WEEKLY UPDATE
Welcome to your Portal ... here you'll find information and easy access to everything happening at the Center for Awakening (f/k/a Teachers of God Foundation) and Pure Presence Conferences. Know that everything we do is for you.
"The light within you, when resolutely recognized in all circumstances, has the capacity to embrace everything. This uncompromising acceptance is, in fact, your true nature."
— Amoda Maa
Three days of inspiration, wisdom and transformation (free!) - join us November 10th–12th
This three-day sanctuary of inspiration, wisdom, and transformation features over 15 international presenters from diverse backgrounds and expertise, giving attendees the chance to learn from some of the most influential figures in the spiritual community.
One of our many notable speakers is author and teacher Lisa Natoli , who will be teaching on "The Mind-Body Approach to Awakening"... Tune in to the video clip below for a glimpse of Lisa's teachings:
Day 3 (November 12th) Featured Speakers:
Embodying Awakening: The Importance of Transforming Understanding into Experience
with Shakti Caterina Maggi
Learn more
We extend to you a warm invitation to join us November 10–12, 2023, at this online gathering freely offered to you at no charge as we come together with an open mind and heart as we listen, learn, and engage in a shared Awareness of Presence Experience at the Journey of Awakening.
November in Evolve: The Gifts and Perils of Power with Jac O'Keeffe
Each of us has personal power. It is our birthright. Do we deny our power? Are we afraid of it? Do we misuse it? Have we ever abused it? These are just some of the questions that Jac O’Keeffe, spiritual leader, teacher, and author of the books Born to Be Free and How to Be a Spiritual Rebel, invites you to explore in her 4-Part, live series; The Gifts and Perils of Power, presented in our Evolve Community in November.
Listen as Jac explains.
Join Jac O’Keeffe to become skillful and practiced, connected and accountable. Gain many practical insights into the right use of power. Align your inner authority and capacity to be compassionate with your divine nature. Explore your current relationship with power and learn about power with heart to bring the divine power of inner freedom into your life in a real and practical way.
Your registration includes:
- ✓ Session 1: What Did Life Teach You About Power? (6 Nov 2023 : 3-4:30pm ET)
- ✓ Session 2: The Misuse & Abuse of Power (13 Nov 2023 : 3-4:30pm ET)
- ✓ Session 3: Repair (20 Nov 2023 : 3-4:30pm ET)
- ✓ Session 4 : Power & Spiritual Awakening (27th Nov 2023: 3-4:30pm ET)
- ✓ An invitation to 4 Live, follow-up Saturday Gatherings on Zoom for support and interaction with the community: November 11, 18, 25 and December 2, 2023 from 11am ET.
- ✓ On-demand access to video replays if you miss a session or to review later
- ✓ Downloadable MP3 audios to listen whenever and wherever
- ✓ Membership of the Evolve community
• Access to a wide range of daily community events
• Guided Meditation Sessions
• Weekly Live Book Study: Currently Awake - It’s Your Turn by Angelo DiLullo
• Private Facebook Group for support and encouragement
Join Jac live for The Gifts and Perils of Power. For all the details and to join our Evolve Community:
Episode #91: Living in Not-Knowing with Jenny Beal and Ellen Emmet: Psychology From a Nondual Perspective
Releasing Friday, November 10th
In this episode, Jenny and her guest Ellen Emmet explore the interplay between the vertical, here-and-now dimension of the spiritual path, and our human experience in space and time.
They discuss:
• The role of exploration of the body in the spiritual path
• Whether freedom, truth and authenticity are prerequisites for happiness
• Body-mind conditioning as universal patterns of the mental realm, analogous to the patterns of the physical realm that are the subject of science
• Dealing with trauma
• When shadow-work is needed
• How to protect ourselves from developing ‘spiritual ego’
• The importance of spiritual friendships
The podcast ends with Ellen describing how difficult circumstances in her life have resulted in a surrender to not-knowing and an understanding that surrender is not-knowing.
Tune in on November 10th:
Awakening Mind Documentary – Now a Viral Success!
October 2023 Film Series Update from Bill RE Overseas Documentary Adventures...
Inspiring Awakening for All & Free to View
The Awakening Mind "Know Thyself" film, which premiered in June on YouTube, now has over 1 million views and more than 2,000 comments!
"Awakening is the next natural state of human development."
— Loch Kelly, Awakening Teacher & Psychotherapist
The Awakening Mind Film Series has embarked on a global journey, capturing the wisdom of teachers, visionaries, and scientists from diverse disciplines, philosophies, and traditions. They all point, with remarkable similarity and intelligence, to this moment in time as an extraordinary juncture — an invitation for humanity to experience a higher evolution.
These films provide answers, resolutions, and peace of mind for our most personal and intimate concerns: Who am I? What is the purpose and meaning of life? How can I navigate this world experience to the best of my ability for the benefit of all? Especially in a time when the world feels chaotic and burdened with suffering and sadness, these questions hold great relevance. Fortunately, the answers are much simpler than we might imagine.
