Know Thyself Meditation
Teacher Training
Be still, and know that I Am ~ Psalms
Know Thyself ~ entrance to the Delphi Temple of Apollo
Know Thyself MeditationTM is a direct path application of the central teaching of all the great wisdom traditions. Through this practice, we invite attention to discover the immediate, self-evident, universal reality of aware being, our conscious presence, accessible here-and-now, always. We also explore all aspects of our being: How we relate to our sensory perceptions, body, thoughts (including autobiographical memory), emotions, and personality (including its shadow elements). And we inquire deeply into how we relate to “others”, and to our sense of the “Divine”.
This year-long, online meditation teacher training course will focus primarily on practicing Know Thyself Meditation, and learning to teach this approach to others. Know Thyself Meditation was developed by Kimberly and Jim Carson based on their decades of delving into various types of meditation – especially mindfulness meditation as originated in Buddhist traditions, and self-inquiry meditation as taught in the nondual yoga traditions of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism. Know Thyself Meditation has been the foundation of the Carson’s various research studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of the Mindful Yoga program (see Research LINK).
In addition to Know Thyself Meditation, course participants will learn about and practice a wide variety of other meditation techniques, including (but not limited to): loving-kindness/compassion meditation; meditation-in-movement (while doing yoga postures, walking, etc.); mantra/prayer meditation; Raja Yoga/Patanjali meditation; kirtan/recitation meditation; breath awareness/vipashayana meditation; and bhavana/contemplation meditation.
Along with a commitment to daily meditation practice, the 12 month course will consist of biweekly online group meetings, a series of individual mentoring meetings with the Carsons, a meditation retreat lasting 5-7 days, and reading assignments drawing from a wide variety of meditation traditions – yogic, Christian, Sufi, Buddhist, etc. The course will culminate in each participant leading an 8-week meditation course, under the guidance of the Carsons. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be certified as Know Thyself Meditation teachers. If participants are members of the International Association of Yoga Teachers, they may be eligible for continuing education credits from this course (see Research)
Every person possesses the Buddha-nature. ~ Dogen
Schedule 2022-2023
Know Thyself Meditation 8 week course
September 18 – November 20 (no class 10.16 and 11.6)
Sundays 4-6pm PST
Monthly Group training sessions
Sundays 1pm – 4pm PST
2022 ~ 12.4, 12.18
2023 ~ 1.8, 1.22, 2.12, 2.26, 3.12, 4.9, 4.23, 5.7, 5.21, 6.4
Retreat Immersion
August 2023 (TBD)
Monthly 45 minute mentorship calls and practice buddy calls
December 2022 thru May 2023
Leading 8 week meditation program (if seeking certification to teach)
Summer or later 2023, mentored by Carsons
Study, Practice and Reflection practices on-going

Year Long Meditation Teacher Training
Jim Carson, PhD & Kimberly Carson, MPH, C-IAYT
Next session beginning 2023
Meditate on your Self. God dwells within you as you and for you. ~ Swami Muktananda Paramahamsa
Words of Know Thyself Graduates
See what other’s who completed the year-long Know Thyself Meditation Immersion & Teacher Training have to say about their experience.
Abby
Know Thyself Meditation Teacher Training offers an incredible path to becoming a competent and inspired meditation teacher! I had previously taken Jim and Kimberly Carson’s Mindful Yoga for Chronic Pain level two training, which gave me the skills to teach the Mindful Yoga course. While the Mindful Yoga training offered an excellent template and foundation for teaching meditation, and the necessary tools to lead a group, the Know Thyself course facilitated a shift in my teaching and understanding of meditation at a much deeper level. Prior to these courses, I had felt confident as a yoga teacher, yet I still grappled with some self-doubt. After taking the Know Thyself course, I feel that the teachings of yoga and meditation are coming from a deep place within. While I still have a framework and plan my courses as a teacher, I no longer rely on my ‘plan’ as the source of my teaching. I completely trust the teacher within, from the deepest part of my very Self, and I am able to spontaneously teach to, and be intimate with, whatever is arising with my students in the present moment. This trust not only enriches my experience of teaching (and undoubtedly my student’s experience), but it also aligns with the lived experience of yoga off the mat, in daily life. My ability to trust whatever is arising, and maintain a sense of equanimity, has grown exponentially, both on the meditation cushion, and in my life as a parent, spouse, teacher, and friend. Additionally, taking the course with a community of teacher training students who are all learning with and from each other was an invaluable gem. Jim and Kimberly’s authenticity allows for each student to blossom in their own unique way. I highly recommend this course for anyone who is wishing to teach meditation, and/or deepen their own practice of meditation both on and off the mat.
