

Deconstructing Yourself: Non-Dualism, Neuroscience, and Meditation
Michael W. Taft
June 12–17, 2020
When we release belief in the ego, we release our suffering as well—an insight which is the essence of liberation. Experience the wisdom of this truth directly as Michael W. Taft guides you in meditation techniques for carefully revealing the constructed nature of selfhood. Consisting of guided meditations, dharma talks, and Q&A sessions, as well as time for individual practice and reflection, this silent retreat is both powerful and rejuvenating. Each retreatant will have the opportunity to discuss their practice 1:1 with Michael. Backing up these traditional practices with insights from neuroscience and psychology, nondualism, and Buddhist wisdom, you will learn the methods of what Michael calls “deconstructing yourself.”
Retreat Objectives
- Learn specific techniques for pointing out and uncovering the constructed nature of self
- Understand traditional teachings on no-self, as well as modern neuroscientific viewpoints
- Learn to contact nondual awareness, the “natural mind”
- Benefiting from personal guidance in meditation practice
- A powerful weekend of deep practice, peacefulness, and community
Note: students should be able to sit still in meditation for one hour.
Practices to share:
- Mindfulness
- Nondual Awareness
- Mahamudra-inspired meditations
Proposed Schedule:
First Friday Night:
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 – 8:00 p.m. SMC Orientation
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Program
Daily Schedule:
5:00- 5:45 a.m. Silent Meditation
6:00- 6:45 a.m. Silent Meditation
7:00 – 7:30 a.m. Silent Meditation
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 – 12:30 p.m. Teaching, Q&A
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Free time/Silent Meditation
3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Teaching, Q&A
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dinner
7:45 – 9:00 p.m. Teaching, Q&A
9:05 – 10:00 p.m. Silent Meditation
Final Wednesday Day:
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Lodging Checkout
9:30 – 12:30 p.m. Program
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Departure
Michael W. Taft
Michael W. Taft is a meditation teacher and bestselling author. As a mindfulness coach, he specializes in secular, science-based mindfulness training in groups, corporate settings, and one-on-one sessions. Michael is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Mindful Geek, and Nondualism, as well as the founding editor of the popular blog “Deconstructing Yourself.”
