Kapala Training 1

Feed my demons...?

It's natural to want to defeat, push away or destroy "demons"—threats, fears, and parts of ourselves that sabotage our relationships and well-being. But when we ignore or fight with our demons, they just grow stronger, remaining hidden and in control. Feeding Your Demons is a gentle five-step process that invites these fragmented aspects of ourselves to be seen and then fed with love and compassion. By releasing the pent-up energy trapped in internal conflicts, we discover new sources of insight, strength and growth.

What will we do during the retreat?

We will learn the Feeding Your Demons process, both on our own and guided by a partner. You will not be asked to disclose the story behind your demons unless you choose to do so. This will be balanced by the simple yet profound practice of Prajnaparamita meditation, which strengthens the naturally open and compassionate qualities of mind. By the time you leave, you will have the foundation needed to continue both practices on your own.

Where did this approach come from?

Feeding Your Demons was developed by Lama Tsultrim Allione as a personal practice suited to the realities of modern, everyday life. It is inspired by the ancient Tibetan practice of Chöd, which can be traced back to the 11th-century Buddhist yogini Machig Labdrön. Feeding Your Demons is a way of relating to any blockages, fears, addictions or negative emotions as they arise. For more information about the process and its origins, see the best-selling book by Lama Tsultrim Allione and an excerpt from the Introduction here.

Who is this for?

This retreat is for anyone who wishes to work with their own demons through personal practice. There are no prerequisites. Tens of thousands of people in countries around the world have found this practice to be effective and transformative. Many health and healing practitioners have also integrated FYD into their professional practice. Kapala Training level one is a first step towards becoming certified to use this process professionally. Find out more about certification.

Free introduction to Feeding Your Demons

January 6, 1-3 pm

Halifax Library, BMO Community Room.

Charlotte Rotterdam and Pieter Oosthuizen will join us remotely, guiding us through the practice and answering questions about the February retreat.

“Feeding your Demons retreat was eye opening and powerful, and has given me great tools to use while working with my biggest personal challenges. The community created during the retreat weekend felt supportive, warm, and loving as we shared deeply personal parts of ourselves with each other. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to dive deep into self work and community.” —Vicky Jeha

Download the flyer

Lopön Charlotte Rotterdam

Your Guides

Charlotte and Pieter have studied Tibetan Buddhism for two decades and were authorized to teach by Lama Tsultrim Allione in 2006. Together they teach meditation, Feeding your Demons, Chöd and other Buddhist practices in the U.S. and internationally. For close to ten years, they developed and managed Naropa University’s School of Extended Studies. They served as Executive Co-Directors of Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, and thereafter as Board members. Together they lead the Boulder Tara Mandala Sangha.

Pieter received his Law degree in his native South Africa and is co-founder and CEO of CELSUS Bio-Intelligence, a medi-organic skin care company. Charlotte received her Masters from Harvard Divinity School and is an Instructor in the Core College and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education at Naropa University. Her essays on the intersection of spiritual practice and motherhood have been published in Mandala and in an anthology, Fearless Nest. In 2016 she received from Lama Tsultrim the title of Magyu Lopön, or lead teacher of Magyu, the Mother Lineage at Tara Mandala.

Pieter and Charlotte live in Boulder, Colorado, with their two boys.

See also www.skymind.us

Pieter Oosthuizen

Details

Schedule

Introductory talk:

Charlotte and Pieter will introduce the practice by Zoom in the BMO Community Room at the Halifax Library January 6, 1-3 pm. Those living out of town can join by Zoom. The talk will also be recorded for later listening.

Our retreat schedule:

Friday–Sunday, February 1-3, 9am – 5pm
Monday, February 4, 9am – 4pm

Location

This is a non-residential program. We will meet at 660 Francklyn Street, Halifax, on the site of the Atlantic School of Theology. Maximum 30 participants.

Cancellation policy

Before January 8: full refund.

After January 8: no refunds, though substitutions are welcome.

Questions?