The Online “I AM” Retreat
Testimonials from The “I AM” Retreats
*** These reviews were automatically translated ***
Final talks and sharing from the last retreats.
I am so blessed to have found Dan and everyone at the ATW retreat. I had a full awakening and I know it happened at this time because Dan believes that we can awaken from our self-structure. He knows and believes that awakening is for all of us, not just a select few. He spoke directly to my self-structure and my self-structure got the message that her days were limited. There were over a hundred selves at the retreat but somehow he managed to speak directly to “me” and I felt personal attention to my awakening in the dyads. He is the real deal, so humble and authentic. His Dharma talks were transmissions. I think those days before my awakening were the most challenging of my life or at least right up there. The fear and hindrances were so strong but something made me just sit and it seemed to be the guidance from Dan and the container.
I have been to a lot of retreats. This is the one for when you are ready to drop everything and to awake up from the story.
Julie Rowin MD
I was skeptical about doing a retreat by zoom but it turned out to be better than any other retreat I had attended over the past 25 years on multiple levels. Sound was clear and the visual connection more intimate than in-person, sitting 20 feet away or more. At other retreats “teachers” (Buddhist or otherwise) there was a reluctance to engage in the cosmology of being and experience, arguing that it only fed the mind and created more confusion. For me, leaving important questions unanswered left me frustrated, and the option of “surrendering” to the teaching and the wisdom of the teacher didn’t sit well with my character.
Dan bridged that conflict beautifully, explaining that the words were only words, pointers, and concepts that the mind might try to grasp on to, in which case they would become hindrances; however with those caveats Dan answered every question everyone had. Questions that I had had for years. Answering questions I hadn’t fully articulated before but which were nevertheless holding me back. The mind functions as a kind of protector or guard. It screens for B.S. which is an important function.
When questions were left unanswered my mind’s defenses were alerted and natural barriers put up. Addressing those questions honestly and openly, as Dan did, was respectful to the necessary function of the mind. It was hugely appreciated and allowed a more complete engagement with the teaching than would otherwise have occurred. Moreover, Dan is very well versed in numerous spiritual traditions. It was a pleasure to hear him speaking on diverse spiritual subjects and teachings. Are we mind, or something else? Who or what are we?
There was a progression in “understanding” as the days went on. Dan’s teachings blended very well with the pure and direct experience of the dyads. The first few dyads were necessary to become more comfortable with the process. Lots of ego. Stories kept coming up. But it was all seen. As a witness this was a rare opportunity to simply watch another person. To be present without judgement or any personal, egoic investment, After witnessing several different speakers over several days there was a transformation.
What they were saying – when it was connected to a sense of an independent self – became less and less meaningful. In fact, meaningless. What was real was a presence that they were. The same presence was there with every speaker. The faces and the words changed but that energy or beingness or presence or consciousness remained the same. The limits of mind became clearly delineated and standing against it was this limitless space of awareness. One woman, speaking from that same experience of presence, said quietly, “I am seeing God. This is God right here!” Yes, that too was my experience. It was entering into the Now.
The experience as a speaker, responding to the imperative, “Tell me who you are!”, was different than being a witness. I was more self conscious than as a witness and that sense of pure presence was more difficult to hold as I felt some performative anxiety, although that gradually diminished day by day. Towards the end, there was really nothing to say. There was no “need” or pressure to say anything. Nearly everything was “said” in silence. Just sitting quietly looking at another person – who was not expecting anything or judging or timing the session – was also a rare experience of total acceptance.
What became apparent to me then was that the shadow parts (in Jungian terms) which are normally very actively wanting to take the stage, relaxed. Their function in life, to navigate this reality as successfully as possible, settled down as “they” realized that the whole being was in good hands. Being present wasn’t threatening. It wasn’t a loss of control or a dangerous vulnerability. The calming effect the dyad sessions had on the psyche was quite dramatic. One not only saw space and presence looking out, but looking inward there was also that same deep calm. I would describe it as having arrived. Finally. Here was home.
Vernon (Frolick). Canada
7 days online retreat : This is for serious seekers and it works. Dan and his staff are caring skillful people, the participants were from the mind struggling to the other end. I learned a lot just by listening. The teachings are clear and create the ground for the work to be done. I have practiced and felt for myself what forcing and letting go means.
