CONTEMPLATIVE SYSTEMS AWARENESS Cultivating Human Capacities in the Age of AI | February-July 2027

Beginning in February, participants will gather online for:

• one introductory gathering
• Five 90-minute practice sessions on Zoom approximately every 3rd week

Each gathering will combine guided contemplative practice with theory, shared inquiry, and reflection and suggest some daily contemplative “homework”. 

We will work with different facets of awareness and explore practices that can support us both in quiet moments and in the midst of challenging situations. The intention is not to separate contemplative practice from ordinary life, but to bring it directly into our work, leadership, family relationships, and daily choices.

Over the course of the program, we will explore questions such as:

• How do I function when I am calm—and when I am under pressure?
• What are my habitual emotional and relational patterns?
• What helps me remain connected to myself while staying present with others?
• What do I deeply care about?
• What gives my life a sense of purpose and meaning?
• What kind of person and leader do I aspire to become?
• How do I want to participate in and contribute to the larger systems of which I am part?

The program draws on ancient wisdom traditions, indigenous perspectives, wellbeing science and contemplative neuroscience. The purpose is not to adopt one prescribed method. It is to become more literate in our own experience—and to discover what supports greater awareness, connection, discernment, meaning, and wellbeing in our lives.

This program may be for you if you:

• want to cultivate Systems Awareness as a leadership capacity, whether or not you hold a formal leadership role;
• are curious about contemplative practice and want to integrate it into your professional, relational, and family life;
• want practical support for staying grounded and aware in challenging situations;
• are interested in understanding your own patterns, aspirations, sense of purpose, and ways of relating;
• are exploring what it means to remain deeply human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence;
• are entirely new to Compassionate Systems Change or have been part of this work for many years.

No previous experience is required. Curiosity and a willingness to practice are enough.

Program details

Online program:

Launch call: February 17 

Practice Sessions: March 10, March 31, April 21, May 12 and June 9

All calls begin at 9.30 East Coast time

In-person retreat: Afternoon of June 27 - midday July 2
Location: Sacred Land Sanctuary, Crestone, Colorado
In collaboration with: Way of Nature
Honorary teacher: John Milton
Program facilitators: Dr. Mette Miriam Boell
Program fee: $1000 – all profit will go directly to John Milton and Sacred Land Sanctuary

Participants may choose to camp at Sacred Land Sanctuary throughout the retreat or arrange their own accommodation in Crestone through local airbnb or lodging. More detailed travel, camping, and preparation information will be shared with registered participants.

Food & Water
All participants will be responsible for bringing their own food or making their own dining arrangements at local restaurants. Meals are not included in the tuition or coordinated by the program, so please plan accordingly. 

Local streams can provide fresh drinking water when used with your water purification system, or you may buy bottled water in town. We will provide more detailed meals instructions once you register. Please feel free to send us questions!