Learn to Meditate
International Taoist Meditation Institute
"The most important meditation technique is being centered without falling asleep. It is not mantra. It is not sutra. It is not visualization. It is just to awaken. You keep the sense of awakening within; that is the best centering. In the Tao Te Ching, that is called the mystical castle or the mystical point."
~ Om Ni
~ Om Ni
The International Taoist Meditation Institute serves to sustain and share the ancient meditation practices passed down through the ages in the Taoist tradition. We also train teachers so that these sacred Taoist practices can be shared in their entirety, with integrity, & through thorough instruction.
Ancient meditations are more relevant than ever for sustaining balance in the modern world.
Ancient meditations are more relevant than ever for sustaining balance in the modern world.
Our next Level 1
8 month session
begins March 22, 2023
Level 1
2023
Certification &
Optional Teacher Training
Registration Now Open
Please Begin by Applying
CLICK HERE to be redirected to an application
(meditation certification is open to all who want to deepen their practice, becoming a teacher is optional)
Please do not pay until you have been accepted into the meditation course. Thanks!
What is Taoist Meditation?
Taoist meditation practices balance the body, mind, & spirit, deepening peace, personal power, and clarity. Supported by thousands of years of case studies and several decades of modern scientific evidence, Taoist meditation practice offers an unparalleled experience of oneself as not only the drop of water in the ocean, but also the ocean in the drop of water.
Taoist meditation philosophy is beautifully unique in its view of not only the human being in harmony, but the human being in harmony with all of existence.
Traditional Taoist meditation practice includes the universe, our environment, and our world in meditation, releasing the human being from egoic isolation and welcoming our symbiotic, harmonious co-evolution with all of creation.
Taoist meditation philosophy is beautifully unique in its view of not only the human being in harmony, but the human being in harmony with all of existence.
Traditional Taoist meditation practice includes the universe, our environment, and our world in meditation, releasing the human being from egoic isolation and welcoming our symbiotic, harmonious co-evolution with all of creation.
What is a LIving Lineage?
Books, videos, and apps are simply not enough to teach the true depth of meditation. A living lineage is of the utmost importance in Taoist meditation. Books are beautiful and helpful, however, when you feel confused, have a specific challenge, or need clarification, it's important that you have a living guide you can ask. This living lineage, passed down through generations for thousands of years, supplies the wisdom required to give a complete answer and thorough, specific clarification.
The Taoist tradition emphasizes dialogue with a living guide or teacher to be certain there is a complete, clear understanding of practices and philosophy. Through questioning, inquiries, navigation of challenges, and application of meditation practice to daily life, a living teacher confirms your thorough understanding, emboldening your life and meditation practice.
For meditation to truly live on, this tradition of a human, living relationship between teacher and student must be kept alive.
The Taoist tradition emphasizes dialogue with a living guide or teacher to be certain there is a complete, clear understanding of practices and philosophy. Through questioning, inquiries, navigation of challenges, and application of meditation practice to daily life, a living teacher confirms your thorough understanding, emboldening your life and meditation practice.
For meditation to truly live on, this tradition of a human, living relationship between teacher and student must be kept alive.
Try a Taoist Meditation Now:
Daily meditation is highly recommended by doctors for your health, by employers for your productivity, creativity, & ingenuity, and by spiritual teachers who know world peace begins with peace within yourself.
International Taoist Meditation Institute
Master Teachers
Meet your meditation guides:
Mao Shing Ni
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, L.Ac., D.O.M., Ph.D, ABAAHP, 38th generation Taoist meditator and healer, oversees the sacred meditation teachings of his family with care. The living lineage of the Ni family is a thriving treasure of spiritual wisdom and depth. Sharing these practices with meditators is a gift to the individual, and also a gain to the world. Every living being benefits from inner & outer peace.
"Everyone you meet is a work in progress, including yourself." - Dr. Mao |
Olivia Rosewood
Dr. Olivia Rosewood, Doctor of Divinity, facilitates the passage of these teachings to meditation students with the utmost integrity. A meditation guide for more than twenty years, under her careful guidance, maintaining the wholeness, beauty, eternal truth, and effectiveness of these ancient practices is achievable with every sincere meditator.
|
CERTIFICATION
& Optional Teacher Training
Certification & Optional Teacher Training Intensives can help you deepen your practice with the guidance of a mentor, and it can also prepare you to become a teacher yourself.
Certification with I.T.M.I.
