Cultivating Presence; Eastern and Western Pathways to Inner Freedom, 3 of 3-part
Online, 3 Thursdays offered individually JAN 29, FEB 5 & FEB 12.
Book individual session(s) for $25 each.
Book all 3 sessions | $65 regular | Early bird discount $57, use promo code FREEDOM exp. 1/22.
Across time and cultures, wisdom traditions have pointed to the same realization: much of human suffering arises from identification with thought. The Yoga Sutras state that “Yoga is experienced in that mind which has ceased to identify itself with its vacillating waves of perception” (1:2 – M. Stiles translation), pointing to the way mental activity distorts reality and creates a false sense of disconnection. Modern teachers such as Eckhart Tolle echo this understanding, highlighting how attachment to thought forms gives rise to the illusion of a separate self. Likewise, contemporary psychology and emotional intelligence research show that our interpretations—and our awareness of them—deeply shape how we feel, relate, and respond to life.
In this three-part experiential workshop series, Dylan Burditt, a licensed psychotherapist and yoga teacher, and Diana Meltsner, a certified yoga therapist and meditation trainer, invite you to explore the nature of thought through both Eastern and Western lenses, integrating mindfulness and self-awareness, psychotherapeutic theories and modalities, and emotional intelligence. Through teaching, guided meditation, discussion, and reflection, we will explore theories of thinking alongside how to witness and navigate the mind rather than be ruled by it. Participants will discover practical tools to recognize thought-driven emotional patterns, respond with greater clarity and compassion, and experience the freedom that arises when awareness is no longer trapped in the trance of thought.
Individual Session Overviews:
1. Jan 29 The Nature of Thought and the Roots of Suffering — How mental activity shapes perception, emotion, and pain.
2. Feb 5 Witnessing the Mind — Awareness practices from yoga, mindfulness, and modern psychology.
3. Feb 12 Living Beyond the Trance — Integrating presence and emotional intelligence into daily life
You have the option to sign up for them individually or for all 3.
Ideal for: Anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the mind and emotions, mindfulness practitioners, yoga students and teachers, therapists, coaches, and those interested in bridging spirituality, psychology, and emotional well-being.
Sessions will be recorded and available to all enrolled students for two weeks.
Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP, has been teaching a variety of classes and workshops since 2001 and since 2017 offers yoga therapy sessions privately and at Integral Yoga Therapy Clinic in San Francisco. She has over 15 years of experience in leading and co-teaching Yoga and Meditation teacher trainings. She has been working in the clinical setting for Kaiser Permanente since 2005 as a yoga teacher, yoga therapist, and health educator. Diana’s focus is on the healing aspects of Yoga on the mind as well as the body by applying the physical postures, practices of breath-control, mindfulness and meditation. Diana helps her clients to find the ability to move through life with increased ease, stress resilience, and intuition. Diana Meltsner works as a programs manager at Integral Yoga Institute, an urban ashram in San Francisco. dianameltsner.com
Dylan Burditt has his RYT-500 from the Integral Yoga Institute, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and currently resides in and serves the community of Mammoth Lakes, CA through yoga teachings and working professionally as a psychotherapist. In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his partner and dog, being in nature, buzzing through cities, cooking and eating delicious plant-based food, traveling, experiencing music, being quiet, and connecting to body, mind, soul, and higher power. You can learn more about him and his offerings at dylanburditt.com.