There is a progressive buildup during the 7 days, and difficulties are part of the game. Dyads were a tsunami that swept away temporarily a big chunk of knots in mind that I did not know existed; that allowed me to experience an astonishing sense of presence and well-being.
I have are reference point to see which of my practices work. I learned how to find my inner intuition. It’s so simple, but, if you cannot feel it, you need a way to experience it for yourself. This retreat is a wonderful space if you are have questions, need tools, a time for healing, a desire to feel better or to take it to the next level.
Come as you are, try to be open with yourself, and focus as possible without struggling, follow the schedule, and you will find what you need.
Dan D
Thank you to all the staff for this retreats! You’ve collectively provided a safe, and nurturing space for exploring the depths of inner work. I’m grateful to have been a participant.
Val Strahl
In Dan’s teaching I immediately found a way much more understandable to approach the mystery of Life and of who we truly are. I appreciated the depth of his speeches, the sharpness by which he went to the points, the simplicity and the caring and Love he and his staff expressed.
Anna Garaffo.
The methods and energy brought into this “Oneness of Being” from the Retreats offered by Dan are beyond words! Nothing but LOVE embracing LOVE.. HOME! I humbly ask one and all to come into this stillness, and be free! The world needs your LIGHT! Live in Love ❤️
Pamela S.
Dear Lilla and Dan,
Thank you from bottom of my heart for the sacred space you shared with us, the other-selves! Beautiful Lilla and Dan,
it was an Amazing journey to collectively experience that forever presence, the True selfless Self.
Yesterday the retreat was over, was a little saddening for this character, and was already missing it, but knowing down deep that we are not going anywhere, there is nowhere to go. Knowing that We are Unity, every being, every emotion, every experience.
Thank you for clearing the answers I was looking and felt enormous cease after years of seeking. No wonder it was great craving to come to your retreat. The understanding resonated with me greatly because The answers came from beyond of that beautiful soul, it wast not just words.
It was for while that I could not have a deep tuning on guided meditation anymore, because felt another conditioned mind. After retreat, I keep up with silence meditation to tune into something much greater, the unity, the Love the true nature.
There is no way to go back to the old conditioned mind after realization. Of course the emotions will rises or falls may occur but it cannot linger too long. Realization of the silence, the chatter mind and stillness are all one, just moving. That infinite creator just experiencing everything through this illusory self which is part of that infinite, that pure Love that never moves.
Sending my gratitude and appreciation for everything you are doing to help humanity evolve collectively. Looking forward to participate with another retreat and hopefully one day in live retreat to experience directly the divine energies with you, Lilla, Tamaya, Chad, Alex and the rest of the team.
Much Love ~ Parvaneh
This is not just a retreat. It’s a life changing retreat. It’s not just about having an unforgettable experience, but also what stays after the experience. My practice in daily life got on a whole new level as well as understanding of unfoldment of my path.
We all meet a deep gap between what we do in our practice and how to apply that in real life. Here I got great tools and understanding of how to observe and recognize my unconscious functioning in daily life and slowly learn to overcome these obstacles.
This retreat is incredibly benefical regardless of what path you’re on or what tradition you follow (if any). Going through such retreat with loving guidance of this team is something you can only wish for. It’s impossible to express my gratitude to Dan and his team. It goes beyond what words can ever say.
Инес Просенц
Dan’s retreat is a world-class experience like no other. He humbly speaks from a place of love, patience, empathy and authenticity. His experience is vast and his teachings are mind-opening and inspirational. The facilitators are all exceptional and are more than willing to reach out to you on an individual basis for any questions that arise. If you’re the least bit curious, I wouldn’t hesitate to sign up. You will likely walk away with a new perspective on life no matter your experience level.
JWoods
The IAM Retreat offers a steady and compelling drumbeat of truth through the wise and compassionate teachings of Dan(iel) Schmidt along with the caring support team. The retreat offerings were deeply engaging with creative and inspired elements.
it was transformative! My heart is filled, and my practice is newly energized.
Glo Bremer
As a retreat virgin, this was everything I imagined a retreat was all about and SO So much more. I had no idea the depths and scope that would be covered. You felt at all times that if things were getting overwhelming there was someone there to guide and reassure.
This is the hardest and most worthy journey a person can take and these guys did not shirk their responsibilities in this. This is not your namby pamby mindfulness retreat. This is the real deal.
Nigel Robertson.