Abby Hatfield
Registered Yoga Teacher, E-RYT-500
IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist
Kait
I began Know Thyself Teacher Training with enthusiasm, hope, and a tremendous amount of focus. A few months into the program, I experienced a tragic loss. My brother died unexpectedly. His death brought me to my knees. Suddenly getting through the day felt challenging and overwhelming. My grief was so massive, I felt uncertain about how to keep up with Know Thyself. I quickly discovered that “keeping up” wasn’t the end goal. The real magic was the way these teachings and this group of people supported me and accepted me. Their non judgement, love, and willingness to be present with whatever emotion rolled through helped me to find steady ground and feel less afraid of the pain I was experiencing. I also felt like I had the opportunity to work with the teachings we were learning in real time—and in a very practical way. I know that my participation in Know Thyself the first year following my brother’s death is a big part of the reason why I’m doing as well as I am today. The skills I’ve cultivated are priceless. I’m incredibly grateful. It amazes me how well this program fit into my life during a time of wild transition and heartbreak.
Taking the Know Thyself Teacher Training program is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s not just a training, it’s a chance to develop a rich practice that will transform your life and give you the tools to work skillfully with whatever life throws at you. After my year of studying with Kimberly and Jim, I firmly believe in my heart that if I am alive, I can work through it thanks to these teachings. I no longer feel so afraid of anxiety, grief, and emotional distress. I now see these things as an invitation to learn more about myself and the secrets of the universe. I am profoundly grateful for the wisdom, the newfound confidence, and the sense of ease and relief I’ve gained as a result from this year-long program. Know Thyself is a gift and a treasure.
Before I started Know Thyself, I already had a strong meditation practice that was a central part of my life. Going through the Know Thyself training took something that was already deep and meaningful to an entirely other level. This year-long program taught me how to live and embody the teachings in a way that is authentic to myself. It also gave me access to a like-minded and focused community of people going through the same things that I was going through. Words fall short, but the experience was profound and I feel like this training helped me express myself more fully and freely. I found myself, and I found my voice. What greater gift is there than feeling more ok with who you are and getting the blueprint to help others do the same? It’s the honor of my life to be a part of this training and to now be able to share these teachings with other people. I highly recommend it to anyone.
I’ve never met anyone like Kimberly or Jim. Their wisdom and experience is unparalleled. Their offerings are unprecedented. I’ve never felt more supported or encouraged than I have in the Know Thyself Teacher Training program.
Kait Hurley
Elizabeth
The value of this course for me is immeasurable. In my personal life, I’ve had a mostly regular meditation practice since age 19. My practice had grown stiff and disconnected from my daily life. The pain patterns in my body were seeming to be great obstacles in my ability to drop inside. So, I was in a lull, longing for more tools to go deeper and bring these practices into my work.
Through the careful guidance of Kimberly and Jim, the texts that we read, the guest teachers that we listened to, and regular feedback about my practices, I have had deep and lasting shifts in my formal and informal practice. Through KTMTT and the simple yet powerful ancient yoga techniques, I found that that which used to feel esoteric is now incorporated into the simple experience of being in my day-to-day life. Allowing mindfulness to remind me of simply being has allowed me to release layers of separation that my mind had created around what is spiritual and what is not spiritual. This has helped release a truckload of judgment around my process, inviting deeper relaxation into my daily experience, curiosity and flexibility in my formal practices, and a renewed sense of trust and wonder at the Grace which guides it all!
Through this renewed experience, I’ve been able to offer the 8 week course here in my home, as well as incorporate the practices into my sound healing work, and my work as a minister. I am so grateful and I highly recommend taking this course.
Elizabeth Lavenue
Sound healer, voice teacher and minister
Meditation begins by rooting attention, deepens into Acceptance and blossoms into the lightness of Being, the ease of Presence.
Join us and we will send you 2 free meditations!