Transcend & Include: Mapping Human Development for Real-World Growth

What does it really mean to “grow up” — not just spiritually, but psychologically, emotionally, and socially?

In this session, we’ll explore the powerful principle of transcend and include — the understanding that genuine evolution doesn’t reject earlier stages of development, but honors them, integrates them, and builds upon them.

Drawing from the work of thinkers such as Robert Kegan and Terry O’Fallon, we’ll look at how our capacity for perspective expands and deepens across stages of human development — and how that awareness can help us navigate life with more clarity, compassion, and skill: knowing where we are and mapping what’s next.

This is informed by research — but it is not an academic talk.
Our focus is practical: growth, unfoldment, and awakening.

What we’ll explore together
✨ A high-level map of human development
✨ How our “mental maps” shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the world
✨ Why transcending without including earlier stages creates problems
✨ Common pitfalls at each stage — and how to move through them skillfully
✨ How “shadow material” can show up at different stages, and ways to integrate it
✨ How this work supports both ‘growing up’ and ‘waking up’

Rather than getting lost in comparing models or debating technical differences, we’ll stay oriented toward what actually helps us evolve — personally and collectively.

How we’ll work
This will be interactive, reflective, and community-centered.
You can expect:
✔ short teaching segments
✔ guided reflection
✔ small-group or whole-group discussion
✔ opportunities to connect insights directly to your life
If you feel called to deepen your self-awareness, support your inner development, and explore what’s possible when we consciously grow together, you are warmly invited.

All levels of experience are welcome — curiosity and a genuine desire to unfold is the only prerequisite.

If you wish to learn a few basic concepts about Integral Theory before you attend, you can watch an introductory series by the event’s facilitator here.

If you are planning to attend, RSVPing helps us prepare enough printed materials for everyone.

General Description of Monthly Gatherings
Conscious Transformation Collective gatherings focus on both inner development (deepening our connection with calm, peace, joy, and non-clinging awareness) and the practical ways we bring that clarity into the world. We draw on wisdom traditions such as Buddhadharma and the Western Mysteries, as well as the comprehensive lens of Integral Theory. Each session includes practical tools, embodied insights, and interactive activities.

Facilitator
This session will be led by Christopher Lawley, who has been practicing and training in the universalist Namgyal lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism and Western Mysteries for close to 2 decades with the Clear Sky Center sangha and Planet Dharma. Christopher is steeped in Integral Theory and uses it to inform his work with individuals, teams, and groups. He is a trained coach and convener who designs and facilitates group processes using frameworks such as the Art of Hosting. Christopher is also on the organizing committee of the Integral Conference of North America (ICON) which will be taking place in May 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

Dāna - Pay from the Heart
Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of financial circumstances. Please join us and offer whatever your situation allows. There will be a bowl at the door.
Learn more about dāna (the Pali word for generosity) here.