Empowering Intimacy is a seven-week course in cultivating the capacity to be in the dance of true intimacy with another. Originally offered as an online class, the entire course is now available as a digital download in audio or video format.
For a free 50 minute introduction please see the bottom of this page!
True intimacy is the hoped for outcome of every romantic relationship. The jewel of intimacy has two facets. First, we long to be fully seen and accepted for who we are. Many of us know this longing and can name it. But, second and of equal importance, is the longing we have to be free to offer our beloved our own unguarded love. This side of the equation is lesser known but it is the key to balance and sustainability in intimate relationship. True intimacy is the dance of giving and receiving where one discovers that the gift and the giver are one and the same.
Our lives reveal the truth that our relationships, especially our romantic relationships, take up more of our time and energy than almost anything else we do. This practice of relating to another human being with the goal of intimacy is so important to us and yet there is little in the way of wisdom and capacity building in our culture. Most of us struggle to find wisdom and language and tools that empower us to create the relationships we truly want.
This course provides singles and couples with the foundation for conscious relationship building. Each of the seven classes provides essential information and practices for transforming relationship struggle and pain into deeply empowered intimacy. But information alone is not enough – we must learn to feel this new way of being in our bodies. Empowering Intimacy is a course in embodied learning that must be experienced in order to be fully lived out. Each class includes exercises of energetic awareness that will ground the learning in the body where we can transform years of painful relationship patterns.
The topics for each week of the course:
- Cornerstone of Truth: How to be true to yourself
- Getting Empowered: The only way your partner will change
- The Power of Polarity: The crucial understanding of masculine and feminine energy
- Embodiment and Sexuality: Finding yourself in your own body so you can truly connect
- Communication from the Heart: Learning how to listen and speak from the heart
- Creative Conflict: Fighting that brings you closer
- Embracing the Shadow: Working with our shadows and fears
Here is how some folks have responded to these teachings:
Ernest, I have SO loved every one of your webinars…and I have learned so much. For the first time I understand why inner practice is so important in relationship–what we tap into–that most vital, authentic part of ourselves that is almost unrecognizable in our normal approach. And I realize now how that True Self is the connection to everything in this exquisite, complex dance called life. I remind myself often “you reap what you sow”, and “suffering is the Universe’s alarm clock”…I notice things I never did before. I’m kinder, more vulnerable. I reach out more; make my hugs matter; and I’ve slowed w-a-y down, giving more time to conversations and play
~ Brenda, married with three daughters
Hi Ernest, “This stuff works!” It has been scary to step into this new world of relationship, however, the courage it takes is rewarded with a big release of energy. As the fear has released love has indeed streamed in! The communication practices makes so much sense! Neither of us had heard some of these subtle tweaks before and we are seeing that they are indeed solvent to enrolling our partner into conversation…especially the more difficult conversations. I thank you for your support, love and care. Thank you for your passion!
~ Matthew, therapist, long term relationship.
