How We Change and Why We Don’t: The Art and Science of Transformation

Have you ever worked hard to make a change, only to find yourself slipping back into old habits and patterns? Are you in the midst of riding massive waves of change and need a few surfing lessons? This workshop is for people who are in the process of change, or who work as change agents with individuals, groups or the collective. Through dialogue, experiential practice and creative process, we will learn about the emerging science of transformation and explore indigenous, religious, spiritual and secular models of transformation. Examine how peak experiences, a-ha! and extraordinary moments and awe can stimulate change; investigate the transformative potential of pain, struggle, hitting bottom and post-traumatic growth; delve into stories, symbols and metaphors of transformation; and map your own lifelong journey of change. We will also examine how people can get stuck or lost, and how to shake free from periods of inertia or patterns that prevent us from moving forward.

Recommended reading: Schlitz, Vieten and Amorok, Living Deeply: The Art and Science of Transformation in Everyday Life.

For additional continuing education information, see https://www.esalen.org/how-we-change-1119.

CE credit for psychologists; see leader.

CE credit for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs and LEPs; see leader.

CE credit for nurses; see leader.