What Are Trillium Awakening Sittings?
The following is a shorthand version of CC Leigh’s Introduction to Trillium Awakening Sittings.
Sittings are intimate, small-group gatherings—either in person or online—led by Trillium Awakening teachers and sometimes supported by mentors. These sessions typically last two to three hours and are designed to support embodied awakening through a flexible blend of practices, including:
- Silent and gazing meditation (often with the teacher or mentor making eye contact with individuals)
- Personal sharing or check-in time, where individuals bring forward what’s present in their experience for group holding, reflection, and resonance
- Guided presentations or exercises relevant to the path of awakening
Typically, in person, these sessions may take place in private homes, while virtual sittings occur via Zoom, offering global accessibility.
Why Are Sittings Special?
- Sittings cultivate a sacred, relational field, a supportive and compassionate communal space that deepens one’s journey of conscious embodied awakening
- Participants often find insights, healing, and a deepened connection to themselves, others, and life through shared presence and mutual support.
Core Elements & Dynamics of the Practice
Transmission & Gazing
Transmission refers to a subtle, non-verbal resonance through which the embodied presence of the teacher can naturally catalyze awakening in participants—akin to a tuning fork’s resonance.
Gazing meditation invites this resonance by making eye contact, although participants may opt for mutual gazing or simply drop in and out of eye contact as feels right.
Speaking Your Truth
During sharing segments, participants may express what’s alive for them—including doubts, resistance, or discomfort. Speaking plainly, even if clumsy, is encouraged in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Teachers listen deeply, reflect back, ask clarifying questions—but avoid giving direct advice, fostering self-discovery and meaningful
insight.
Active Listening
When not sharing, participants practice holding—listening without agenda or problem-solving, fully present, and sensitive to internal bodily responses.
Only when invited, and carefully, may feedback be offered—focused on reflection, not fixing. For new participants, observing first is encouraged. – see guidelines
Seeing & Being Seen
The practice supports the deep human longing to be truly seen and accepted, while also bringing up fears of exposure. Participants are encouraged to show up gently and to honor their boundaries.
Confidentiality
Everything shared in a sitting remains completely confidential, fostering trust and safety in the group dynamic.
In-Person vs Virtual Sittings
- In-Person: Usually held in private homes, fostering local connection, warmth, and in-person relational intimacy.
- Virtual: Conducted via Zoom, allowing participants worldwide to engage in the same intimate, relational format online.
Why Sittings Matter in Trillium Awakening
Sittings are both a method and a container for the Trillium path—melding Consciousness, Embodiment, and Mutuality. They offer:
- A relational field where presence, resonance, and mutuality converge
- Practical, experiential immersion in core practices like gazing, sharing, and deep listening
- A supportive community container for exploration, integration, and growth.
Summary Table
Element | Description |
Format | 2–3 hour small-group gatherings, in person or via Zoom |
Core Practices | Silent meditation, gazing, presentations, personal sharing, reflection |
Key Dynamics | Transmission, truth-speaking, holding, confidentiality |
Purpose | Deepen embodied awakening, establish connected presence and community |
Special Value | Unique relational field supporting authenticity, integration, and inner clarity |