Forty-five spiritual teachers, members of “The Association for Spiritual Integrity”, met for four hours prior to the start of the 2019 Science and Nonduality Conference. For the first couple of hours, we engaged in a deep, honest discussion about the challenges teachers face, seeking to learn how we might better support one another. We then broke into six groups, each focusing on a particular topic. Then we reassembled and recorded the remainder of the meeting.

This video includes:

Introduction by Rick

Summary of discussions in each of the six breakout groups.

(1) Bringing forth women and feminine empowerment.

(2) Ongoing growth for teachers and continuing education, trauma, attachment, and shadow work.

(3) Creating community and peer support

(4) Healthy power dynamics and dual relationships

(5) The Ethics of the Spiritual Community

(6) The importance of awareness of teacher misbehavior and discerning between real misbehavior and false accusations.

A personal or professional commitment expressed by each teacher in the meeting.

Summary and Transcript of this meeting

Recorded October 24, 2019

YouTube Video Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting

00:01:04 - Discussion and Breakout Groups

00:01:57 - Appreciation for Gifted Leaders

00:02:52 - ASI: Continued Education and Growth

00:03:54 - Incorporating Yin Teachings into SAND

00:05:09 - Supporting Each Other in the Process of Bringing Balance

00:06:15 - Creating a Safe Space for Teachers

00:07:22 - Online Teacher Assessment and Community Support for Spiritual Teachers

00:08:23 - Increased Support and Accountability

00:09:26 - Creating a Referral Listing for Affordable Retreats

00:10:28 - Difficulties with Dual Relationships and Power Dynamics

00:11:31 - Power dynamics and emotional triggers

00:12:42 - Keeping data on ethical behavior and misbehavior of teachers and guides

00:13:37 - Awareness of Misconduct

00:14:37 - Bringing forth the importance of the feminine and women's voices

00:15:39 - Spending time in silence and self-reflection

00:16:35 - Commitment to Women's Video Conference Group

00:17:35 - Organizing Information and Workshops

00:18:20 - Commitment to Authentic and Heartfelt Communication

00:19:13 - Personal Commitments to Self-Care and Understanding

00:20:05 - Creating Online Safe Spaces for Peer-to-Peer Interactions

00:20:58 - Commitments to Marginalized Communities and Openness to Learning

00:21:48 - Committing to Integrity and Love

00:22:49 - The Teachings of Don Juan Matus and Padmasambhava

00:23:48 - Commitment to Awareness and Empowerment

00:24:51 - Commitment to Service and Divine Embodiment

00:25:59 - Recommitting to Integrity and Healing for All

00:27:00 - Commitment to Personal and Professional Evolution

00:28:03 - Supporting and Connecting with Each Other

00:29:05 - A Beautiful Thing We're Creating

00:29:54 - Appreciation for support and resources