Consciousness based education

Larry Gessner · January 7th, 2008, 00:07

PW or Michael,

I am in the process of researching Consciousness based education and taking this to a whole new level.

My goal would be to form a retreat that would be more like an educational shelter. The CBE organization is using TM and schools can obtain grants to implement TM into the schools. I would like to do the same thing only with project meditation. How could we make this happen?

I think that this could be applied to all levels.
schools- to begin
college- to continue
work programs-to relieve stress
retreat shelters- for the people who are in need of help
retirement homes- for the elderly
I look at this as one big cycle
I too am one who is disapointed with the comercialism of this.
Please let me know what your thoughts are on this.
Larry Gessner

Michael Mackenzie · January 8th, 2008, 18:30

A man with a vision!

I am open to any suggestions regarding helping more people access these materials!

Have you spoken to anyone about this idea?

I am currently investing most of my time trying to spread the word of meditations benefits through the internet as it seems to be a way that can reach many people quickly.

If you have any plans you would like to put forward, I would be more than happy to listen. Michael

David · January 8th, 2008, 21:57

Here in the UK over the past couple of months ther has been a big drive by the TM movement for consciousness based education bringing in David Lynch, Donovan and the Headmaster of their scoll in the US that uses it. It went down very well with a number of educational organisations wanting to take it up. Unfortunately as is the way of the TM movement it costs! The schools just don't have the budget to pay to teach the teachers and children even at 50 % discount.
So the ground work has been done and people are receptive to the idea and if you could come up with a program and business plan that didn't cost them much then you would probably get a good response.

All the best from David

Larry Gessner · January 9th, 2008, 01:00

Thanks David, and thank you Michael for all that you have done.

I have been looking into this and so far the TM organization has called me and loves my concept. When I found out that it would cost $2,500 per person. I knew that would be the straw that would sink the ship. The David Lynch Foundation provides grants for this program. Since I have found this site and have seen how well it is being received and the experience level of some of the people involved here, I can say that my hopes have been rejuvenated. I know that my experience and involvement is just at the beginning stages and I have always been the idea man behind the people who stand in the light for everyone to see. Even just as a beginner I already know in my heart that this is something that should benefit mankind and therefore should not be done for profit. The benefits far out way any price tag that could be placed on this. The funding for this concept idea should be coming from The World Bank or The National Institute for Health. I have a contact with the Business 2000 Foundation, and they would be interested in hearing my plan when I get to that stage. I think that the proof is in the pudding and we need to be able to demonstrate that a person who meditates is going to be more productive. The monetary gain will be on a large scale but shown as individual productivity. I would love to hear everyone provide some input as I have always been a team player and this involves us all.

I have never written a business plan for saving a planet before, but look forward to the challenge as I believe that time is of the essence.

Edwin · January 9th, 2008, 12:19

Wow....

Amazing stuff !
I would really appreciate if you would regularly post the outcome of this amazing project !
I am absolutely convinced you will be able to work something out with Michael !

Greetings,

Edwin

Andrew · January 12th, 2008, 10:24

Wow, great ideas! If we can get something cohesive together that will be appealing to American school districts I'll jump on the chance to present it to my local school district's board.

Cheers!
4ndr3w

Larry Gessner · January 12th, 2008, 17:04

So far I have received a brochure from CBE organization. They seem to be locked in with TM. When reading the brochure they spend a lot of time reinforcing that TM (this is trade marked, or copyrighted) is the only proven method that works. I am under the impression that Meditation has different forms and don't believe that one company who markets it's products can honestly claim that their method is the only one that works. I am sure that this is just a tactic to get people to believe that they can only use products by TM.

These days schools are cutting sports programs and other programs that enhance a students overall experience of world culture. I believe that by taking Michael's approach that we can provide the schools with the same material for less money and allow the schools to use that money for something that they would have had to cut.

pollyanna · January 24th, 2008, 23:04

I sometimes don't find threads immediately. I have been really busy lately, but it's probably more down to the fact that this is the first community I have ever been involved with and I still type with 2 fingers. I am passionate about helping people with this amazing opportunity though and it's wonderful to read the commitment and enthusiasm in this particular thread. Step by step, shoulder to shoulder, between us all we will expose the wonderful benefits of meditation to so many. When I come up with any ideas I will post them in this thread you have begun Larry. Because I live in a rural part of France where the people don't speak English I have overlooked something. I'm sure Michael has a poster available for libraries, doctors and dentist surgeries etc. So I will go look for it now and find addresses in England and email this to them as I cannot physically put them up myself. Happiness and joy to you