The Psychology of the Chakras

Psychology of the Chakras is a three day experiential program focused on enhancing skills of relationship through development of the ability to assess and interpret the character structures of the body. The program takes place at The Haven, a centre for transformational learning, nestled on the shores of Taylor Bay on Gabriola Island. The tuition for the program is $690.00 (early bird; booked 2+ weeks ahead) or $750.00 (regular), not including meals and accommodations. Details below.

Registration inquiries (The Haven)                     General course inquiries (Brad)
 

The Psychology of the Chakras is both an inward and an outward focused journey of discovery. Through experiential processes in small and large group, we will be simultaneously inquiring into our own processes and the universal human experience of body energetics. In both cases we will be examining the patterns that arise in the relationship between body, mind, breath and energy.

Through this process of discovery the program cultivates the knowledge and skills necessary to read the body; to understand its energetic patterns, their origins, and how those patterns shape an individual’s past and current life. Understanding of the origins of these patterns contributes to the development of greater empathy, while understanding the current effects of the patterns gives us more capacity to connect in effective and meaningful ways. This program offers powerful tools to develop and deepen relationship, virtually any relationship, old or new, personal or professional.
 

What you will learn in this program:

• Body energy dynamics: how the dispersal of bodily energy (charge) shapes our bodies and relationships.
• The chakra system: the characteristics of each chakra and what their balance, excess or deficiency can tell us about our history and behaviour.
• Chakra balancing strategies: practical tools for greater internal harmony.
• Bioenergetics and character structure: how and why the body develops “armor” and what it means.
• Body reading: interpreting the physical manifestation of the body energy system, including blocks, splits, chronic holding and more.
• Assessment: how to apply the knowledge of chakras and character structure to understanding the human experience.
• Personal assessment: assessment of one’s own chakra balance and character structure through a guided self-analysis of the body energy system.
• Relationship skills: how to use this system to increase compassion and connection to others.

The program is based on the ground-breaking work of Anodea Judith of Sacred Centers. The great power of her method stems from its synthesis of three unique sources; the ancient chakra system *, the Bioenergetics of A. Lowen, and work of C. G. Jung. The pivotal insight that ties these three rather divergent bodies of work into one is, I believe, the linking of the chakra system to childhood development and the individuation of the Self. The result is a truly unique modality that readily encompasses the physical, emotional and energetic aspects of human experience.
      *To see Anodea’s gorgeous animated video explaining the chakra system, Click here.
 

This workshop begins with a general introduction to Bioenergetics and the chakra system followed by an examination of body energy dynamics including issues of charge, blocks, breath and grounding **. The focus then shifts to learning the general patterns seen in the chakra system and how those manifest as gifts and challenges in our lives and relationships. Once these basic components have been integrated a series of modules offers understanding of each chakra, its associated character structure, how these two elements are interrelated and their effects on daily life. The workshop draws to a close with personal self-assessments and concludes with sample presentations of those assessments to large group, as time allows.
      **For notes on how these terms are being used in the context of this program, Click here.
 

The methods used in this workshop include:

• Bioenergetics
• Yoga
• Breath-work
• Verbal presentations
• Manual; containing text, tables and diagrams
• video presentations
• Dialogue, questions and answers
• Guided visualizations
• Tarot (as a projective tool)

This workshop will be conducted an atmosphere that is safe, friendly and supportive. In keeping with that, every effort will be made to cultivate openness, healthy relationships and fun! In addition care will be taken to guard against the temptation to apply global, political or rigid classification, to self or other; no system of classification can fully account for human uniqueness. Underlying this workshop is the intention to cultivate compassion and explore the inevitable paradox of similarity and uniqueness between us, and how that paradox connects us to each other.

I liked: "Everything about it; the pacing, the content, Brad and Kelly, the session room, a course that allows play, movement, breathwork as well as course content. Everything was just right. Highly recommended."
Name withheld by request

“The material presented in Psychology of the Chakras is immensely thought provoking. Brad did a great job of weaving several fascinating models of understanding together in a format that is easy to follow. Always open for questions and sharing of ideas, he demonstrated his commitment to higher learning, and his deep care for others, throughout the course.”
Scot

Questions about this workshop? Please click here. to contact the facilitator.
To register scroll down to the Registration & Tuition section below; the facilitator does not handle registrations.

Brad Cassidy has been a life-long seeker, and that seeking was brought vividly conscious after a personal crisis in 1993. Since then he has trained extensively at The Haven, with Hakomi Method founder Ron Kurtz and Anodea Judith of Sacred Centres; he is a certified Sacred Centers practitioner. He has a passion for the raising of consciousness and the awakening of hearts. He lives in Burnaby, BC, with his partner Ronaye and works in the fields of personal and community development. He is presently writing his first book focused on the evolution and trajectory of Western consciousness.

Kelly Price is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500), and a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) in training. Her teaching integrates advanced training in the therapeutic, technical and spiritual applications of yoga with an in-depth knowledge of eastern/western anatomy, patho-physiology, movement rehabilitation and somatic and transpersonal psychology.

Registration for this workshop is done exclusively through the Haven: telephone 1 800 222 9211 ext. 1, or email register@haven.ca or online Here.
 

Tuition for this workshop is $690.00 if registered two weeks or more before the program starts or $750.00 if registered later than that. Tuition does not include the cost of meals and accommodation. If you choose to stay on property and enjoy the food service available at the Haven (recommended!) this can be arranged during registration. Please direct any question regarding registration or tuition to the registar at Haven (see links above).

Haven is a registered not-for-profit, charitable organization operating a registered post- secondary educational facility on Gabriola Island, BC. The Haven offers a wide range of cutting-edge personal and professional development workshops in a residential setting which is comfortable and beautiful.
 

The residence buildings, meeting rooms and lodge are nestled amongst natural forest and lovingly tended landscaped areas. The location on the shore of Taylor Bay offers beach walks, ocean vistas and incredible sunsets. The facility offers a full spectrum of resorts services: hot-tub, pool (summer only), gym, gift shop, lounges and an excellent food service that accommodates both omnivorous and vegetarian diets. Accommodations at the Haven range from a dormitory, to spacious suites and private cabins, with prices ranging accordingly (click link below for full details). Gabriola Island is very rural in character; however it does offer a range of shops, services, restaurants, pubs and other amenities. Gabriola Island lays just off the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island (click link below for full details).
 
 

        Accommodations at the Haven                                 Getting to the Haven

While there are no prerequisites for Psychology of the Chakras, it is recommended that participants read the book on which this workshop is based, Eastern Body - Western Mind, by Anodea Judith. The links below provide access to further resources that may be interesting to participants.
 

Charge and the Energy Body (book) , by Anodea Judith: a new book dealing with the all important issue of charge in the body; how our bodies and lives are shaped by the distribution of our charge.
Bioenergetics (book), by Alexander Lowen: a comprehension explanation of the principles and practices of Bioenergetics by its founder.
The Illuninated Chakras (video), a highly informative and visually stunning tour through the chakra system, produced by Anodea Judith.
Bioenergetics Press (online store), a great selection of the works of Alexander Lowen's on Bioenergetics as conceived and applied.
Sacred Centers (online store), a great collection of books, videos, kits for exploring your own chakra system and more, by Anodea Judith.
The Haven (public website) for full information about the Haven and what is offered there.