What we’re about
What is Nondual Awareness / Nonduality?
The term “nonduality” or “nondualism” originates from ancient Advaita Vedanta teachings (literally “not two”) and refers to the ultimate reality of Oneness. From this ultimate reality of Oneness springs the apparent world of multiplicity and diversity. The mystical branches of many faith traditions have similar teachings.
Nondual awareness is the experience of being aware of and abiding in this ultimate reality of Oneness. This also includes the transpersonal possibility of identifying with nondual awareness as who we are.
The exploration of nondual awareness typically involves both psychological and spiritual discoveries, growth, and transformation.
What is SpiritChat?
SpiritChat is a series of ongoing meetings during which we will explore the nature of abiding in and as nondual awareness. Each meeting will be ninety minutes in length and will start will twenty minutes of silent meditation. Nicholas will then give a brief reflection on a related topic followed by a question-and-answer period.
Nicholas also offers one-on-one spiritual counseling sessions.
Common Topics
Common topics covered in this teaching include what the spiritual path of nondual awareness may look like for different people. What is the relationship between personal psychology and transpersonal spirituality? How do we avoid getting stuck in our egos on the spiritual path (spiritual bypassing)? How do we cultivate the extremely subtle perception of nondual awareness? What is the relationship between cognitive kinds of knowing and this more subtle knowing via “unknowing”? What are the roles of inquiry, silence, courage, commitment, and surrender on the spiritual journey?
Nicholas’ Background
Nicholas Bartoli has a diverse personal background which includes the practice of yoga, Zen Buddhist meditation, and contemplative prayer. He’s worked as a yoga instructor, a modern dancer, and as a psychotherapist. Nicholas also lived and worked as monk for ten years in an Episcopal order, providing spiritual direction, preaching, teaching contemplative prayer, and leading retreats.
In 2010, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, the fruits of which have led to an abiding in and as nondual awareness.