The International Taoist Meditation Institute offers the unique combination of an ancient origin and a living lineage through the Ni family. The credibility of Taoist meditation is unsurpassed, with thousands of years of history/case studies and modern science documenting its effectiveness. Certification offers a deepening of meditation practice, and allows for the guidance and support of a living mentor. There is nothing that can replace a living meditation guide in your world, of your world, and present in your process of deepening meditation.
Teacher Training with I.T.M.I.
Teaching others to navigate their own way to inner peace through meditation is one of the highest services any being can offer. A highly rewarding vocation, there is a growing need and curiosity for meditation in medical settings, businesses, schools, and within families. Inner peace leads to a fuller life, radiant health, and a lasting sense of unwavering inner bliss.
Gaining certification & teaching credential through the International Taoist Meditation Institute sets a meditation teacher quite above the standard norm: I.T.M.I. uniquely integrates ancient tradition with modern relevance. Like a desert in need of water, there is a yet unquenched need for credible meditation instruction in our increasingly neurotic modern world.
I.T.M.I. instructors also carry on the tradition of honorable behavior, respecting appropriate boundaries and vowing helpful benevolence in their work as meditation teachers.
Whether you plan to teach professionally or just intend to deepen your own practice through certification, learning how to share meditation in a careful way is relevant. The glow of inner peace is attractive, and so you will likely encounter opportunities to teach. A Teaching Intensive will be available at the end of the certification, and it is optional. It covers important aspects of how to teach, and the logistics of teaching meditation. Certification must be competed satisfactorily.
To sustain Teaching Credentials as well as certification, remote participation in an online workshop/retreat or joining one in-person retreat at least every other year is required to reinforce mastery and also to encourage & support spiritual development in oneself and others. Many choose to participate in the Teacher Training Seminar annually to both receive and offer support.
In addition, all instructors certified through College of Tao (ITMI is one branch of the many institutes under the umbrella canopy of College of Tao), and information about sustaining your COT credential is here: More information can be explored by clicking here. Additionally, effective June, 2020. all those seeking to teach through College of Tao, including ITMI, are encouraged to complete the Introduction to Spiritual Cultivation course. It is an online, independent study course requiring the exploration & understanding a few books. Details are available here.
To Begin
Getting started requires first a very basic understanding of the foundational Taoist practices, as studied (1) in Taoist Meditation at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or (2) through the International Taoist Meditation Institute (ITMI) partners. You can participate in a meditation experience at one of our retreats, or find it online embedded on this page, below.
Taoist Meditation has thousands of years of case studies documenting the health, wellness, and spiritual benefits of these practices. There are also numerous modern scientific studies showing the benefits in many areas (see below for an ever growing list).
Begin your experience of Taoist Meditation now on this page (just scroll down) or by accessing our partner in teaching, the free and internationally acclaimed Insight Timer: www.insighttimer.com
Healing the Healer: a Strong Skill Companion for Doctors
In collaboration with Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoist Meditation is ideal for all healers, acupuncturists in training, and licensed acupuncturists. Caring for others has many potential pitfalls including compassion fatigue, stress, pressure, burn out, and depression. From surgeons to nurses to home care aides, meditation is an effective self care tool for all who work in a field that requires their care for others.
Taoist Meditation is the seed from which blossomed the treasures of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the modalities of acupuncture and herbology. Taoist Meditation is a wonderful skill set for acupuncturists, both for healing the healer's spirit, and also for assisting patients' healing. A perfect complimentary practice to be able to teach potential new patients, Taoist meditation can bring depth to your healing care to be able to guide current patients to also meditate as they heal, assisting with impulse control, effective self care, and positive prognosis results.
99% of all disease is either caused by or exacerbated by stress. Healthy stress management skills like meditation are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and the crucial ingredient to blissful longevity.
Use Technology for Cultivating Peace
International Taoist Meditation Institute is in harmonious collaboration with the amazing Insight Timer app. This free app will have all 8 of the Taoist Foundation practices which are required as a prerequisite prior to enrolling in the 8 month course. We will also use this app as one option for keeping track of daily meditation. Join our open International Taoist Meditation Institute group here. For enrolled International Taoist Meditation Institute Teacher Training, join the private International Taoist Meditation Institute Teacher Training group here.
Taoist Meditation Pillars
In the Foundational Practice level, meditation practitioners will learn fundamentals of Taoist meditation.
