The 3RD EnlightenNext
Meditation
MarathonSM
24 HOURS • WORLDWIDE
Dec 10 2011
A DIFFERENT KIND
OF Marathon
Think about what it takes to run a marathon–or swim the English Channel, climb Mt. Everest, or ride the Tour de France. It takes strength, focus, inspiration, and the will to succeed no matter what. In a word, it takes spirit.
What would it be like to bring that same kind of spirit and determination to a different kind of challenge–an inner marathon–in which you're endeavoring to let go completely and sit absolutely still and silent for 24 hours in a row?
That's what the EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon is all about. Instead of pushing your physical limits (well, you'll probably be doing that too!), you're giving your mind and your soul a challenge, and stretching the wings of your own capacity for consciousness.
Meditate With Hundreds of People Around the World
Just like running a marathon, it's not easy. But you won't be alone. This is a worldwide virtual event, and you'll be lifted by the power of many others going beyond limits together. This is the third year we've done this event, and people have told us over and over again that the collective energy and momentum that gets generated during the Meditation Marathon takes them farther and deeper into themselves than they have ever gone before. And their spirit of victory and self-discovery is contagious.
When you meditate through a whole day and night, facing down and overcoming obstacles you never expected, you find that you've awakened a level of inspiration that comes from the deepest part of yourself. You've strengthened your conviction in what is possible, and energized the kind of spiritual self-confidence that lasts well beyond the cushion and translates directly into life.
If you're inspired to participate but new to the practice of meditation, don't worry–we'll make sure you have everything you need to be successful, including the right kind of training as well as direct guidance from EnlightenNext founder Andrew Cohen. And you can set yourself a goal that suits your own level of experience.
An Opportunity to Raise Money for a Good Cause
Even if you join for just one or two hours, you'll be making a vital contribution to the collective momentum that the whole marathon depends on. You'll also be adding fuel to the fire of an event which is EnlightenNext's largest fundraiser of the year.
EnlightenNext is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to catalyzing evolution in consciousness and culture. We are committed to awakening, connecting, and cultivating a global movement of "Evolutionaries"–individuals who feel personally responsible for creating the future.
Many people will be fundraising, and if you'd like to sign up as a fundraiser yourself, join a team, and leverage your Meditation Marathon to raise money in support of EnlightenNext, your efforts will be doubly powerful. But you don't have to fundraise in order to participate.
HEAR MORE ABOUT THE MEDITATION MARATHON
from spiritual teacher and EnlightenNext founder Andrew Cohen:
» Right-click here and 'save' to download the MP3.
Andrew Cohen will be joining the Meditation Marathon live by conference call for 2 one-hour-long sessions to answer your questions about meditation.
Register Now
Join hundreds of people around the world meditating for up to 24 hours.
When you register you will receive:
- A detailed schedule for you to follow
- Audios and contemplative readings from Andrew Cohen for each hour of the marathon
- Two hour-long Q&A sessions with Andrew Cohen
- "The Art and Science of Stillness," a free chapter about meditation from Andrew Cohen's new book Evolutionary Enlightenment
- Training and support materials to prepare for your marathon
- The opportunity to join a local group or virtual fundraising team
EXPERIENCES OF LAST YEAR'S MARATHON
Each year I am deeply moved by the passion and strength that arises as time passes into the early hours of the morning, sitting together in unified silence around the globe."
Rose G.
Sitting still and not wavering in the face of whatever comes is a metaphor for an enlightened relationship to life and a demonstration of commitment and integrity in the midst of life's challenges."
Dan C.
As we began, it was hard to sit still, hard not to think about a muscle cramping. But I just tried, and there was something absolutely wonderful about it. As time went by, I felt that somehow I became more connected to my true self."
Cathy W.
I don't think I've ever been quiet for 15 minutes! I was nervous that I would not be able to release my thoughts, but I soon noticed that I was feeling still, calm, at peace, and connected to everyone in the room. I ended up meditating for 3 hours, and I can't wait to double that next year."
Lynda M.
I had never meditated for more than 8 hours straight, so when I finished the entire marathon, I felt a profound new sense of victory and conviction."
Nils S.DON'T WORRY...
You don't need to be an expert meditator!
Even if you've never meditated before, you can still participate in the EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon. Last year, even people brand new to meditation were so inspired that they ended up sitting for 6 hours or more. Whether you're a beginner or have been meditating for decades, we will provide you with plenty of training materials and guidance to get you ready for the event.
You don't need to meditate all 24 hours!
If meditating for an entire 24 hours seems too daunting or is impractical for you, you can join the schedule at any time and participate for as long as you want. As previous participants have discovered, even meditating for just a few hours can be deeply rewarding. Regardless of how long you choose to sit, we will provide you with everything you need to be successful, including guided contemplations, inspiring audios, and live Q&A with spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen.
Fundraising is easy.
Asking friends and family to support your efforts to meditate longer than you ever have before can be a powerful way to build your confidence, inspiration, and commitment to completing the Meditation Marathon. As one participant said last year, "Raising money was easy. People were excited for me to try something new and wanted to support that. I had great time and actually went past my fundraising goal." But don't worry...fundraising is not a requirement for participation in the marathon.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Event Details
When: Dec 10 - 11, 2011, from 6am to 6am.
Where: Anywhere you want, alone or with others. Some people meditate at home, while others join local meditation groups. You can also volunteer to host a group yourself.
Cost: $35
Before the Marathon
Just like a runner training for a long-distance race by gradually increasing their distance during practice runs, you can also train for the Meditation Marathon. By sitting for a series of progressively longer sessions in the weeks and months leading up to December 10, you can train your body and mind to achieve your marathon goal. Share your training ideas with others on our Community Resource page, which all participants can access. We'll also give you plenty of helpful tips and ideas.
The EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon is similar to other endurance events that also serve as fundraisers for social causes. We'll help you every step of the way, from setting up your special fundraising web page to asking your friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor your efforts in the marathon. All donations are tax deductible, and directly support EnlightenNext's programs.
Last year, 1200 donors worldwide contributed $175,000 to EnlightenNext's Meditation Marathon. Our goal this year is to reach $250,000.
During the Marathon
You will receive a detailed schedule and materials to guide you through the marathon. Meditation sessions last 45 minutes, and are followed by 15-minute breaks. Each session starts with short reading from Andrew Cohen.
Most people choose to start at 6am local time, but you can adjust your start time to whenever is convenient. If you decide to participate for less than 24 hours, you can join or leave at any time.
During the marathon, you will also be able to join Andrew Cohen for 2 one-hour long Q&A sessions. These will be held via conference call, and you can participate from anywhere in the world.
Click here to view an example of last year's schedule
Join Us & Register Today!
Join hundreds of people around the world meditating for up to 24 hours.
When you register you will receive:
- A detailed schedule for you to follow
- Audios and contemplative readings from Andrew Cohen for each hour of the marathon
- Two hour-long Q&A sessions with Andrew Cohen
- "The Art and Science of Stillness," a free chapter about meditation from Andrew Cohen's new book Evolutionary Enlightenment
- Training and support materials to prepare for your marathon
- The opportunity to join a local group or virtual fundraising team
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