A Series of Meditation & Self-Discovery Programs with Elliot S. Dacher, MD.

  • Feb 6th, 4 to 5pm: Free introduction to the 4-Evening Seminar on
    The Art and Practice of Meditation
  • Feb 8th + 10th + 15th + 17th, 6h30 to 8h30pm:
    4-Evening on “The Art and Practice of Meditation” Price: $200.
  • Feb13th, 4 to 6pm: Evening Talk on
    "Health, Happiness and Human Flourishing” Price: $25.
  • Mar 5-6-7: from Friday lunch time to Sunday before lunch:
    Experiential Weekend Retreat: “Meditation and the Art of Happiness” at El Silencio Lodge.
    Price $600./person

Location for lectures/classes: Mind Fitness Center in Trejos Montealegre,
from Tony Roma’s, 800 west, house #18 – Special rate for students and low income.

4-Evening seminar: The Art & Practice of Meditation:
The mind can be our worst enemy or our best friend. A healthy mind reduces stress, diminishes emotional and physiological reactivity, enhances inner calm and clarity and is the essential basis for optimal well being and human flourishing. Meditation is the tool we use to train, understand, and expand the capacities of our mind. Meditation practice matures through three progressive phases:

  • taming the mind
  • cultivating inner stillness
  • resting in a naturally settled awareness

Participants in this seminar series will be introduced to the principles and practices of these three aspects of meditation through progressive steps in mind training. Specific meditation instructions will be given in each session and obstacles that arise during practice will be discussed and resolved. We will emphasize establishing a stable meditation practice. You will also learn specific practices that extend your sessions into day-to-day life. You will discover how to use all of your experiences as practice opportunities. There will be ample time for discussion, individual practice issues and supportive teaching. At the conclusion of this seminar you will understand the full scope of meditation practice and you will have established your own daily program.

Evening Talk: Health, Happiness and Human Flourishing:
The traditional goal of healing, East and West, has been the alleviation of suffering and the promotion of a sustained health, happiness, and wholeness. In the East this is called “freedom.” In the ancient western tradition it is called “eudaimonia.” In modern times we refer to this state of optimal well-being as “human flourishing.”

To achieve such an optimal health requires an accurate and comprehensive vision and path. Fortunately, the wise healers of the past, East and West, have left us a road map to human flourishing. This integral approach incorporates body, mind and spirit. Dr. Dacher will provide us with a step-by-step approach that can uncover the profound treasure of health and well-being that lie dormant within each of us. Participants will be introduced to the wisdom of the great healing traditions and to the practical steps we can each take to actualize their knowledge and gain access to an enduring health, happiness and wholeness.

Retreat: Meditation and the Art of Happiness:
Health, happiness, and wholeness are innate to the human condition. Suffering and mental afflictions are temporary superimpositions. Throughout time and across diverse cultures the path to enduring health, happiness and wholeness has been described by wise woman and men. Human Flourishing is the attainment of this state of optimal well-being. It is definitely possible for each of us. Participants in this retreat will intensively explore through discussion, meditation training and direct experience the principles and practices that will place you on the path to human flourishing.

Topics include:

  • The Principles and Practices of Human Flourishing
  • The Subtle Mind/Body Connection
  • Identifying and Addressing the 3 Types of Suffering
  • Transforming Afflictive Emotions
  • Understanding the nature of authentic happiness
  • Skillful Means – What to Cultivate and What to Abandon
  • Personalizing a Stable Contemplative Practice
  • Integrating Practice into Day-to-Day Life                         
  • The Noble Heart
  • Genuine and Enduring Health, Happiness, and Wholeness

Each participant will be provided with a course manual for study and reference and a practice CD. We will share lots of practice, silence and time for personal renewal. You will leave the retreat with the knowledge and practices required to begin the journey to an enduring health, happiness and wholeness free of suffering.

Dr. Elliott Dacher practiced full time internal medicine for 20 years. He is a former Fellow of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, a past advisory board member of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Therapies. He is the author of Whole Healing (Dutton, 1996,) Intentional Healing (Marlowe, 1996,) and Integral Health (Basic Health, 2006.) He currently lives in Massachusetts where he is engaged in research, writing, and individual counseling. Further information on Dr. Dacher’s work can be accessed at www.elliottdacher.org