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
2. Visualization Meditation
3. Contemplative Meditation
4. Healing Sounds Meditation
5. 念咒 Nian Zhou/ Invocation Meditation
6. Gratitude Practices
7. I Ching Meditation
8. Meridian Tracing Meditation
Once you have a solid and stable foundation in Taoist Meditation through the foundation practices, you can begin to build a palace of peaceful practice, also called "The Mystical Castle". As the meditator progresses from foundation practices onward to Levels 1, 2, & 3, daily meditation practices continue in these arenas, with increasing depth and power:
The International Taoist Meditation Institute offers the unique combination of an ancient origin and a living lineage through the Ni family. The credibility of Taoist meditation is unsurpassed, with thousands of years of history/case studies and modern science documenting its effectiveness. Certification offers a deepening of meditation practice, and allows for the guidance and support of a living mentor. There is nothing that can replace a living meditation guide in your world, of your world, and present in your process of deepening meditation.
Teacher Training with I.T.M.I.
Teaching others to navigate their own way to inner peace through meditation is one of the highest services any being can offer. A highly rewarding vocation, there is a growing need and curiosity for meditation in medical settings, businesses, schools, and within families. Inner peace leads to a fuller life, radiant health, and a lasting sense of unwavering inner bliss.
Gaining certification & teaching credential through the International Taoist Meditation Institute sets a meditation teacher quite above the standard norm: I.T.M.I. uniquely integrates ancient tradition with modern relevance. Like a desert in need of water, there is a yet unquenched need for credible meditation instruction in our increasingly neurotic modern world.
I.T.M.I. instructors also carry on the tradition of honorable behavior, respecting appropriate boundaries and vowing helpful benevolence in their work as meditation teachers.
Whether you plan to teach professionally or just intend to deepen your own practice through certification, learning how to share meditation in a careful way is relevant. The glow of inner peace is attractive, and so you will likely encounter opportunities to teach. A Teaching Intensive will be available at the end of the certification, and it is optional. It covers important aspects of how to teach, and the logistics of teaching meditation. Certification must be competed satisfactorily.
To sustain Teaching Credentials as well as certification, remote participation in an online workshop/retreat or joining one in-person retreat at least every other year is required to reinforce mastery and also to encourage & support spiritual development in oneself and others. Many choose to participate in the Teacher Training Seminar annually to both receive and offer support.
In addition, all instructors certified through College of Tao (ITMI is one branch of the many institutes under the umbrella canopy of College of Tao), and information about sustaining your COT credential is here: More information can be explored by clicking here. Additionally, effective June, 2020. all those seeking to teach through College of Tao, including ITMI, are encouraged to complete the Introduction to Spiritual Cultivation course. It is an online, independent study course requiring the exploration & understanding a few books. Details are available here.
To Begin
Getting started requires first a very basic understanding of the foundational Taoist practices, as studied (1) in Taoist Meditation at Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or (2) through the International Taoist Meditation Institute (ITMI) partners. You can participate in a meditation experience at one of our retreats, or find it online embedded on this page, below.
Taoist Meditation has thousands of years of case studies documenting the health, wellness, and spiritual benefits of these practices. There are also numerous modern scientific studies showing the benefits in many areas (see below for an ever growing list).
Begin your experience of Taoist Meditation now on this page (just scroll down) or by accessing our partner in teaching, the free and internationally acclaimed Insight Timer: www.insighttimer.com
Healing the Healer: a Strong Skill Companion for Doctors
In collaboration with Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taoist Meditation is ideal for all healers, acupuncturists in training, and licensed acupuncturists. Caring for others has many potential pitfalls including compassion fatigue, stress, pressure, burn out, and depression. From surgeons to nurses to home care aides, meditation is an effective self care tool for all who work in a field that requires their care for others.
Taoist Meditation is the seed from which blossomed the treasures of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the modalities of acupuncture and herbology. Taoist Meditation is a wonderful skill set for acupuncturists, both for healing the healer's spirit, and also for assisting patients' healing. A perfect complimentary practice to be able to teach potential new patients, Taoist meditation can bring depth to your healing care to be able to guide current patients to also meditate as they heal, assisting with impulse control, effective self care, and positive prognosis results.
99% of all disease is either caused by or exacerbated by stress. Healthy stress management skills like meditation are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and the crucial ingredient to blissful longevity.
