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Join hundreds of people around the world meditating for up to 24 hours.

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The 4th EnlightenNext

Meditation

MarathonSM

24 HOURS WORLDWIDE

Dec 8–9 2012

A DIFFERENT KIND
OF Marathon

Think about what it takes to run a marathon–or swim the English Channel, climb Mt. Everest, or ride the Tour de France. It takes strength, focus, inspiration, and the will to succeed no matter what. In a word, it takes spirit.

What would it be like to bring that same kind of spirit and determination to a different kind of challenge–an inner marathon–in which you're endeavoring to let go completely and sit absolutely still and silent for 24 hours in a row?

That's what the EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon is all about. Instead of pushing your physical limits (well, you'll probably be doing that too!), you're giving your mind and your soul a challenge, and stretching the wings of your own capacity for consciousness.

Meditate With Hundreds of People Around the World

Just like running a marathon, it's not easy. But you won't be alone. This is a worldwide virtual event, and you'll be lifted by the power of many others going beyond limits together. This is the fourth year we've done this event, and people have told us over and over again that the collective energy and momentum that gets generated during the Meditation Marathon takes them farther and deeper into themselves than they have ever gone before. And their spirit of victory and self-discovery is contagious.

When you meditate through a whole day and night, facing down and overcoming obstacles you never expected, you find that you've awakened a level of inspiration that comes from the deepest part of yourself. You've strengthened your conviction in what is possible, and energized the kind of spiritual self-confidence that lasts well beyond the cushion and translates directly into life.

If you're inspired to participate but new to the practice of meditation, don't worry–we'll make sure you have everything you need to be successful, including the right kind of training as well as direct guidance from EnlightenNext founder Andrew Cohen. And you can set yourself a goal that suits your own level of experience.

An Opportunity to Raise Money for a Good Cause

Even if you join for just one or two hours, you'll be making a vital contribution to the collective momentum that the whole marathon depends on. You'll also be adding fuel to the fire of an event which is EnlightenNext's largest fundraiser of the year.

EnlightenNext is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to catalyzing evolution in consciousness and culture. We are committed to awakening, connecting, and cultivating a global movement of "Evolutionaries"–individuals who feel personally responsible for creating the future.

Many people will be fundraising, and if you'd like to sign up as a fundraiser yourself, join a team, and leverage your Meditation Marathon to raise money in support of EnlightenNext, your efforts will be doubly powerful. But you don't have to fundraise in order to participate.

An Incredible Goal - 20,000 Hours of Combined Meditation

Last year we meditated a combined 12,000 hour between 750 people worldwide. In the spirit of going beyond limits, we intend to significantly increase that number this year and meditate for a combined global goal of 20,000 hours! When you register, you’ll be able to pledge a number of hours towards your marathon, any amount from 1 to 24 (or more!), and then your own goal will be added to the combined total and instantly register on the global meter prominently displayed on the Meditation Marathon homepage.

ABOUT THE MARATHON

from spiritual teacher and EnlightenNext founder Andrew Cohen:

Right-click here and 'save' to download the MP3.

Andrew Cohen will be answering your questions about meditation live by conference call in 2 one-hour-long sessions.

Register Now

Join hundreds of people around the world meditating for up to 24 hours.

When you register you will receive:

  • A detailed schedule to follow during the marathon
  • Audios and contemplative readings from Andrew Cohen for each hour of the marathon
  • Two hour-long Q&A sessions with Andrew Cohen
  • Audio excerpt of Andrew Cohen reading from his new Evolutionary Enlightenment audio book on “The Art and Science of Stillness”
  • Training and support materials to prepare for your marathon
  • The opportunity to join and meditate with one of many local groups worldwide or a virtual fundraising team
  • Private access to a Meditation Marathon community forum on Facebook

Click here to Register

EXPERIENCES OF LAST YEAR

  • 26
    countries
  • 750
    people
  • 12,000
    hours of meditation

I meditated in a church hall at the foot of a mountain in a beautiful remote valley. The mist was rolling down the valley at night time, and with the eclipse of the moon happening, it was a very beautiful time and place to go deeply into the ground of being. Prior to the marathon I thought it was going to be hard to sit on the floor that long. But I was open to let go, and sink beyond where I had been before. My intention to give everything to the 24 hours and honor the sacred space within and without took me to a place where time dissolved and it was so joyful and light and easy to just BE still."

