What Matters: Conversations

How can psychology, science and spirituality contribute to the healing of our souls and our planet? How can we draw upon our inner resources of wisdom, strength, acceptance, peace and joy?“What Matters: Conversations” explores how, in these uncertain times, we can connect with the richness of our inner world and make a difference in the outer world through the framework of the transpersonal psychology: psychosynthesis. Dr. Roberto Assagioli, the 20th century Italian psychiatrist and founder of psychosynthesis, called his approach "a spiritual psychology founded in the synthesis of western positive science and eastern esoteric wisdom." Through the theory, maps and tools of psychosynthesis we become better able to align and ignite our inner resources, live more harmoniously and cooperatively with others, and honor both humanity and the earth that is our home. Join us with our hosts, Craig Behenna and Christina Gustafson, in conversation with psychosynthesis practitioners in the fields of coaching, health and healing, business, spirituality, education and the arts - conversations to inform and inspire, to awaken your purpose and create your life.

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What Matters: Conversations

What Matters Conversations with Alan C. Haras

November 10, 2021 • Craig Behenna and Christina Gustafson hosted by Synthesis Center San Francisco • Season 1 • Episode 7

How do Igniatian Spirituality, Yoga and Psychosynthesis enhance and expand our experience and quality of consciousness?

In this episode of What Matters, Alan C. Haras joins host Craig Behenna in a wide ranging conversation that includes Ignatian Spirituality, the practice of Ignatian Yoga, and psychosynthesis founder Roberto Assagioli’s own thoughts on the asana practice of yoga.

Alan also shares his work with clients using psychosynthesis techniques, the importance of understanding and working with the ego to allow Self-expression, and the quality of consciousness he finds necessary for teaching.

About Alan C. Haras:
Alan C. Haras, MA, MSW, LLMSW, is a clinical social worker, psychotherapist, Psychosynthesis coach, 800-hour Dharma Yoga teacher, and an Ignatian-trained spiritual director. He is also a contributing author in the book: Call of Self: Psychosynthesis Life Coaching. With graduate degrees in both Religious Studies and Social Work, Alan has spent over 20 years immersed in the study of human development. His work takes place at the nexus between psychology and spirituality - with a special interest in how religion and spiritual practice can support recovery from PTSD and moral injury and foster posttraumatic growth.

Alan has received extensive training in various psychological and spiritual traditions including:

Didactic Psychosynthesis training with Tom Yeomans
Psychosynthesis Coach Training with Didi Firman and Jon Schottland
Ignatian Spirituality with Fr. Bernie Owens, SJ, Ann Dillon and Fr. Justin Kelly, SJ
Hatha-Rāja Yoga with Sri Dharma Mittra
Bhakti Yoga and Śuddhādvaita Vedānta with Shyamdas
Jñāna Yoga and Advaita Vedānta with Dr. John Grimes

Alan's courses, seminars and workshops are suffused with a deep appreciation for the world's wisdom traditions; joyfully drawing upon a host of stories, anecdotes and teachings to illustrate shared themes of growth and transformation. He lives in Rochester, Michigan.
www.alanharas.com

Your Hosts:
Craig Behenna is an Australian Psychosynthesis Life Coach and facilitator with the Synthesis Center San Francisco's Coaching Practice Group. He is also a filmmaker, screenwriter, former psychotherapist and, in a much earlier life, a lapsed accountant. Craig began practicing meditation with Thich Nhat Nanh and the community at Plum Village, France. He is also a member of Zen Peacemakers International.
Christina Gustafson is a is a Board Certified Coach and Psychosynthesis Life Coach. She is also Certified Massage Practitioner with advanced training in Myofascial Release, a Level III
Reiki Practitioner and a glass artist.

About Synthesis Center San Francisco and The Synthesis Center, Amherst, Massachusetts:
Synthesis Center San Francisco is a global community of students, teachers, practitioners and facilitators committed to supporting the next generation of psychosynthesis. We offer distance learning programs, including: Board Certified Life Coach training in psychosynthesis in collaboration with The Synthesis Center, personal development programs, continuing education, workshops, group and individual coaching.
https://SynthesisCenterSF.com

"How The Synthesis Center, based in Amherst, Massachusetts, has trained hundreds of individuals from across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Asia and South Africa through their in-person and distance learning Psychosynthesis Training Programs. Under the direction of Dr. Dorothy (Didi) Firman, The Synthesis Center has been an international resources to the psychosynthesis community for more than 40 years.