Use Technology for Cultivating Peace
International Taoist Meditation Institute is in harmonious collaboration with the amazing Insight Timer app. This free app will have all 8 of the Taoist Foundation practices which are required as a prerequisite prior to enrolling in the 8 month course. We will also use this app as one option for keeping track of daily meditation. Join our open International Taoist Meditation Institute group here. For enrolled International Taoist Meditation Institute Teacher Training, join the private International Taoist Meditation Institute Teacher Training group here.
Taoist Meditation Pillars
In the Foundational Practice level, meditation practitioners will learn fundamentals of Taoist meditation.
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
2. Visualization Meditation
3. Contemplative Meditation
4. Healing Sounds Meditation
5. 念咒 Nian Zhou/ Invocation Meditation
6. Gratitude Practices
7. I Ching Meditation
8. Meridian Tracing Meditation
Once you have a solid and stable foundation in Taoist Meditation through the foundation practices, you can begin to build a palace of peaceful practice, also called "The Mystical Castle". As the meditator progresses from foundation practices onward to Levels 1, 2, & 3, daily meditation practices continue in these arenas, with increasing depth and power:
Practice Foundational Meditations:
(you may use this recording to fulfill the prerequisite
for applying to and joining ITMI)
Here is a sampling of each of the 8 Foundation practices in a 10 phase meditation experience. Each lesson/meditation lasts from 10-20 minutes:
Entering the Tao:
Level 1
I.T.M.I. Certification
& optional Teacher Training
Prerequisites:
- A statement expressing your interest, past spiritual journey, & current intent, and
- Thorough practice of the 8 Taoist Foundational meditations above or
- Complete Taoist Meditation Level 1 at Yo San University or
- Complete a 2 day intensive Taoist Expertise & Mastery Foundation retreat or
- Achieve certification in Taoist Meditation Level 1 through C.H.I.
Post requisite:
- To sustain certification, remote participation in an online workshop/retreat or joining one in-person retreat at least every other year is required to reinforce mastery and also to encourage & support spiritual development in oneself and others. Retreats begin with dinner Friday and continue through Sunday evening. We will practice together, deepening and strengthening meditation practice with the reinforcement of group dynamic. These deepening retreats will be hosted by master teachers for in person conversation, questions, and support.
Learn more about College of Tao's retreat sites/accomodations here.
To deepen Taoist meditation practice, the ground floor must be stable and strong. Level 1 includes creating a traditional altar, Feng Shui, energetic regulation during meditation, posture, and hand positions.
Each month, meditators will master one meditation in each of the 8 Taoist Meditation Pillars deepens and fortifies meditation practice to a level of mastery in each of the following 8 Taoist Meditation Pillars:
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
Each month, meditators will master one meditation in each of the 8 Taoist Meditation Pillars deepens and fortifies meditation practice to a level of mastery in each of the following 8 Taoist Meditation Pillars:
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
- Solar, Lunar, & all of Nature
- Clear, Nourish, Shield
- Tien Yin Tzu or Wu Tao
- 6 Healing Sounds with 手印 shou yin (hand positions & postures)
- Dao In Invocations 1 - 21
- Renewal
- Consultation with the Divine Elements of I Ching
- Microcosmic Orbit
Foundations/Level 1 Logistics: The 8 month certification program is primarily independent practice, using Insight Timer for accountability of practice time. Daily practice of at least 20 minutes is required to complete the program. Daily journaling and reflection will also be required for completion. There will be monthly lectures delivered live via Zoom, with time for questions, conversation, and group practice. Ongoing support is available with your meditation guide.
Whether you plan to teach professionally or just intend to deepen your own practice through certification, learning how to share meditation in a careful way is relevant. The glow of inner peace is attractive, and so you will likely encounter opportunities to teach.
A Teaching Intensive will be available at the end of the certification, and it is optional. It covers important aspects of how to teach, and the logistics of teaching meditation. Certification must be completed satisfactorily.
We will typically meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again typically on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 22 & 25, 2023
April 26& 329, 2023
May 24 & 27, 2023
June 28 & July 1, 2023
July 26 & 29, 2023
August 23 & 26, 2023
September 27 & 30, 2023
October 25 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
Whether you plan to teach professionally or just intend to deepen your own practice through certification, learning how to share meditation in a careful way is relevant. The glow of inner peace is attractive, and so you will likely encounter opportunities to teach.
A Teaching Intensive will be available at the end of the certification, and it is optional. It covers important aspects of how to teach, and the logistics of teaching meditation. Certification must be completed satisfactorily.
