“Conscious living entails examining what our habits have made us, and what part of the legacy from our past habits we truly want to keep, and what we choose to discard.”

David B. Wolf

“To withhold is to perish”

Kahlil Gibran

“The course has given me invaluable tools for dramatically increasing the quality of my life. I can openly and honestly say that it is the best course I have ever taken. The facilitation created such an incredible atmosphere required for transformation to take place. It seemed like you knew exactly where everyone was coming from, where they needed to go, and how to get there.”

Psychology Student
Combined Course 2003

“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet.”

Mahatma Gandhi

David Radio Hour- Feb 1st
In this show David develops the theme of living with urgency.

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Gabriel Coleman- Deep and inspirational experience. I created breakthroughs. Truly enjoyed it.

Sue P. Smith-  I wish I had taken this 40 years ago. It will change my life and connect me to my family.

Patrick Mangum-
This was my second time taking the Foundational. Taking the Foundational after the Advanced Course was like taking a completely different course than the first Foundational experience. I have undergone a rapid transformation since the Foundational and approached this Foundation with a completely different consciousness and was able to gain just as much if not more this time than last time. I was able to be a sponge this time, taking in as much as I could.

Stan Rousonelos-
The Foundational experience was truly amazing…It was an unfolding process that brought me a new comfort and sense of peace which came from a higher place. . .

Jasha DiDomenico (Schurger)-
Retaking the course definitely helped me to integrate more fully the basic skills that are essential to true communication…I got the validation that I can listen (sometimes!). This has lifted my spirit in ways that will continue to expand with time. Marie is amazing in her heartfelt intention to truly share this transformative practice to as many as possible. . .

Gudrun Fischer-
Good experience, with lots of applicability for my product management and coaching work. . .

Jenessa Paige-
Marie! Loved the energy you brought to the course! I was surprised what came up for me today, and last night, and I am interested in what will come from the introspection it inspires! . . .

Natalie Marie Saltmarsh-
Some of my realizations so far:

• The care & empathy I’ve received since the workshop + follow up phone calls + seminar fills me with gratitude + awe. Thank you!
• Tapped into my sensitivity + vulnerability in a safe environment + I am inspired to go further …at the advanced course in April.
• Learned tools to take responsibility for my broken agreements + awareness of the grungies + payoffs, so I can transform and instead be in my integrity w/ honesty + trust.
• “Have to”  — “Get To”
• I am renewed, transformed, and thankful. The Satvatove in me greets + thanks the Satvatove in you.

by Jens Kirschner

From the Satvatove Archive:

In February 2006 I visited the Satvatove communication and transformation seminars. Till that time I considered myself as intelligent, self-confident, male and superior. I was able to express myself very well and convince others about my views. Discussions were battles for me that I wanted to win. Based on what I had heard about the Foundational Course, I did not consider it to be of great importance for me. I looked at the Advanced Course as a challenge.

In both courses I experienced completely new patterns and ways of dealing with myself and other people. Already in the Foundational Seminar I felt shaken, confused, weak and needy. Several times I wanted to run away as I was rediscovering my emotional personality. At the end of the Advanced Seminar I had decided to leave my job as a police officer, as my newly discovered “soft” side didn’t seem to fit that occupation anymore. However, at the start of the course we had agreed not to make major life decisions till at least two weeks after the end of the seminar, so I remained in my job.

After the courses I developed a new kind of self-confidence. I’ve reflected on myself and have learnt to accept other people with different opinions. I’ve learned to care about myself and in doing so I’ve also learned to show my environment that I care. I wouldn’t say my life is easier now. In some ways it has become more difficult since I’ve started to genuinely take responsibility for my life. But I have so much more energy available now and for the first time in my life I really feel alive.

My personal change has definitely affected my work as a police officer. Colleagues and citizens feel understood by me, valued and accepted. They have expressed how they have noticed and appreciate the shift in my character. I now feel much safer in my dealings as a policeman. Conflict situations are much less about me personally. In recent months, due to awareness of myself and attentiveness to be empathic in communication, I have encountered only one situation where a citizen resisted my actions in my law enforcement capacity.

In that special case I acted with fierce determination, while simultaneously considerate towards the offender. He was aggressive, and a threat to other young men present, as well as to myself and other police officers. To protect everyone involved I acted quickly and firmly. I did this with calm, with clear intention not to harm. I forced the offender to the ground, and the situation was efficiently resolved. Afterwards I helped the young man to his feet and with gentleness explained about further procedures. My colleagues were amazed that the encounter ended in an almost friendly mood between everyone. Instead of leaving police work, I am endeavoring to integrate my discovered qualities and personal communication strategies into this vocation, and the results have been deeply rewarding.