The visionaries featured in this film series are helping us realize that life is not as complicated as we often perceive it to be. They show us that awakening to peace and happiness is within reach for anyone, anywhere in the world, right at this very moment.
“The viewing was unlike anything I have ever experienced because...this film 'is' an experience. If part of the intention was to give viewers a glimpse into awakening or to create the conditions from which awakening can occur — it's astonishingly successful.” — Dr. Christine E. Kiesinger
We wholeheartedly encourage you to watch the Awakening Mind "Know Thyself" film and stay tuned for future episodes. Prepare to be uplifted, enlightened, and filled with hope as you explore the profound wisdom shared by these remarkable individuals.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE!
To support this visionary project or learn more about Awakening Mind Films, click the button below....
Evolution of Purpose: Teachers of God Foundation becomes the Center for Awakening
The Teachers of God Foundation: History & Evolution
Their feet in the sand, the sun on their faces, the Teachers of God Foundation (TGF) began as a conversation between Bill Free and Lisa Natoli as they sat near the ocean in Maine in the summer of 2012.
At the time, Lisa and Bill were both dedicated teachers of A Course in Miracles, both passionate about the message contained in the Course. As the years passed, they found that a lot of people (themselves included) were stuck in ideas and concepts, living more at the intellectual head level and not so much at the awakened heart level. You could say they knew intellectually that the teachings of the Course and many traditions were true and yet lacked a direct experience of knowing it for themselves until this understanding was realized in 2018.
Fast Forward 10 years...
As Bill and Lisa progressed on their spiritual journeys, the Teachers of God Foundation (TGF) and staff also evolved alongside them. Through collaborative efforts with Pure Presence Conferences and Awakening Mind Films and focus on the teachings of the direct path, TGF has gracefully integrated the progressive path of A Course in Miracles with the nondual direct path as taught by Advaita Vedanta, Kashmir Shaivism and other traditions. As a result, it became evident that a name change was in order to align with its growing audience and its dedicated focus on supporting Awakening Consciousness, and in 2023 TGF filed paperwork in Massachusetts to change its name to the Center for Awakening (CFA).
The Center for Awakening
At the Center for Awakening, our vision is for all beings to awaken to know their true nature in this lifetime and live as an embodiment of this Self-realization. We believe that immediate access to the inner peace and happiness we all long for is available through the simple recognition of the Awareness of Love’s Presence, our essential nature. Through transformative content, collaborative relationships, enlightening conferences, inclusive communities, and insightful documentary films, we aim to guide people towards recognizing their true nature and living as a manifestation of that realization. With the Awareness of Love's Presence as our guiding principle, we strive to facilitate individuals in accessing inner peace and happiness, thereby creating a world where awakened beings contribute to the collective awakening of humanity by knowing it for themselves.
Thanks for joining us on this amazing ride and thanks also for your understanding as we navigate this transition now in process — with the name change affecting many places and platforms. We love and appreciate each and every one of you!
Live on YouTube: Weekly Guided Meditation with Bill Free
Meditation and Healing is allowing the quiet answer to reveal itself as your Self as embodied Presence and Being while active in everyday life.
Join with Bill Free for healing, finding yourself, knowing yourself, and integrating your life, with the closeness and wisdom of your true nature.
Wednesdays live on YouTube at 9 am Eastern
Check out the YouTube playlist for previous broadcasts of guided meditations.
Rest in the Direct Experience of Self
Did you miss this event? Complete recordings now available!
Tune in to this sample guided meditation, facilitated by Bill Free:
Workshop Offerings Include:
Beyond Perception to Pure Consciousness with Jenny Beal
Embracing "I Need Do Nothing" with Amy Haible
Attaining the Real World with Oliver Blue
The Gift of Awareness with Susan Telford
The Quiet Answer with Bill Free
Knowing God with Lisa Natoli
The Borderland of Thought with Jenny Sheehan
We've set up payment to make this accessible to everyone...
Spiritual Intensive Retreat in South India - Only a Few Spots Remain!
Join Bill Free of Pure Presence Productions and Venkatesh Deshpande (Desh) of the Ramana Maharshi Center for Learning in Bangalore for a spiritual intensive in South India to deepen abidance in Awareness by the sacred hill of Arunachala and Ramana Maharshi’s ashram.
Hear more background / details from Desh:
The retreat begins with a 4-week online immersion filled with gatherings, discussions on sacred teachings on non-duality and guided meditations.
After the online program, we travel to India on a small group retreat where mornings begin with yoga, meditations and daily satsangs with Bill Free and Venkatesh Deshpande.
Dates: February 1st – 10th, 2024
Location: South India (Bangalore + Tiruvannamalai)
Spots are limited...
For more info and to sign up:
Join Host Bill Free for this FREE Book Study on the Work of Shri Atmananda
Start Date: February 15 at 12pm ET (40 weeks)
REGISTRATION REMAINS OPEN!
The focus is the book "Notes on Spiritual Discourses of Shri Atmananda: Volume 1"
This is a fairly mature class and all are welcome to discover the truth expressed by Shri Atmananda (Krishna Menon) as we enjoy his work together. Atmananda is one of Francis Lucille’s and Rupert Spira’s teachers.