We will typically meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again typically on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 22 & 25, 2023
April 26& 329, 2023
May 24 & 27, 2023
June 28 & July 1, 2023
July 26 & 29, 2023
August 23 & 26, 2023
September 27 & 30, 2023
October 25 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
Building Your Practice:
LEVEL 2
I.T.M.I. CERTIFICATION
& OPTIONAL TEACHER TRAINING
Level 2 continues to build on the Foundational Meditation and Level 1 Practices, offering the meditator deeper practices in all 8 Pillars of Taoist Meditation, and it is an entrance into the realm of ethereal, esoteric Taoist meditation practice.
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
- Nature of Trees
- Opening Energy Channels
- Tien Yin Tzu
- 6 Healing Sounds with hand positions, postures, & color
- Dao In Invocations 1 - 21 with 手印 shou yin (hand positions)
- Inner View Meditation, Body, Mind & Emotion
- Meditation & Consultation with the Divine Elements of I Ching
- Microcosmic, Macrocosmic, & Extraordinary Orbit
This program involves daily home practice, monthly webinars as new practices are introduced, discussed, and taught in detail. The line of communication will be open for contact with your meditation guide for clarification. Level 2 Teacher Training is moving closer to mastery:
Those who successfully completed the Teaching Intensive will have the opportunity to be connected to an incoming Level 1 meditation student as a meditation guide (this is optional).
We will typically meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 15 & 25, 2023
April 19 & 329, 2023
May 17 & 27, 2023
June 21 & July 1, 2023
July 19 & 29, 2023
August 16 & 26, 2023
September 20 & 30, 2023
October 18 & 28, 2023
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Training Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
300 hours
Those who successfully completed the Teaching Intensive will have the opportunity to be connected to an incoming Level 1 meditation student as a meditation guide (this is optional).
We will typically meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 15 & 25, 2023
April 19 & 329, 2023
May 17 & 27, 2023
June 21 & July 1, 2023
July 19 & 29, 2023
August 16 & 26, 2023
September 20 & 30, 2023
October 18 & 28, 2023
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Training Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
300 hours
Living in Tao
Refinement & Mastery:
LEVEL 3
I.T.M.I. CERTIFICATION
& OPTIONAL TEACHER TRAINING
Level 3 Teacher Training/Mastery builds on the the previous 8 pillars of Taoist meditation, deepening practices, wisdom, and esoteric awareness. After completion of Level 3 Teacher Training/Mastery, one may be invited to participate in the Advanced Traditional Practices (ATP).
This one year program involves daily home practice, monthly online meetings as new practices are introduced, discussed, and taught in detail. The line of communication will be open for contact with your meditation guide for clarification Level 3 Teacher Training moves into the deeper, more esoteric awareness.
Next Foundations/Level 3 session begins March 8, 2023.
We will typically meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 8 & 25, 2023
April 12 & 329, 2023
May 10 & 27, 2023
June 14 & July 1, 2023
July 12 & 29, 2023
August 9 & 26, 2023
September 13 & 30, 2023
October 11 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the February Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
2. Visualization Meditation
3. Contemplative Meditation
4. Healing Sounds Meditation
5. 念咒 Nian Zhou /Invocation Meditation
6. Gratitude Practice
7. I Ching Meditation
8. Meridian Tracing Meditation
For more information or to apply, click here to contact us.
This one year program involves daily home practice, monthly online meetings as new practices are introduced, discussed, and taught in detail. The line of communication will be open for contact with your meditation guide for clarification Level 3 Teacher Training moves into the deeper, more esoteric awareness.
Next Foundations/Level 3 session begins March 8, 2023.
We will typically meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice.
We will meet again on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions.
Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 8 & 25, 2023
April 12 & 329, 2023
May 10 & 27, 2023
June 14 & July 1, 2023
July 12 & 29, 2023
August 9 & 26, 2023
September 13 & 30, 2023
October 11 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the February Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
1. Symbiosis with Nature Meditation
- Advanced Balancing Yin & Yang energies with Sun & Moon
2. Visualization Meditation
- Ultimate 5 Rings
3. Contemplative Meditation
- Wu Wo Gui Yi & sleeping cultivations
4. Healing Sounds Meditation
- Quan Yin
5. 念咒 Nian Zhou /Invocation Meditation
- 9th Heaven Invocation
6. Gratitude Practice
- Enrichment for All Elements
7. I Ching Meditation
- Medical I Ching Divination
8. Meridian Tracing Meditation
- Fire & Water Super Cosmic Orbit
For more information or to apply, click here to contact us.
