimensions of ego and using it effectively.
Recognizing the power of mind and its influence on personality.
Increasing concentration, presence, and focus.
Bringing intention and action into alignment.
Accessing the wisdom of the heart and experiencing tranquility.
Location of Workshops
Workshop sessions are held on the beautiful campus of Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. Session fees include lunch at the University cafeteria, which offers locally grown organic food. Click here for a campus map.
Actions
The actions we have taken include implementation of our seasons of healing programs. Each program is designed as a day long retreat for healing.
All four sessions are designed as a year-long cycle, with each session building upon the next. Session times are 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and include lunch.
Season One: Summer – The Foundation
We start with the physical system.
General overview of the physical system
Formation and development of body and brain
Biology, physiology, and science
Season Two: Fall – The Individual: Mind and Environment
We integrate the body and harness the mind.
How the mind forms and develops
Our physical system in communication with our environment
Effects of education, heritage, and society
Neurology, science, and philosophy
Season Three: Winter – Human Being: The Hidden Mysteries
We search within for hidden wisdom.
Understanding the wisdom in human development
The heart and its mysteries
Knowledge of the intuitive, transpersonal, and unseen
Harmony and balance uncovered
Science, spirituality, and a hint of mysticism
Season Four: Spring – Are You Ready for Practice?
We practice and expand self-knowledge.
Integrate what you have learned in seasons one, two, and three
Practice techniques for meditation, self-awareness, and confidence
Coordinate body, mind, heart and essential energy
Stabilize tranquility and balance in your system and environment
Practice Groups
After any one of the day-long workshop sessions held at Dominican University, participants who wish to fully integrate the concepts presented in the workshops through in-depth study and concentrated practice may sign up for a study group wherein they meet weekly and receive instruction for a course of practice over forty days.
At the end of the practice groups we work as a community to provide service to local and global communities. For example, those participants who completed the program in 2008 have begun an initiative to work with HIV positive women in our community. We are exploring global medical care resources to provide service to our larger community through collaboration with our United Nations Non-governmental Organization collaborator.
Results
Throughout the ages and in traditions across the globe, a practice of forty days has been valued as a concentrated method of self discovery, a means of experiencing increased awareness, personal transformation and healing. Practitioners move daily, step-by-step, from a limited experience of self to a greater sense of wholeness. The result of the practice is embracing peace and is known as the Alchemy of Tranquility.
What will it take for your project to be successful over the next three years? Please address each year separately, if possible.
Year 1: Refine and implement our program while developing our computer skills and marketing format.
Year 2: Expand to global access through podcast programs and improved marketing.
Year3: Implement global service projects so individuals who are developing 40 day programs can implement positive service in their communities and throughout the globe. We will need to develop more collaborative partners with United Nations Interfaith programs, etc..
What would prevent your project from being a success?
The lack of marketing, participation and expansion of our program to form collaborations for global service projects so that we can not realize results to within global communities.
How many people will your project serve annually?
101‐1000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
More than $4000
Does your project seek to have an impact on public policy?
Sustainability
What stage is your project in?
Operating for 1‐5 years
In what country?
United States
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
Yes
If yes, provide organization name.
Community Healing Centers
How long has this organization been operating?
More than 5 years
Does your organization have a Board of Directors or an Advisory Board?
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with NGOs?
Yes
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with businesses?
No
Does your organization have any non-monetary partnerships with government?
No
Please tell us more about how these partnerships are critical to the success of your innovation.
We are a non-profit organization operating with the non-monetary partnership support of the NGO DPI for the United Nations working to advance human rights globally. Our 40 days program program is designed to support the healing and transformation of the individual so that he or she will be capable of giving back to humanity vis a vis service projects. We promote efforts on behalf of our communities, local and or global communities. Service is the expression of the balance and inner awareness derived through the 40 days program.
What are the three most important actions needed to grow your initiative or organization?
1. Financial support to develop computer based support and marketing efforts including world wide podcasts. 2. Participation 3. Collaboration for service projects locally and globally.
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
The world crises, particularly environmental problems elucidated by the United Nations under the New Millennium Goals, 911, wars in the middle east and resultant military trauma led us to develop this innovation.
We are a group of psychotherapists who also practice Sufism, the mystical teachings of Islam. In the aftermath of 911 and the on-going threats of extremists like Taliban and the war of terrorism we wanted to design a project that counteracts extremist fundamentalist perspectives. We see the importance of healing ourselves and sharing that with our communities and our planet. By focusing on the human potential for healing and positive change across cultures, class, race, ethnicity within our humanness we can create positive change in our world. And, our world is in dire need of healing and peace.
Tell us about the social innovator behind this idea.
The Community Healing Centers is a non-profit organization founded to provide essential services to the community. Each Center is a local provider of counseling and psychological services designed to meet a variety of needs for adults, children, couples, and families,
The Healing Center approach integrates Western psychology with ancient wisdom to bring balance and harmony to the whole person. The clinical staff is comprised of highly trained and qualified psychotherapists and interns specializing in a broad spectrum of clinical issues.
Classes, groups, and workshops are offered by the Community Education Program on a variety of topics including stress-reduction, parenting, meditation, women's issues, men's issues, and Continuing Education classes for therapists (Provider #PCE 2334). Our 40 days Alchemy of Tranquility program is an innovative program for healing and transformation of the individual and local and global community.
Educational and stress-management programs may be custom designed to meet specific needs and are offered on-site to corporate and non-profit organizations.
Visionary Leadership from the Workshop Director
Shah Nazar Ali Kianfar, a world-renowned Sufi master who has been teaching for over thirty years, directs and guides the 40 day Alchemy of Tranquility program.
Workshop Presenters
Jamal Granick, MFT
Mary Toth Granick, MFT
Arife Ellen Hammerle, Ph.D., MFT
Rahmaneh Lynn Larkin, LCSW
Salima Ginny Matchette, MFT
Salim George Matchette, MFT
Katherine Preston, MFT
Amineh Amelia Pryor, Ph.D., MFT
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Friend or family member
If through another, please provide the name of the organization or company
- Login to post new content in this forum.