Leaving behind any expectations, dive into the retreat with the knowing you are diving into yourself. Be excited to put some space between who you think you are and WHO you actually are. No fear, there is room for all of it, this is why we came here. The authenticity in the dyad sessions was beautiful as were the souls “I” connected with.
Much love, Veronica
“Awakening can be a profound and transformative experience. If you deeply yearn to understand its essence and are ‘open’ to guidance from a compassionate teacher who genuinely cares about your awakening, I encourage you to consider attending the “I AM” Retreat.
This 7-day retreat may seem like a significant investment of your time, but it has the potential to profoundly shift the course of your life.
Dan and his team dedicate immense care and effort to creating an environment where participants have the opportunity to experience a profound inner transformation. I have witnessed numerous awakenings during the retreats I’ve attended, a level of success I haven’t encountered elsewhere.
I share this based on my own extensive experience of many years with various practices, eastern and western like course of miracles including long silent retreats, tantric retreats, retreats by very famous teachers and numerous other types of retreats.”
Sib
Daniel is a natural teacher and he’s very good at his craft! Kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and so very patient. One cannot go wrong learning with the Awaken the World team! I trust them implicitly!
James
I highly recommend doing the online IAM retreat. Even if you have a practice of doing in person retreats, I recommend doing one at home—and this one is exceptional.
The last in person group retreat I did was the in person IAM retreat 2 years ago. It’s very similar, although there are some differences. Doing it online has its pros and cons. The fact that you’re “in your life” while doing the retreat is what makes it a challenge, and that challenge is the biggest benefit. Being in life but within a container of continuous practice has the conditioned patterns at the forefront. There is no escaping yourself. It also helps create the energetic roots and patterns to anchor the changes, and create sadhana in the physical space that outwardly reflects your inner world—rather than the shock of “going away” and “coming back.” You never left.
The team are well experienced in the practice, and really show up with full and open hearts. Dan is able to creatively weave so much knowledge into teachings and pointers that hold so much energy of direct transmission of the truth—in a way that is humble and a direct, spontaneous response to what is arising in the group. The team supporting as facilitators, tech support, etc are all exceptional. Thank you! 🙏
Jana
The I AM retreat was different from any retreat I have attended up to now – there was a rare depth and authenticity in the teachings, shared with great love and humility. I have attended spiritual gatherings and been a part of many groups since my childhood. As a participant, I could really see the years and decades of spiritual journeying and deepening that led to the creation of these retreats. The practices and teachings that were shared are incredibly well-curated and offered in a selfless spirit of service. If you take your awakening serious, do yourself a favor and attend one of these retreats. My heartfelt gratitude to Dan, Lilla, Tayama, Chad and the whole team.
Marian
My name is Pamela Schifano and I have attended 3 of Dan’s Retreat to date and my awareness/awakening deepens with each experience. I find there is power in numbers, as we gather in Oneness (Presence); together we raise our collective vibration; purifying the SELF structure (through meditation and self inquiry). Dan and Lilla are ABSOLUTE LOVE embodied! I am so very honored to be walking this planet with you and your team in Omnipresent Love! Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha!
Pamela
The IAM Retreat is a lovingly guided, group journey to directly inquire and experience who we truly are. The gracious staff is always available to assist with meditations, teachings, breath work, yoga and direct inquiry processes… even after the retreat ends.
It was a pleasant surprise how all aspects of the online retreat coherently worked to assist each individual and the collective group. Regardless of the hundreds of questions posed during the retreat, Dan and the staff always leaned in, taking time to truly understand before thoughtfully responding.
If you’ve been searching and you’re reading this, I lovingly encourage you to participate in the IAM Retreat.
Be prepared to discover the truth of who you are. With much love,
Ina
I approached this retreat with great interest but perhaps less commitment than many others. Let me speak to those of you who are wondering whether dipping your toes in the water would have any benefits. The answer, to me, is a resounding “yes.”
As Dan emphasizes, all elements — of the retreat and of daily life — are catalysts for transformation. I found great growth in simply meditating 3-4 hours per day (I say “simply” but this was the first time in my life I had ever meditated more than 45 minutes!). And I found priceless wisdom in the knowledge transmitted by Dan with such commitment, enthusiasm and even love.
I also enjoyed the diversity of the participants: from all over the world, from all different paths, certainly not the typical makeup of an insight meditation online retreat. I did isolate during the retreat and I tried to maintain continuous practice (mostly)… I think this is important; otherwise it just becomes a plain vanilla meditation retreat.