Deepening TAO
Elevation:
LEVEL 4
We will typically meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 1 PM PST for the lesson and meditation practice. We will meet again on the last Saturday of the month from 2:30-4 PM PST to practice and respond to questions. Lessons will be recorded and available to watch or listen to, allowing you to keep pace with the group should a live session be missed.
March 1 & 25, 2023
April 5 & 329, 2023
May 3 & 27, 2023
June 7 & July 1, 2023
July 5 & 29, 2023
August 2 & 26, 2023
September 6 & 30, 2023
October 4 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the February Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
March 1 & 25, 2023
April 5 & 329, 2023
May 3 & 27, 2023
June 7 & July 1, 2023
July 5 & 29, 2023
August 2 & 26, 2023
September 6 & 30, 2023
October 4 & 28, 2023
Teaching Intensive & Certification
TBA
300 hours
cost: $640. paid in full or in 8 monthly payments of $80. each.
If you find this course is not for you, you may cancel at anytime.
Once complete, you may enroll in the February Teacher Training Intensive ($80, in person or via webcast) for teaching guidance and certification. Teacher Certification may require a final examination, both written and practical.
For more information, contact us.
Also, upon completion of Level 4 Teacher Training/Mastery, one may apply to organize their own certification/teacher training program or retreats anywhere in the world (once credentialed as a satellite of I.T.M.I.). More information about the credential process is forthcoming. The privilege to certify meditation instructors will come with International Taoist Meditation Institute oversight, listing of certified instructors, and online support.
PILLAR 1: Symbiosis with Nature
Further reading on evidence of benefits for Symbiosis with Nature meditations:
Forbes:
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/billfrist/2017/06/15/the-science-behind-how-nature-affects-your-health/amp/
Business insider:
https://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-benefits-of-nature-outdoors-2016-4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
https://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-benefits-of-nature-outdoors-2016-4
https://www.businessinsider.com/psychologists-awesomeness-is-good-for-you-2012-6
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0272494495900012
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494405000381
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02827580701262733#.U0VZHOZdXz0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21996763/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22840583/
Reduce excess inflammation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22840583/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22948092/
Improve vision
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18294691/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22809757/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161642012010755
Improve concentration
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013916591231001
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0272494495900160
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054708323000
Creativity and sharp thinking
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Prevents Cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17903349/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18336737/
Immune boost
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/
Improves mental health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov./m/pubmed/20337470/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
Longevity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
https://jech.bmj.com/content/63/12/967.long
Trees:
From WebMD.com:
"Research is accumulating on the healthful effects of contact with nature -- even very brief encounters. Among the findings:
As little as 20 minutes in a park boosted feelings of well-being, say researchers who surveyed 94 adults before and after visiting an urban park. The participants wore fitness trackers and completed a questionnaire before and after the visit.
Walking 15 minutes in a bamboo forest improved mood more in 60 adults than when they walked the same time period in a city area, other researchers report. Attention scores were better after the forest walk, too.
Forest bathing tends to lower cortisol levels, a marker of stress, better than taking part in other activities, a review of 30 studies found.
Forest therapy appears to lower depression levels in adults, according to a review of 28 studies.
Forest bathing also is found to boost the activity of natural killer cells, which help fight off infections and cancer.
The aromatic substances produced by plants and trees have been linked with lower inflammation and brain protection benefits."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/
https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health/
https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20190611/forest-bathing-nature-time-hot-health-advice
Are trees conscious?
