The Joy of the Edge: Growth Challenges & Sacred Community

Turn Your Challenges into Sacred Play.
At our recent New Year’s Intention Setting workshop, one practice seemed to really resonate deeply with participants: The Challenges Approach to Growth. Because of that tremendous response, we are hosting a dedicated follow-up session to dive deeper into this transformative practice.

What are "The Challenges"?
Based on the teachings of Qapel of Planet Dharma, this practice is about leaning into our "edges" to break free from habitual identity. By intentionally doing things that feel like "not-me"—whether it’s a small weekly habit shift or a bold yearly leap—we create the space for lightning-fast spiritual progress.
Growth doesn't have to be a lonely, uphill climb. When we approach our edges with the right framing, the process becomes powerful, effective, and surprisingly joyful.

The Magic of Mudita
We will be framing our work through the Buddhist concept of Mudita—sympathetic or empathetic joy. This is the profound happiness we feel when we witness the wholesome growth and awakening of others.
This isn't just a solo mission; it's a community experience. Our vision is to create a community of people who support one another in leaning into growth. We want to create a space where your breakthrough is my joy, and my growth is supported by your presence.

What to Expect:

• The Practice: A review of the Challenges practice (Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly) and how to use the worksheet to identify your specific "edges."
• Inspiration: Our facilitator of these sessions has been using these practices for nearly 20 years, and they have led to some of his most significant breakthroughs. He’ll share examples and stories to help spark your own ideas.
• Interactive Brainstorming: Time to support one another in identifying which "not-me" activities will most serve your unfoldment right now.
• A New Kind of Support Group: For those who wish to take this further, we will discuss forming an ongoing encouragement group to support each other in actually undertaking these challenges in our daily lives.

Is this for you?
Whether you attended the first workshop or are brand new to this approach, you are welcome. This session is for those who want real traction in their personal growth but want to pursue it within a warm, lighthearted, and sacred environment.
We will keep the tone fun and accessible, while honoring the fact that this is sacred work—a chance to participate in our own and each other’s awakening.

Teacher/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 also steeped in Integral Theory and uses it to inform how he works with individuals and groups. He 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.