We live in a time that is more than uncertain, it is urgent.  As spiritual seekers it is within our nature to seek a higher perspective, a greater meaning and a way that we can be of service.

In 1982  Alternatives  (then called Turning Points) started with a mission to provide a platform for spiritual teachers and a home to spiritual seekers.   In what now seems like a turning point in human consciousness,  where the outdated systems are being uncovered and destroyed, and we have to decide what to build in it's place.  Could the foundation of a new world be spiritual?

For 38 years at Alternatives, our role has been to host world leaders in contemporary spirituality including  Ram Dass, Dr Wayne Dyer, Byron Katie, Julia Cameron, Deepak Chopra, Elizabeth Gilbert, Mooji, Marianne Williamson and Eckhart Tolle.

Alternatives core values are Love, Wisdom, Compassion, Service and Community.  These core values are the basis of how we run as a community and more importantly they are the  characteristics of an authentic spiritual teacher.

For the first time, we are offering a masterclass on everything we have learnt about what it takes to be a successful spiritual teacher, leader, facilitator and speaker.

In times of crisis, the teachers are born.  You may have felt the calling yourself, a emergence of ideas, a clarity, a need, an urge to say more, do more and to teach.

There isn't a formula for this but there is a state of being and some practical guidelines as to how to get your voice heard.  

In this masterclass you will learn

Session 1

- what is a Spiritual Teacher

 - the importance on being clear on your why

 - why now is the best time to become a spiritual teacher

 Session 2 

 - guest interview with Robert Holden PhD

 - how to find clarity and define your core values

 - what is transmission and the dynamics of holding a group
 

Session 3 

- explore branding basics & being comfortable being 'out there'

 - how to make a living

 - making a navigation plan to go forward    

Robert Holden PhD will be joining us for a special guest interview!  Robert holds the record for the most talks held at St James's Church at Alternatives and he is one of the most respected spiritual teachers in the world. 

Robert is the best-selling author of Loveability: How to Love & Be Loved and Life Loves You (co-written with Louise Hay). Robert’s work on spirituality and psychology has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, a PBS special called Shift Happens! and two major BBC documentaries.  Robert is a student of A Course in Miracles and the Enneagram.  

He will talk about the experience of being a Spiritual teacher and what it means to uncover your true purpose.    

St James's Church 2021 

For those taking part in this masterclass, we hope to be able to provide you with the practical tools and support you need to become an authentic spiritual teacher.  In honour of our commitment to nurture new spiritual leaders of the future, one participant will be given the opportunity to speak at St James's Church as part of a curated ensemble evening in the Spring of 2021.  

Your Course leaders: 

Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than  30 years. He is co-founder and co-director of Alternatives and teaches and runs groups internationally. He was co-presenter of Channel 4’s series “ Made for each other in 2003 and 2004. . His third book “ Slay your dragons with Compassion” will be published by Watkins in September 2020.

Venetia David, after 10 years in corporate marketing, found Alternatives after reading a book called Conversations with God.  Having met some of the volunteers at an event she became part of the event team, then Head of Marketing and now she runs Alternatives with her co-directors Malcolm Stern and Richard Dunkerley.  She would describe herself as the quintessential spiritual seeker.

Timings

This interactive 6 hour course will be held online via zoom with the replay made available for you.  There will be plenty of time for Q&A and assignments set between classes.   

Session 1 - 10.30am  - 12.30pm   Sunday 12th July

Session 2 - 10.30am  - 12.30pm   Sunday  26th July

Session 3 - 10.30am  - 12.30pm   Sunday  2nd Aug