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/12/peter-wohlleben-man-who-believes-trees-talk-to-each-other
https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other/transcript
https://e360.yale.edu/features/are_trees_sentient_peter_wohlleben
https://qz.com/1294941/a-debate-over-plant-consciousness-is-forcing-us-to-confront-the-limitations-of-the-human-mind/
https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-09/new-research-plant-intelligence-may-forever-change-how-you-think-about-plants
https://qz.com/1116991/a-biologist-believes-that-trees-speak-a-language-we-can-learn/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28382479/
https://qz.com/959888/a-new-scientific-study-find-that-plant-roots-follow-acoustic-vibes-to-find-a-drink/
Forbes:
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/billfrist/2017/06/15/the-science-behind-how-nature-affects-your-health/amp/
Business insider:
https://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-benefits-of-nature-outdoors-2016-4
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
https://www.businessinsider.com/scientific-benefits-of-nature-outdoors-2016-4
https://www.businessinsider.com/psychologists-awesomeness-is-good-for-you-2012-6
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0272494495900012
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494405000381
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02827580701262733#.U0VZHOZdXz0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21996763/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22840583/
Reduce excess inflammation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22840583/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22948092/
Improve vision
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18294691/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22809757/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161642012010755
Improve concentration
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0013916591231001
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0272494495900160
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054708323000
Creativity and sharp thinking
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Prevents Cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17903349/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/18336737/
Immune boost
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793341/
Improves mental health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov./m/pubmed/20337470/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
Longevity
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3393816/
https://jech.bmj.com/content/63/12/967.long
Trees:
From WebMD.com:
"Research is accumulating on the healthful effects of contact with nature -- even very brief encounters. Among the findings:
As little as 20 minutes in a park boosted feelings of well-being, say researchers who surveyed 94 adults before and after visiting an urban park. The participants wore fitness trackers and completed a questionnaire before and after the visit.
Walking 15 minutes in a bamboo forest improved mood more in 60 adults than when they walked the same time period in a city area, other researchers report. Attention scores were better after the forest walk, too.
Forest bathing tends to lower cortisol levels, a marker of stress, better than taking part in other activities, a review of 30 studies found.
Forest therapy appears to lower depression levels in adults, according to a review of 28 studies.
Forest bathing also is found to boost the activity of natural killer cells, which help fight off infections and cancer.
The aromatic substances produced by plants and trees have been linked with lower inflammation and brain protection benefits."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/
https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health/
https://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20190611/forest-bathing-nature-time-hot-health-advice
Are trees conscious?
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/sep/12/peter-wohlleben-man-who-believes-trees-talk-to-each-other
https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other/transcript
https://e360.yale.edu/features/are_trees_sentient_peter_wohlleben
https://qz.com/1294941/a-debate-over-plant-consciousness-is-forcing-us-to-confront-the-limitations-of-the-human-mind/
https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-01-09/new-research-plant-intelligence-may-forever-change-how-you-think-about-plants
https://qz.com/1116991/a-biologist-believes-that-trees-speak-a-language-we-can-learn/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28382479/
https://qz.com/959888/a-new-scientific-study-find-that-plant-roots-follow-acoustic-vibes-to-find-a-drink/
There are numerous modern scientific studies showing the benefits in many areas, including (but not limited to):
- Reduced stress
- Improved concentration
- Increased overall energy
- Increased self-awareness
- Enhanced sense & frequency of happiness
- Increased oxygen absorption
- Increased blood flow
- Increased exercise tolerance
- Induced relaxation response
- Reduced anxiety attacks/lower levels of blood lactate
- Lowered blood pressure
- Decreased muscle tension
- Alleviated autoimmune disease occurrence and severity
- Reduced frequency of viral or bacterial infection
- Improved healthy immune response
- Improved post operative healing
- Enhanced energy and vigor
- Improved skin tone and resistance
- Lowered blood cholesterol
- Improved lung function
- Prevented, slowed, and controlled chronic disease progression
- Alleviated headache & migraine symptoms
- Improved brain function
- Improved endocrine function
- Harmonized nerve function
- Improved libido
- Increased self confidence
- Increased serotonin resulting in improved mood and behaviors
- Lessened phobias
- Improved focus
- Enhanced creativity
- Increased brain wave coherence
- Improved learning ability
- Improved long and short term memory
- Stabilized emotion
- Improved relationships and sense of connectedness
- Improved ability to control impulses
- Improved ability to modify behavior and release bad habits
- Enhanced ability to see the big picture
- Improved communication between brain hemispheres
- Changed reactions to stress to more constructive management
- Improved reaction time
- Increased perceptual ability
- Increased motor performance
- Heightened measurable intelligence
- Increased job satisfaction
- Increased capacity for intimacy
- Reduced aggressive behaviors
- Reduced need & dependency on pharmaceutical drugs
- Improved ability to fall asleep with ease, remain asleep, and awaken feeling rested and refreshed
- Lessened insomnia
- Lessened recovery time needed from sleep deprivation
- Reduced road rage tendencies
- Increased effortless empathy
- Decreased worry & anxiety
- Improved decision making
- Helped to find a sense of purpose
- Increased self actualization
- Increased ability to achieve goals
- Deepened capacity for love