Listen in on a recent book study session:
Your registration includes:
✓ On demand 1-hour video broadcasts with your host Bill Free and his rotation of guest hosts sharing highlights of wisdom and insights from each chapter.
✓ Gentle, guided meditations to powerfully integrate our practice in awareness each time we reflect on the fragrance of the Truth as a direct experience of knowing.
✓ A global online community.
✓ Several guest appearances from previous book club meetings.
✓ A Facebook group specifically for the group to share.
✓ On-demand access to “I AM by Jean Klein,” Being Myself” and "You Are The Happiness You Seek" by Rupert Spira" Book Studies.
This is an online recorded series — join us from wherever you are!
Click the button below for more info...
Updates on Classes, Workshops & Events
The 40-Day Program
The 40-Day Journey has transformed tens of thousands of people's lives – guiding them from fear into love using the principles of A Course in Miracles as taught through the brilliance of Lisa Natoli.
This self-study, at-home (and FREE) program for real transformation is a practical, step-by-step journey that gives people the techniques to emerge from fear to love, from conflict to peace. You are entitled to miracles!
Click on the button below to find out more...
7 Days to Awakening
A 7-day FREE experiential course based on non-duality teachings with Bill Free & Lisa Natoli.
30-minute daily teachings — available on demand.
✓ A daily opportunity to experience the True Self.
✓ Simple practices that you can implement immediately to shift your day-to-day experience.
✓ Clear teachings delivered through two who have dedicated their lives to this work.
Live your natural state of Inner Peace, Joy & Happiness.
Living in Oneness Self-Study
This powerful 12-Module Non-Dual Intensive is based on the teachings of A Course in Miracles & Rupert Spira, with Bill Free & Lisa Natoli as your guides.
✓ Live from a deeper understanding and knowing of the true Self, also known as I Am Presence.
✓ Trust in I Am Presence as the Self known as God's Son.
✓ Shine as the Light of Pure Presence in all your busy doings.
✓ Thrive in the devotion of the I Am Presence.
✓ Abide in the Truth as your natural state of Being in this world.
Evolve: A Community
for Spiritual Awakening
Ready to Know the Peace and Happiness of Your True Nature Every Day?
Ready to Feel Inspired and Guided by Inner Wisdom?
Ready to Take Your Place in a Community Devoted to Awakening?
Now is YOUR time to live an awakened life...
Everything you have been looking for is here for you:
✓ Live Masterclasses with the Clearest Spiritual Teachers in the World Today
✓ On-Demand Replay Videos At Your Convenience
✓ Practical Step-by-Step Methods, Lessons and Meditations
✓ Weekly Live Community Gatherings for Sharing and Support
✓ Weekly Live Book Group to Discuss Favorite Spiritual Texts
✓ Private Facebook Community for Sharing, Love and Support
The 4 Principles of God:
A Model that Points to Truth
Have you ever tried to go from one place to another when you didn't fully understand where you were, and you had no idea where you were going?
That’s what most people call being lost. Yet, that's exactly what most spiritual students do. Without clarity about where they are, and armed with nothing but imagination about their destination, they try to awaken from here to there. In this workshop, you will learn a model called The Four Principles of God, which will help give direction to your spiritual path. You will also learn which spiritual practices are most helpful to you now.
Replays are available for purchase of this 3-part prerecorded workshop.
Intensive Awakening
Retreat in India
Join Bill Free of Pure Presence Productions and Venkatesh N. Deshpande (Desh) of the Ramana Maharshi Center for Learning, Bangalore for a spiritual intensive in South India to deepen abidance in Awareness by the sacred hill of Arunachala and Ramana Maharshi’s ashram.
The retreat begins with a 4-week online immersion filled with gatherings, discussions on sacred teachings on non-duality and guided meditations.
After the online program, we travel to India on a small group retreat where mornings begin with yoga, meditations and daily satsangs with Bill Free and Venkatesh Deshpande.
Spots are limited...
Dates: February 1st – 10th 2024
Location: South India (Bangalore + Tiruvannamalai)
Blog
Bill Free Interviews Amoda Maa
Tune in to the wisdom of Amoda Maa… “The burning desire to know who or what you fundamentally are in order to discover the freedom that is available in every circumstance, in every moment... it has to be that burning desire… I find that people who genuinely have this desire… one can feel and see the shift that starts to happen… so it’s available is what I’m saying… it’s not like you have to wait until you’re 99 before there’s a glimpse of freedom — it is available but it does take this inner fire and beautiful commitment.”
Other Opportunities
To keep up to date on what's happening — courses, events, all the latest offerings from the Center for Awakening f/k/a Teachers of God Foundation & Pure Presence Conferences — check out the interactive Events calendar below... (just click on any event title in the calendar to get more details).
In Gratitude for Your Support
Through your support we are able to continue to reach people around the world in doing our part to help open the door to lasting transformation — encouraging, inspiring and guiding individuals in awakening as they emerge from fear to love... Thank you!
