MEET LAWRENCE

Lawrence Noyes Seminars

As a young teenager in Connecticut, Lawrence was inspired by an inner searching that led him to explore the fields of personal and spiritual growth. Moving to California in his early twenties, he researched the emerging synergy of Western psychology, Eastern spiritual approaches, and other methods for resolving the practical and spiritual issues of modern times. He was most influenced by the Enlightenment Intensive, Yoga meditation in depth, monastic living, the world’s scriptures, and traveling abroad to teach.

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An Honors Graduate in Humanistic Psychology from the California State University at Sonoma in 1972, Lawrence has also had a long career working with individuals and couples in counseling, Clearing, Enlightenment Intensives, spiritual retreats, seminars, and dyad methods. It is the unique breadth and blend of these different disciplines that people experience when they work with Lawrence.

Clear, inspiring, practical, funny . . . these are the qualities interwoven through seminars and trainings with Lawrence. Since the late 1970’s his depth of caring and the breadth of his work have touched the lives of thousands, directly and through the many Clearers and seminar leaders he has trained.

Along the way Lawrence has had a special project to introduce people to the awakening power of the Enlightenment Intensive, a modern variation of a Rinzai Zen method that is particularly well-suited to Westerners. He has given Enlightenment Intensives since 1977 and trained hundreds of students in how to give them.

“The multitude of awakenings I’ve seen over the years on Enlightenment Intensives has completely affected me. I endlessly bow before the inner splendor of our true self. I am still moved to support the growth of this noble method for those who can turn its key. I especially support those taking up the challenge of giving Enlightenment Intensives, of creating that unique environment for others and guiding them in it.”

Although he has a long background in Eastern contemplative traditions, Lawrence prefers to teach as a Westerner among Westerners, a walking synthesis of ancient ways, modern realities and down-to-earth communication. Lawrence also sees the practical challenges of life such as money, family and health as just as important as the more esoteric realms of self-awakening and the search for God.

“Buddhists speak about what they call, ‘the two wings of one bird.’ If you have an insight or an awakening but no integration or actualizing, the bird cannot fly. And if you are doing integrative practices but have nothing fundamentally new to integrate, the bird also does not fly. When the two wings go together, the bird can fly. This is what my work is about and why it covers the range it does.”

Lawrence has been a part of the inspired effort in our culture to draw from the wisdom of the whole world and develop new traditions for health, healing and spiritual awakening based in who and what we really are.

“What has motivated me is the world of the emerging individual, whether this is someone looking for relief from suffering or a pure seeker. Either way, when someone takes the inner chance for more truth and a better way in their life, it touches an ancient string within me. My purpose awakens when someone arrives at that gate.”

Other background points:

Born in Connecticut, USA, 1951
A former Director of the Dyad School of Enlightenment, in the USA and Australia (1978-1994). This non-profit organization presented Enlightenment Intensives and trained masters internationally. The school also offered Yoga teachings, Clearing sessions and courses in communication, stabilizing finances and family living.
Trained Clearers internationally since 1981.
Beginning in 1975 practiced Yoga meditation in depth in the traditions of Charles Berner and Swami Kripalu.
Has given traditional three-day Enlightenment Intensives since 1977.
Has given numerous one-week and two-week Enlightenment Intensives, conducting extensive research into these retreats that go beyond the standard three days.
Has taught and lectured widely in America, Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe.
Married and the father of two sons.
Authored the full-length book, ‘The Enlightenment Intensive’ in 1998.

Comments by others on the work of Lawrence Noyes:

“Lawrence is a teacher of remarkable clarity who has a special vantage point seasoned by many years of spiritual work. He has a wisdom-felt sobriety that is evident in his own life example. There is no mistaking that the teachings Lawrence openly gives are from a road deeply and courageously traveled.

Those who are fortunate to work and learn from him will naturally find their passion for Truth, Divinity and full living genuinely evoked and deepened. In today’s environment, where there is much flash in the pan and pseudo promises of ‘Get Spiritual Quick,’ Lawrence is a steady well of tempered wisdom, real reflection and penetrating love. I thank him eternally for continually inspiring and directing my heart to what I love most, and for being a rare example of embodied truth.”

Satyen Raja
Founder of WarriorSage Seminars
Vancouver

"I highly recommend Lawrence Noyes’ work. Throughout the eighteen years that I have known him, experiencing his work through Enlightenment Intensives, Clearing sessions, and advanced courses, he has maintained a consistently high standard of quality in his teaching. He is reliable and steadfast in his dedication to this profoundly life-changing work. He has an enduring quality of integrity that supports people in meeting their challenges, getting through blockages and going to the heart of what is most important to them. He treats each individual with respect and acceptance for their unique path of discovery."

Anna Billings
Psychotherapist
Fairfax, California

"ZIST (Center for Individual and Social Therapy) is a center for professional and personal training in human competence. Founded in 1971, it is Germany’s oldest and largest center for personal growth. Today ZIST operates a residential training center in Penzberg and, in Munich, a counseling center supporting cancer patients and their families.

Lawrence Noyes has been a teacher at ZIST over a period of 20 years, giving seminars on Communication, Couples Counseling and Money Management. I respect Mr. Noyes for his expertise and skill as a teacher, as well as his integrity as a human being. I highly recommend him as a teacher for anyone wanting to lead a more conscious, communicative, dignified and fulfilling life."

Wolf Buntig, MD
Founder and Director, ZIST
Penzberg, Germany

"I am a certified Family Therapist in Switzerland with a Social Work diploma. I maintain a private practice near Zurich for individuals, couples, and family consulting. I also lead educational seminars focused on improving communication and well-being.

Some years ago I felt I needed further training besides what was taught in my official studies. I found the work of Lawrence Noyes to be especially important and useful, and since 1990 I have undergone various trainings and incorporated his work into mine. From this work I saw more singles and couples changing their behavior to a better way, really making new decisions and having a better life, than any other work I have seen until now. I couldn’t find a similar quality in my country. I fully recommend Lawrence and his work."

Rita Wyser
Family Therapist, Seminar Leader
Rüti, Switzerland

"Lawrence is one who has been given the gift of true vision and who, over
the long haul, has remained true to that vision. He is a brilliant teacher who is at home with the breadth and depth of human and spiritual experience. Most of all he is a man you can trust. I highly recommend his work."

Murray Kennedy
Enlightenment Intensive master
Vancouver