FYI – prior to the retreat, I raised my concern with the staff that because of a sleep disorder, I would not be able to participate fully and queried whether this would be disruptive to others. I was assured that I was most welcome in whatever form and fashion I could bring.
Elliot R
7 day online retreat from Dec.28, 2024-Jan 3rd. 2025, with “awaken the world” was the second time that i had privilege to participate. What a blessing to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the new year. I am in awe and enjoying in the transformative energy of this 7 day retreat.
It’s been incredible journey, and i am grateful for the love, wisdom and guidance that Dan shared. What I love about Dan’s teaching is direct to the point which has brought ending to my long seeking to find my true self. Dan and Lilla created a sacred space where filled with love, and compassion, where heart heals, mind expands, and true self soar through his vast knowledge and guidance. Thank you for being light of my journey. Much love,
Parvaneh Alipour
Something shifted and I did not expect to ever experience that, I came into retreat just hoping for a calmer mind I thought no way could I experience awakening. I had glimpses during dyads coming unexpectedly and leaving just as swiftly but towards the end when I began to build a trust in things emerging and not knowing I was surprised to find what I was saying and the lightness to it e.g.
I don’t need to know who you are because you are always with me… game of hide and seek… I don’t know and it doesn’t matter etc… I also had a profound experience during breath work a transformative feeling of wholeness and forgiveness of myself because i could finally reconcile ‘good evil’ morality and truly believed the dignity in all beings and thus myself.
Today after the retreat has ended I walked to nature and had a mystical experience, I was just standing very still breathing and looking at these fallen tree trunks in a wooded area after a while two or three little birds came, one flew in to my face I was a bit scared I jolted my head back it flew away too. Then I kept standing there they came back playfully just being close to branches where I can see them and then next to my head.
Then it flew to my hand and kind of gently pecked at my hand and quickly flew away. This happened again flying into my face causing me to jolt my head back again because I was scared of these little birds. After a while they left and the whole time I walked backed home I was struck by a profound sense of peace, grace and joy. I feel deeply moved an ‘okayness’ with it all. Before I felt like life is struggling, to swim upstream, a lot of resentment. I feel a connection…
I have no words I’m in awe.
Anonymous
Dan creates an environment that makes the ineffable experience of being human accessible, that is to say he allows individuals to both build a conceptual model of self, but then shows how we might embody that space.
I say this coming from other esoteric traditions where the work has all too often felt baroque and bloated.
I’m so thankful for the emergent and beautiful spirit of this work.
Scott Tebeau
Amongst other “things” my heart has been touched by the full on sincerity of both facilitators and participants. for me this goes a long way, it makes this retreat a path with heart. Full respect and love.
Michel Spaan
My name Elhassen Chelghoum I really had a great experience on no escape. I actually had the sense of urgency disappeared. I learned we don’t have to do or to think in order to be we already be.
Elhassen Chelghoum
I had a beautiful experience on this retreat. Dan’s teachings, style and guidance everyday motivated me tremendously to continue my spiritual journey with rigor. On this retreat I discovered the impact meditation and self-inquiry can have on purification of mind and body from past impressions.
I highly recommend this retreat to anyone wanting to take their spiritual practice to the next level.
Rashmi Javed
DO ENROLL if it resonates. It won’t be easy. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride that arrives in the now, and produces a profound perspective change.
Jens
The retreat is life-changing. Beautiful unfolding and clearing of the mind and body so that the truth can be revealed. The truth, once revealed, is ever- present and unchanging.
Dan is a gifted teacher, bringing wisdom, presence and truth to every session and pointing, in the most direct way, to one’s liberation. “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21).
If you are ready to discover the “kingdom” within you, sign up for this amazing retreat.
Яна Норман
The experience of this retreat is magnificent. The energy of this gathering is so fascinating, even online. Dan is the very best teacher, so precise, so clear. His guidance, explanation, and sharing are very helpful for anyone who is on the awakening journey, like lighting tower, leading you, ensuring you with warmth, love and light.
I am deeply grateful to have experienced this retreat with him. I do hope: please protect this community to keep this pure awakening mission on. Just keep as what it originally is, with pure love and sharing purely. Namaste
( Deeply sincere thanks to all the beautiful souls in this retreat journey, all the staff and participants. )
Anonymous
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