Moscow Training Introduction

Below is an interview which reveals some of the work Lifespring accomplished in Russia before the fall of the Soviet Union. Because of its interesting historical context (and that of the interviews which follow), it has been included in this section.

Discovery and Development of Our Essence
Interview by Valery S.

A popular American transformational training, now catching on in Russia, is Lifespring. A psycho-spiritual program incorporating a host of varied dynamic processes, Lifespring is a program that blends well with the passionate, vibrant nature of Russian seekers. Several years ago, a Lifespring seminar in this country would have been unthinkable.

While the program avoids any religious or spiritual terminology in context, replacing such words as "soul," with "essence," the content definitely attunes one to a spiritual transformation.

Lifespring began 20 years ago in the United States as a spin-off of a program called Mind Dynamics, which was also the genesis of the popular EST training. In fact, both John Hanley, who started Lifespring, and Werner E. of EST, were trainers with Mind Dynamics.

We interviewed Moscovite physicist Mikhail S., who was responsible for establishing ongoing Lifespring trainings in Russia.

VS: When were you first exposed to the Lifespring training?

MS: An acquaintance of mine attended the first experimental training held in Moscow in 1989, and it dramatically changed her life. She became less indifferent and more calm in her attitude to life. I thought, "Perhaps Lifespring can also make a difference in my life." I decided to I wanted to do the training, but, unfortunately, there was no way I could do this unless I organized a Moscow training myself. I began organizing a seminar which was held in Moscow in October 1990, and this enabled me to take the basic course.

VS: Has it changed your life as you expected?

MS: Yes, it has. Lifespring was the first step. I then became interested in other ideas and methods. After the training, the circumstances around me took shape in such a way that my values and thinking changed dramatically.

For many people, the spiritual journey begins with a deep crisis, a grave illness, or a clinical death. I was lucky. Instead of clinical death, I experienced Lifespring.

But one shouldn't conclude that Lifespring can just up and change your life. It involves hard and grueling work. The training just offers possibilities which a person can use. Lifespring is a gateway to a new life. You are simply given a chance to enter. Nobody will push you. It is up to you to enter or not enter.

Beyond the gateway, you learn such principles as responsibility for yourself and your acts, a sense of purpose, and confidence in your actions. There is nothing new about these principles and many know them. But few people regard them as personally relevant or use them in their own life. Above all, this is what Lifespring taught me.

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