Mt Tabor Drop-in Meditation

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When: Tuesdays in July & August

Time: 7:00-8:00 PM PDT

Where: In person at Mt. Tabor near Reservoir 5 (details will be shared with RSVP)

Suggested donation: Offered by donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.

To RSVP or learn more: Email Liza at lizab@liberationinstitute.org

Join us in the practice of presence and interconnection in the setting summer sun at Mt Tabor! We will gather in the grass to the east of reservoir number 5 at 7:00 PM. There will be a few minutes to talk and greet each other. Then we will find a comfortable meditation posture to practice together for about 25 minutes. Meditations will center around training attention to rest in the present moment, connecting with nature and the beings around us, and a loving-kindness practice. We will conclude with time to ask questions and share our experiences. 

Please bring whatever you need to be comfortable sitting on the earth: blanket, meditation cushion, chair, bench, shawl, water. Feel free to reach out with any questions.   

About the Facilitator: Liza (she/her) first encountered meditation during a month-long yoga teacher training in Baja Mexico in 2007. With her background in botany and ecology, she followed the spiritual path and studied multiple healing modalities to explore the multilayered aspects of healing. In 2018, she completed a traditional three-year, three-month meditation retreat in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and then taught for four years as an Associate Lama. She is now completing her graduate studies in mental health counseling at Prescott College, with an emphasis on ecotherapy, somatic and emotion-based therapy, and is a student intern at Liberation Institute. She also has availability for individual counseling sessions. Liza is supervised by Brad Byrum T2185

Climate Wayfinding, and 8-Week Group Reading Journey

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When: Mondays – June 22 to Aug 17 

(skipping July 16)

Time: 5:00-6:30 PM PDT

Where: Online with Liberation Institute (link will be shared with RSVP)

Suggested donation: Offered by donation, no one turned away for lack of funds.

To RSVP or learn more: Email Liza at lizab@liberationinstitute.org

Climate Wayfinding: Healing Ourselves and the Planet We Call Home is a newly published book by Katharine Wilkinson, co-editor of All We Can Save and Drawdown. It is a compassionate, empowering guide that helps readers move from climate grief and overwhelm to meaningful action and direction. This book is designed to be read together, building community and support as we learn to navigate the climate crisis. It features interactive elements like journaling prompts, practical exercises, and conversation guides. 

This group will meet for 8 sessions, one for each chapter. Participants will read the chapter beforehand, spending 1-2 hours each week on reading, journaling, and self-reflection. We will then come together to discuss the chapter and engage in group explorations. If you don’t have the book yet, please contact your local library to order it.

For anyone who feels grief, overwhelm, frustration, and a desire to come together to process what is happening locally and globally, this group is for you.   

About the Facilitator: Liza (she/her) has been involved in the eco-crisis since she was a teenager, witnessing the vast harm to our landscapes: open-pit mines, clear-cutting, dams, and bottom trawling our oceans. After completing a degree in botany, ecology, and conservation, she connected with the spiritual path and spent two decades learning about how we really heal. In 2018, she completed a traditional three-year, three-month meditation retreat in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and taught as an Associate Lama for 4 years. She is now completing her graduate studies in mental health counseling at Prescott College, with an emphasis on ecotherapy, somatic and emotion-based therapy, and is a student intern at Liberation Institute. She also has availability for individual counseling sessions if desired. Liza is supervised by Brad Byrum T2185

ep 5. Plants and Other Friends

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The conversation explores the intersection of plant medicine, wellness, and community, highlighting the impact of cannabis legalization on mental and physical health. It delves into the concept of freedom of expression, conflict resolution, and the symbiotic relationship with nature as essential components of wellness. The conversation explores the impact of the current mental health system, the role of capitalism, and the need for collective care and individual empowerment from a young age. It also highlights the importance of community support and the radicalization of children through education.

Takeaways

  • Plant medicine plays a significant role in mental and physical health, particularly in addressing issues such as PTSD and chronic pain.
  • Wellness encompasses freedom of expression, conflict resolution, and a symbiotic relationship with nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things. Collective care and individual empowerment are essential from a young age.
  • The impact of the current mental health system is influenced by capitalism and the need for community support.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
  • 05:04 The Role of Plant Medicine in Mental and Physical Health
  • 13:28 The Concept of Wellness and Freedom of Expression
  • 21:24 The Shift in Understanding Suffering and Healing
  • 27:11 The Impact of the Current Mental Health System
  • 44:36 The Role of Education in Radicalizing Children

ep 3. Welcoming the Unknown

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The conversation begins with an introduction to Miko and his role at the Liberation Institute, followed by a deep dive into Miko’s personal experience and healing journey. The discussion then explores the rediscovery of tradition, understanding suffering and healing, cultural traditions and healing practices, holistic non-dual state and healing, and the challenges of the mental health system. The conversation delves into the evolution of consciousness, the medical model, cultural perspectives, the intersection of science and spirituality, the boundaries of science, ubiquitous intelligence, mental health as a human right, shifting social value, celebrating mental health journeys, radical self-care, and healing justice.

