“What is, is, now. Knowing this and being reconciled with this is liberation from seeking and becoming, liberation from victimization, and liberation from past and future.”
― Salvadore Poe
The mind is creative, operating in imagination.
“I should have”, “It could have been different”, and “Someday I will” are thoughts created in imagination.
Judgments, fears, insecurities, worries, and identities, while deeply felt in reality, also exist only in imagination.
The mind creates imaginary worlds that literally only exist as temporary, fleeting thought. Those imaginary worlds, when mistaken for reality, create enormous suffering. In fact, they are the only source of suffering.
So, what then is reality?
Reality is what’s here, immediate, now. It’s the subtle fluttering in your stomach as you read these words, the sensations felt behind the eyes, the sound of the clock ticking, the colors seen, the taste in your mouth.
This is reality. It’s obvious and direct. It’s before interpretation, non-verbal, non-conceptual.
Reality is true intimacy. Reality can be trusted and relaxed into. It has a radiance that imagination lacks. It is illuminated, immediate, and alive.
Why look toward reality?
Reality is the only truth. Imagination will invent identities and problems that don’t exist and attention will spin in solutions to those imaginary problems.
Imagination is exhausting. Reality is full of energy.
Imagination is finite and always insecure. Reality is infinite and endlessly safe and complete.
The Dalai Lama was asked by a reporter to share the happiest moment in his life. His response was “I think right now.” That’s living in reality.
Please join me, your fellow community members, and like-minded others as we spend two days exploring the nature of imagination and reality.
We’ll look at why this difference matters and what begins to reveal itself as we more clearly see the difference.
Why Gather Live?
It’s amazing that we have such a close and supportive online community…and there is something incredibly powerful about coming together to explore with others.
Past live events have helped people ground in what’s being shared in a way that feels somehow different from what we experience through our screens. We’ll also get to connect in the ways Zoom doesn’t allow, like sharing meals, hugs, and conversation.
Details
When: Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th, 2024
We will meet from 10am to roughly 4pm ET each day with a midday lunch break.
There will be an optional group dinner organized on Friday evening.
Location:
Bearded Lamb Brewing Company
149 W. Liberty Street
Plymouth, Michigan
📍 Map
Although we will gather above a local brewery, beer will not be part of the event!
Everyone is Welcome!
This immersion weekend is open to anyone who would love to explore the deeper nature of reality versus imagination. We would love to welcome you.
Please register early as space is limited.
Early Bird: $350 until June 15th ($399 after June 15th)
The event price covers the workshop itself and light refreshments throughout the weekend. Meals, transportation, and lodging are not included.
I would love to spend two days exploring with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the event be live-streamed or recorded?
No, the event will not be live-streamed or recorded in order to preserve the intimacy of our in-person gathering.
Where is Plymouth, Michigan?
Plymouth is about 30 miles west of Detroit, and about a 25 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport. Detroit Metro is the airport you’d fly into.
Where would I stay?
Two hotels we recommend are:
Hilton Garden Inn, Plymouth (approximately $160 per night) https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/detphgi-hilton-garden-inn-plymouth/
Holiday Inn Express, Plymouth (approximately $160 per night)
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/plymouth/dtwpm/hoteldetail/
Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to share a room with another attendee and we will attempt to pair you with a roommate. If you’d like to share a room, email support@dramyjohnson.com and let us know which hotel you’re choosing or if you’re interested in sharing a room with another participant regardless of hotel.
What’s the best way to get around?
The best way to travel between Metro Airport and the Plymouth hotels is using rideshare (Uber or Lyft) or renting a car.
Uber and Lyft can also be used for traveling between the hotels and the event venue, but they are not as fast or plentiful as in a bigger city. Keep that mind if you decide to go that route. It might take longer than you’re used to for your driver to become available.
If you plan to have a car and are willing to offer rides to participants staying in your hotel, please let support@dramyjohnson.com know.
Have Questions?
Please share your questions here and we will get back to you. I would love to have you join us!
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