About Us

We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Since 2007, we have been coming together to learn and heal through compassionate relationships. For this we study and practice communication, cooperation, and intimacy skills. See also “About our Name.”
Our Mission
To help people heal and grow so they can have more meaningful, satisfying lives.
Our Vision
A world in which life is cherished and celebrated.
Our Values
Unity – embracing all of creation as a whole, as one
Renewal and Transformation – the healing and progressive evolution of the individual and the species
Social Justice – transforming systems of oppression into life-serving social structures. See The REAL Center Commitment to Compassion and Social Justice.
Compassion through Empathy – feeling our oneness and building community
Intimacy through Authenticity – being true to ourselves, including honoring the wisdom of the body
Appreciation and Celebration – savoring life, including our sorrows
Openness, Aliveness and Play – seeing life as an enjoyable exploration
These ideals are expressed in the teachings of Nondualism (e.g., Eckhart Tolle) and embodied in the practice of Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
life is a garden, not a road
we enter and exit through the same gate
wandering, where we go matters less
than what we notice
Bokonon, The Lost Book