Takeaways

  • Personal healing journey through spiritual practices
  • Cultural traditions and their impact on healing Evolution of consciousness in the face of unprecedented times
  • Shifting social value to celebrate mental health journeys

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Miko and Liberation Institute
  • 06:31 Rediscovery of Tradition and Spiritual Practices
  • 12:21 Understanding Suffering and Healing
  • 22:13 Holistic Non-Dual State and Healing
  • 28:16 The Medical Model and Cultural Perspectives
  • 35:06 Ubiquitous Intelligence and Mental Health as a Human Right
  • 42:08 Radical Self-Care and Healing Justice

ep. 4 Plants and Other Friends

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The podcast episode features a discussion with guest Alicia Navarrette, who shares insights on cannabis, plant medicine, wellness, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the impact of cannabis on health, the symbiotic relationship with plants, and the importance of freedom of expression and healthy conflict resolution in wellness. The conversation explores the power of questions in addressing societal issues, the challenges within the mental health system, and the vision of mental health as a basic human right. It emphasizes the importance of collective care, individual empowerment, and early intervention in shaping a more supportive and inclusive society.

Takeaways

  • Cannabis as plant medicine
  • Symbiotic relationship with plants The power of questions in addressing societal issues
  • Challenges within the mental health system
  • Vision of mental health as a basic human right

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Wishes
  • 05:32 Impact of Cannabis on Health and Wellness
  • 19:11 Wellness, Expression, and Conflict Resolution
  • 27:11 The Power of Questions
  • 44:36 Mental Health as a Human Right

ep.4 New Ways To Love

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The conversation explores the themes of mental wellness, healing, and the impact of the current medical mental health model. It delves into the complexities of diagnosis, the importance of witnessing, and the need for alternatives to the existing model. The conversation explores the need for a strength-based approach to mental health care, the impact of diagnosis on access to resources, and the importance of storytelling and imagination in healing. It also delves into the redefinition of relationships and the role of consent. The discussion concludes with a vision for mental health as a basic human right and the changes needed to achieve this.

Takeaways

  • Mental wellness involves being present and aware of the complexity of life.
  • Healing is a process that involves feeling safe to be oneself and being present with one’s own awareness. Strength-based approach to mental health
  • Impact of diagnosis on access to resources
  • The role of storytelling and imagination in healing
  • Redefinition of relationships and the role of consent
  • Vision for mental health as a basic human right

Chapters

  • 00:00 Harm of the Medical Mental Health Model
  • 26:17 Strength-Based Approach to Mental Health Care
  • 38:09 Mental Health as a Basic Human Right

ep. 3 Welcoming the Unknown

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The conversation with Miko and the hosts delves into the intersection of spirituality, mental health, and wellness. Miko shares his personal journey and the transformative impact of discovering the Liberation Institute. The discussion explores the limitations of the medical model, the value of mental health, and the radical nature of self-care and healing justice. The core topic is about the divinity of the stranger, of how to understand the guest/host relationship as one where divinity is infused in the act of welcoming a stranger and ultimately bringing them into a state of belonging.

Takeaways

  • Spirituality and mental health intersect in transformative ways
  • The social value of mental health needs to be redefined and celebrated

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Miko and Liberation Institute
  • 06:00 Rediscovering Tradition and Spiritual Systems
  • 24:00 The Social Value of Mental Health and Wellness

Second Spring

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When:

Tuesday, June 9 (Zoom)

July 23 (Tabor Space)

July 7 (Zoom)

July 21 (Tabor Space) 

August 4 (Zoom)

August 18 (Tabor Space)

Where: Zoom and Tabor Space

Suggested donation: $10 per session (or what you can afford). No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

To RSVP or learn more: Email Genevievel@liberationinstitute.org

Second Spring is a co-facilitated council group for those approaching or moving through perimenopause and menopause. Rooted in the idea that this stage of life can be not only a transition, but also a reawakening, the group offers space to honor this season as a “second spring” — a time of reflection, change, renewal, and emerging wisdom.

Together we will explore the emotional, physical, relational, and identity shifts that can arise during this time of life within a supportive and intentional community.

Using the format of council, participants are invited into a slower, more grounded space for listening, storytelling, witnessing, and authentic connection. Rather than advice-giving or fixing, council emphasizes presence, shared humanity, and the wisdom that emerges through being heard and hearing others.

