Monsters under the Bed

Monsters under the bed—reactive patterns—are always with us, shaping our reactions to the situations life throws at us. In this six-part retreat series, Ken McLeod, Claudia Hansen, and George Draffan explore how these patterns keep us stuck, and reveal ways to see them clearly and let them go. With humor, candor, and practical wisdom, they delve into the power of the breath, the six realms, and practices for moving beyond habitual struggles. The retreat is focused on ways to navigate reactivity, deepen presence, and live with greater freedom.

1. Exploring the Breath: The Foundation of Presence

Breathing: an act so simple, yet profoundly transformative when experienced deeply. In this session, Claudia introduces the practice of resting with the breath, sharing personal stories that highlight its significance in meditation. Topics include the physiology of breathing, its connection to presence, and reflections on the nature of attention.
2. Feeling Impulses: The Roots of Reactive Patterns

What drives our reactive patterns? In this session, George, Claudia, and Ken uncover the impulses—grasping, aversion, and ignoring—that underlie our struggles with experience. Topics include recognizing reactive patterns, emotional needs, and building awareness to shift automatic responses.
3. Exploring the Six Realms: Understanding Emotional Worlds

How do emotions shape the way we see the world? In this session, Ken introduces the six realms—a map of human psychology—while George and Claudia bring these realms to life with vivid examples. Topics include anger, need, dullness, and the interplay of emotions in everyday life.
4. Breaking Free: Moving Beyond the Six Realms

Can we move beyond the grip of reactivity? In this session, Ken, Claudia, and George discuss stepping out of the six realms, exploring the body’s role in cutting through mental stories. Topics include addiction as a model for reactive patterns, biochemistry, physiology, and practices for freeing ourselves from habitual behaviors.
5. Posture and Practice: Finding Freedom in the Body

How does posture shape our meditation? In this session, Ken reflects on his struggles with posture, while Claudia and George guide practical techniques for using the body to differentiate and work with the six realms. Topics include balance, relaxation, and the connection between the physical and emotional.
6. Subtle Practices for Emptying the Six Realms

What happens when we do nothing? In the final session of the retreat, Ken, Claudia, and George give three instructions for emptying the six realms: no distraction, no control, and no effort. Topics include trusting the process and falling into the unknown with awareness.

Monsters under the Bed

1. Exploring the Breath: The Foundation of Presence

2. Feeling Impulses: The Roots of Reactive Patterns

3. Exploring the Six Realms: Understanding Emotional Worlds

4. Breaking Free: Moving Beyond the Six Realms

5. Posture and Practice: Finding Freedom in the Body

6. Subtle Practices for Emptying the Six Realms