Towards the end of December we held a Satvatove appreciation dinner here in North Florida, where, since 1999 there have been 25 Foundational Seminars, 14 Advanced Seminars, 8 Life Mastery Programs, and dozens of workshops and other Satvatove adventures. In attendance were about 20 Satvatove graduates who have contributed in special ways to sharing and expanding the impact of the Satvatove experience. Tears flowed. Laughter abounded. It was a memorably sweet experience, fulfilling in every respect- emotionally, spiritually, and gastronomically- as Dave cooked and we all stuffed ourselves beyond reasonable limits.

The special contributions represented at the dinner were quite diverse, covering areas such as accounting, video production, staffing, Satvatove Summit cruise organization, and assistance with room set-up for seminars. Reflecting on the past year I am moved to especially recognize those who took a stand and created a Satvatove seminar. Sometimes we say that if twenty people are interested and excited about a course happening in a particular locality- the course doesn’t happen. However, if one person has clear intention- “This course will happen”- then the seminar manifests. And of course, then the other 10, 20 or 30 who are enthusiastic contribute and synergize, around the one whose commitment is unshakable.

Sanya, Annette and Peter moved mountains in Switzerland to organize two combined Foundational/Advanced Seminars in 2009. This was the fourth set of Satvatove seminars organized by Sanya since 2006, and my heartfelt appreciation goes to her for these prodigious efforts.  There has been a resurgence in Satvatove spirit in North Florida, and Lacey is the main reason for this. Our gratitude goes to Lacey for organizing the Foundational in March, 2009, and fully energizing the other courses in North Florida with the many workshops she has arranged, her caring heart and her unstoppable determination. Breaking new ground (or perhaps, ice) were Tina and Krista. Tina refused to acknowledge any obstacles and organized a Foundational in Edmonton in February (-30 F in the sun), and Krista transcended all limitations in creating the Satvatove Foundational in Petersboro, Ontario. Bringing together international forces, Sanaka manifested an unforgettable spiritual, transformative experience in Vrndavana, India, in November. And special thanks to Govinda Syer for arranging for pervasive Satvatove presence, including several workshops and presentations, at the mela in Los Angeles, and for his ongoing, active support for the programs of Satvatove for the past decade.

Excerpt From A Coaching Letter Written By David Wolf

In this letter David points to how we stifle our growth and self-discovery by our judgments.

. . . I hear how you are noticing your tendency to give the power for and control of your experience to [  ]. It seems that you’re not just noticing it, you’re also judging yourself for it.

“Judging” in the sense that your reaction is not merely “I’m not satisfied and I’m committed to change,” but rather “This isn’t good”. I mention this because oftentimes if our inspiration for change comes from a place of self-acceptance, we’re more likely to succeed at and enjoy the process, compared with when our motivation is driven by harsh self-judgment. I’m not saying that you’re reaction necessarily indicates harsh self-judgment. I’m perceiving that there is something in you, in connection with your relationship with [ ], that you want to shift. You sense that there is a growth opportunity here. In pursuing that self-discovery I encourage you to look at the consciousness behind it, in the spirit of  “The consciousness that created a problem is not able to resolve the problem.” . . .

Excerpt From A Coaching Letter Written By David Wolf

My experience with myself and many others is that rising early is a fairly common challenge- a battle with the senses, the physical urge to want to sleep, that many, if not most, encounter. Just like the senses want to eat more than required, or watch mindless tv, or so many other things that, without conscious restraint, will distract us from meaningful life purpose. An analogy that comes to mind is that of the chariot. It is pulled by five horses, representing the five senses. The self is the passenger, the intelligence is the driver, and the reins are the mind. So, balance is the key. If we let the horses run wild, then obviously that will create a precarious situation, that might land us in a ditch, or off a cliff. Similarly, if we pull the reins too tight (analogously, exerting undue willpower to control the senses- maybe fasting too much, or sleep deprivation, or simply a lack of healthy recreation), then horses buck, and again we’re not controlling the chariot of the body with spiritual strength and intelligence. So, at each phase of life, with each of the senses, it’s an art and science to know how much rein to give.

I think it important here for you to have empathy and compassion for all parts of yourself, including the part that wants to sleep in, and the part that is frustrated, disappointed, that you’re wasting time in that way. I know that you know that if you had full, genuine, sincere clear intention to do so, you’d make those changes. I’m not saying that for you to be harsh with yourself, but rather for you to simply notice what you’re actually committed to, and what you’re not. With such awareness you get to consider what further changes you’re actually ready to put into effect. For whatever you’re not willing to do, you also get to look at how satisfied you are with that choice, and to what extent it may be driven by denial. Whatever denial may be there could very possibly be sapping energy, draining inspiration, with a practical result such as turning off the alarm in the morning for that extra half hour, or two hours, instead of being commitment-driven and tolerating the short-term pain of getting up, with the mid- and long-term benefit of a more productive day, maybe feeling better about yourself, etc. By examining whatever denial might be there, and what it’s made of, you come to a higher level of personal responsibility for your situation, including your motivation level.