Melisah F., Brisbane, AU

I completed 12 hours. It was a phenomenally different experience for me. My father has been in the hospital since I did the meditation marathon. And I have been able to remain calm focused and attentive. Even when anxiety arises, I am aware of a deeper part of myself that is not anxious, has never been anxious, and never could be anxious. I have been meditating daily for the last 5 years but have never enjoyed it. Since the marathon I look forward to my meditation time every day."

Tracy S., Pasadena, MD

I found my meditation experience this year to be much deeper compared to the previous two years; a big reason for that was the level of support that we received from the Meditation Marathon organizers at EnlightenNext, helping us to organize and run one of our best Meditation Marathon in Toronto since it began 3 years ago. When the day for the event arrived, we were able to really surrender to our 24-hour practice and get the most benefit out of it."

Nandita B., Toronto, CA

I heard about the meditation marathon a few days before it actually started and jumped right in. The structure and support made me do it for the full 24 hours. During, but especially after the marathon, I felt so awakened to the part of myself that's always free—awareness itself."

Jason P., Netherlands

I was nervous since I've never meditated beyond 1 hour, and I don't consider myself to be a very good meditator. However, the structure was set up in a really manageable way. I won't really ever know, but I'd say Andrew's Q & A got me through it because he clarified so much and brought to light some profound points. It was amazing to push myself to do something I never imagined I'd do, and it helped me understand my interiors better."

Michelle D’A., Los Angeles, CA

DON'T WORRY...

You don't need to be an expert meditator!

Even if you've never meditated before, you can still participate in the EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon. Last year, even people brand new to meditation were so inspired that they ended up sitting for 6 hours or more. Whether you're a beginner or have been meditating for decades, we will provide you with plenty of training materials and guidance to get you ready for the event.

You don't need to meditate all 24 hours!

If meditating for an entire 24 hours seems too daunting or is impractical for you, you can join the schedule at any time and participate for as long as you want. As previous participants have discovered, even meditating for just a few hours can be deeply rewarding. Regardless of how long you choose to sit, we will provide you with everything you need to be successful, including guided contemplations, inspiring audios, and live Q&A with spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen.

Fundraising is easy.

Asking friends and family to support your efforts to meditate longer than you ever have before can be a powerful way to build your confidence, inspiration, and commitment to completing the Meditation Marathon. As one participant said last year, "Raising money was easy. People were excited for me to try something new and wanted to support that. I had a great time and actually went past my fundraising goal." But don't worry...fundraising is not a requirement for participation in the marathon.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Event Details

When: Dec 8–9, 2012, from 6am to 6am.
Where: Anywhere you want, alone or with others. Some people meditate at home, while others join local meditation groups. You can also volunteer to host a group yourself.
Cost: $35

Before the Marathon

Just like a runner training for a long-distance race by gradually increasing their distance during practice runs, you can also train for the Meditation Marathon. By sitting for a series of progressively longer sessions in the weeks and months leading up to December 8, you can train your body and mind to achieve your marathon goal. Share your training ideas and inspiration with others on our Community Marathon Facebook Group page, which all participants will have access to. We’ll also give you plenty of helpful tips and ideas.

The EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon is similar to other endurance events that also serve as fundraisers for social causes. We'll help you every step of the way, from setting up your special fundraising web page to asking your friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor your efforts in the marathon. All donations are tax deductible, and directly support EnlightenNext's programs.

Last year, 2400 donors worldwide contributed $200,000 to EnlightenNext’s Meditation Marathon. Our goal this year is to reach $250,000.

During the Marathon

You will receive a detailed schedule and materials to guide you through the marathon. Meditation sessions last 45 minutes, and are followed by 15-minute breaks. Each session starts with short reading from Andrew Cohen.

Most people choose to start at 6am local time, but you can adjust your start time to whenever is convenient. If you decide to participate for less than 24 hours, you can join or leave at any time.

During the marathon, you will also be able to join Andrew Cohen for 2 one-hour long Q&A sessions. These will be held via conference call, and you can participate from anywhere in the world.

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