The group will meet every other week in a hybrid format, alternating between online and in-person gatherings. Whether you are seeking community, grounding, deeper self-understanding, or support navigating change, Second Spring offers a place to come as you are.

About the Facilitator: Brittney Van Matre is a depth-oriented facilitator who works with anxiety, identity development, career change, and life transitions. She brings 20+ years of executive leadership and coaching experience to her practice. Brittney works with women in early adulthood and those who are at midlife, navigating career stress, relationships, and the uncertainty of this life stage. She brings warmth, steadiness, and deep respect for the unfolding process of change. Brittney is a therapist trainee, supervised by Brad Byrum #T2185.

Genevieve Layman is a therapist trainee supervised by Elizabeth Hoke, License #1440. She brings a multidisciplinary, heart-centered approach to her work, shaped by her background as a horticultural therapist, award-winning author of the book Gather & Make, and longtime student of Nonviolent Communication. Genevieve is currently completing training in Somatic Experiencing, with a focus on nervous system awareness, embodiment, and trauma-informed care. Genevieve especially enjoys facilitating groups, where participants can experience belonging, connection, and relational healing in real time with real people. Her work is informed by a deep relationship with the natural world and a belief in the wisdom of the body, mutual empathy, and the healing potential of authentic human connection.

Different Brains, Shared Relationships

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When: Wednesdays 6-7:30 PM, Start Date: TBD/Interest List forming now!

Time: 6-7:30 PM

Where: via Google Meet

Suggested donation: $5-10 per weekly session. No one turned away for lack of funds. 

To join contact: groups@liberationinstitute.org

Different Brains, Shared Relationship, is an 8- week psychoeducational and skills-based therapy group for California neurodivergent couples who want to better understand each other, improve communication, and build more connected, supportive relationships. Many neurodivergent couples find themselves stuck in painful cycles of overwhelm, shutdown, conflict, miscommunication, masking, or feeling fundamentally misunderstood by one another. 

Grounded in a somatic, relational, neuro-affirming approach, this group helps couples explore the deeper dynamics beneath conflict while learning practical tools for communication, co-regulation, emotional connection, and navigating differences with more compassion and clarity.

Together, couples will learn to:
* Understand nervous system and emotional regulation patterns.
* Recognize cycles of conflict, shutdown, masking, or misattunement.
* Improve communication and emotional safety.
* Better understand neurodivergent experiences within relationships.
* Build more supportive and sustainable ways of relating.

This group is affirming, non judgemental, and designed to help couples move away from shame and blame and toward deeper understanding, connection, and collaboration. 


Facilitators:
Ramona Arne is the facilitator of Different Brains, Shared Relationship, an 8- week group for neurodivergent couples focused on improving communication, emotional connection, and understanding the patterns that shape relationships. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Trainee with over 20 years od experience in addiction counseling, Ramona brings a somatic, relational psychodynamic and neuro-affirming approach to her work with couples. She is passionate about helping partners better understand themselves and each other through the lens of nervous systems, attachment, emotional patterns, and the deeper experiences that influence connection and conflict. Her approach is grounded in the belief that neurodivergence is not something to “fix” and that many relationship struggles begin to make sense when couples understand the underlying dynamics, regulation patterns, and unmet emotional needs beneath them. She aims to create a space that feels supportive, compassionate, and affirming for both partners. Ramona also brings lived experience of neurodivergence into the work, offering both professional insight and genuine understanding as well as curiosity of the experiences that neurodivergent couples often navigate in everyday life. 

Hannah Chung is a somatic and trauma informed therapist trainee who integrates body awareness with parts work to support lasting healing. She helps clients understand their nervous systems and build regulation, resilience and self-trust. As a former Chef and veteran, Hannah Brings a grounded and practical perspective shaped by creativity and life transitions. She understands how stress and identity are held in both body and mind. Hannah is passionate about parts work and supports clients in developing compassionate relationships with different aspects of themselves. Her approach is collaborative, direct, and warm, creating a space rooted in curiosity and respect. 

Both Hannah and Ramona are Supervised by a Licensed Person, LPCC #4505

ep. 2 Liberation Institute Founder Stever Dallman

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The conversation with Stever Dallman, founder of The Liberation Institute explores mental wellness beyond diagnosis and pathology, emphasizing the power of love in healing and the limitations of the current mental health system. It also discusses hopeful alternatives in mental health and the practice of love as a key element in healing. The importance of community and the need for change in the mental health system are highlighted, along with the role of everyday people in building a world where mental health is treated as a basic human right.

Takeaways

  • Love is a powerful force in healing
  • Mental wellness goes beyond diagnosis and pathology

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Mental Wellness
  • 08:41 The Power of Love in Healing
  • 16:18 The Limitations of the Mental Health System
  • 32:39 The Practice of Love and Healing