A Brief Outline of Tom’s Training and Experience in Conscious Living

“An ounce of practice is worth a ton of theory.” ~ Swami Sivananda

THE ENLIGHTENMENT PATHWAYS

1964: Began regular practice of meditation and the Yogic pathways
1971: Yoga Teacher Training Certification (Hatha, Raja, Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga) with Swami Vishnu-devananda / International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre / Val Morin, Quebec
1971 – Present: Teaching conscious living, meditation and the Yogic pathways on a regular basis at universities, hospitals, hospices, communes, martial arts centers, and spiritual centers throughout the United States. Meets with individuals in private sessions. Has had articles published in magazines and newspapers. Is a guest on radio and television programs.
1971 – 2: Trained in Raja Yoga with Dr. V. Kothandapani / Franklin College / Franklin, IN
1972: Studied Tai Chi Chuan with sifu Ed Young / New York, NY
1973: Learned Seven Yogic Rites of Rejuvenation from a yogini in California
1973: Studied Buddhism with Iku Mayeda / San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple / San Luis Obispo, CA
1976: Became a disciple of the Siddha guru Swami Muktananda Paramahansa. Received shaktipat and was given the spiritual name Anant (infinite, eternal).
1976: Was authorized by Swami Muktananda to teach Hamsa meditation to others
1978: Became a student of, and received shaktipat from, Kundalini Maha Yoga master Shri Dhyanyogi Madhusudandas. Received the spiritual name Tulsiram (healing power of God)
1979: Siddha Yoga Course Certification; Siddha Yoga Center Leader Certification
1980: Advanced Siddha Yoga Course Certification
1980s: Completed Vajra Panjar Training I through III and Vajra Panjar Applied in the Kundalini Maha Yoga tradition with Shri Anandi Ma and Dileepji
1982 – 1990: Co-founded and taught at The Woodbury Yoga Center / Woodbury, CT
1985 and 1988: Traveled to India, Kashmir and the Himalayas to visit Shri Dhyanyogi, Swami Nityananda and other gurus and to visit holy sites and ashrams
1987: Received transmission in Maha Ati Yoga from Tibetan Buddhist Vajra Guru H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Received the spiritual name Ogyen (perfection of sky essence) / Karme Choling / Barnet, VT
1990: Co-founded The Awakened Heart Center for Conscious Living (initially the Hara Foundation) / Southern Pines, NC
1997: Studied Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan with sifu David Chin
1997 – 2007: Attended satsang, intensives and retreats with nondual teachers Gangaji, Francis Lucille, Wayne Liquorman and Adyashanti
2002: Yoga Alliance 500 Certification
2005: Attended The Nature of Enlightenment intensive with Adyashanti / Omega Institute / Rhinebeck, NY
2007: Darshan with Mother Meera
2008: Cosmic Freedom Qigong Level I and II Certification from sifu Dr. Chok Hiew
2014: "Waking Up" with Sam Harris in NYC

THE HUMAN POTENTIAL PATHWAYS

1964: Began the study and practice of hypnosis and transactional analysis
1977 – 1990: Mental health worker in psychiatry, using transactional analysis, hypnosis, meditation and yoga to help patients / Griffin Hospital / Derby, CT
1985: Attended Werner Erhard’s FORUM
1990: Certified emergency medical technician / Connecticut
1991: Certified clinical hypnotherapist / American Council of Hypnotist Examiners
1992 – 2008: Multiple trainings in energy psychology, transactional analysis, redecision therapy, personality adaptations and related subjects / Southeast Institute for Group and Family Therapy / Chapel Hill, NC
1994: Advanced hypnotic changework techniques with Carolyn Deal
1994: Parts therapy training with certified hypnotherapy instructor Roy Hunter
1994: Ordained interfaith minister / Universal Brotherhood Movement
1995: Hypnoanalysis training with Dr. Anne Spencer
1995: Redecision therapy training certification with Dr. Vann Joines / Southeast Institute / Chapel Hill, NC
1998: Advanced hypnotherapist training and certification with James Hoover / National Guild of Hypnotists
2001: Energy consciousness therapy training certification with Dr. Fred Gallo / Southeast Institute / Chapel Hill, NC
2002: Energy diagnostic and treatment methods certified practitioner / Dr. Fred Gallo
2003: Life Purpose and Career Coach Certification / Life Purpose Institute / San Diego, CA
2007: Fearless Conversations Coaching Seminar / Fearless Living Institute / Boulder, CO
2014: "Waking Up" with Sam Harris in NYC

“Everything that exists, exists now. Everything that happens, happens now. This is it. This is all there ever is.” — Tom Thompson