Starting in June, 2009, dozens of people took what was, I believe, the 24th time we’ve led the Heart of Money Transformational Journey. After years of leading this class, we’re finally releasing the Homestudy version of the course so you don’t have to wait for us to put it on our schedules.
There’s already a whole shebang of a sales page that explains the details. I just wanted to put this post up so that folks who are in the Heart of Money, or who have taken it in the past, can share their experiences, fantastic or ugly, all unedited.
See if it what they say resonates with you. (Lord, please let someone post something…)
Hi, this is James. I currently live in Sydney, Australia and am relatively new to Mark’s work. The Heart of Money course is my first direct experience of Heart of Business teachings and so far it’s working really well for me.
Before I did the Heart of Money course, I was aware that
I usually have great intentions of writing up a testimonial for someone and then I get totally sidetracked, worry about how to say what I feel about their class, and then it ends up on the never-done list. So today I’m just going to jump right in and say what comes directly from my heart.
I am an accountant. I run a successful bookkeeping service. I have been working with Mark and Heart of Business for years and I spent all of 2008 working closely with Mark. I’ve accumulated a ton of practical knowledge about money and I’ve got a ton of personal experience to back up the practicalities. I’ve also been on a deeply spiritual path for the vast majority of my life.
And yet…
This course, The Heart of Money Transformational Journey, has brought about some of the most profound and most effective internal changes I’ve ever experienced with money.
The Guidance and essence of this course is beyond words. While I may have already known so much about money, there is just so much more to experience and taste when it comes to the real connections that our relationships with money can allow into our lives.
I highly recommend this course to anyone who is seeking a deeper connection to the money matters in their lives. If you’re ready to approach money with an open heart and mind, or even if you aren’t, you should consider this course. If it’s right for you, your heart will tell you so.
I’d also be honored to support you in various ways as you work through the homestudy course. This is my third go round with this course (first from the book, then from the audio that came with Opening the Moneyflow, and now as a participant in the current class), so I really do hold this work close to my heart and would be honored to support anyone along this transformational journey!
.-= Jessica Reagan Salzman´s last blog ..This is real, this is me. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. =-.
I am so grateful to Mark and the Heart of Business staff for what is being in the Heart of Money Transfomational Journey. For me personally this course has begun a healing and transformation in the area of my relationship to money as well as to myself, my partner, and to the Divine.
I will not lie…there have been some things that came up for me that I have kept locked away because it would have been painful to look at them…things like where I have been entitled with money, careless with money, where money has been the object of intense power struggles with my partner, where I have been in scarcity or avoidance about money…I could go on! But how freeing to be able to look at these things with such support and compassion from Mark and the partners that I have had in this course. In other words, how I have “been” with money has a lot to do with how I have “been” as a person….I am grateful to be able to have the teachings from this course recorded and I plan to come back to it again and again.
Also, my business has been steadily growing throughout this course….without any external change in my marketing…it seems related to my willingness to open my heart to these teachings and then it seems that the healing and abundance that I am receiving is flowing out into the world. Just one example….my teaching partner called last week to say that a workshop we were scheduled to teach this week had only one person enrolled (my partner has been doing the interfacing with the facility sponsoring this workshop). We decided that if there were enough enrollments for a small class that he would teach it without me because I taught the last one. I took the class off of my calendar and even scheduled a client during that time—all the while praying to be shown how I could be of more service in my work. My teaching partner called back this week to say that the enrollments had been coming in that he suggested to the facility that they cap enrollments at 30! We have never had to set a cap before. I cannot stress enough that I did nothing on the outer to “create” this result in the last week; it was no longer on my radar!…I really believe that it has to do with my willingness to heal my heart and take loving, conscious action around money.
I cannot recommend this course highly enough!
I am currently in the Heart of Money course, and wholeheartedly agree with the other comments already posted. I’m having similar experiences. That part of the course name, Transformational Journey–that’s it in a gigantic nutshell.
Though I have yet to see an increase in business, I know that it’s inevitable. The biggest unexpected bonus so far, is getting clear on what I want to offer in my business, and how to refine and market it. I’ve been stalled out here for a few years, and during the last year started several new projects attempting to figure it out, ending up overwhelmed and burnt out. I’ve been naturally streaming insights and getting ideas and painting like crazy (!) as I do the course.
The course work that we’re using to look at money issues is shining a huge beautiful light on every area of my life with positive effect. I didn’t know my heart was so closed off, I really didn’t. If you feel called to take this course, as I did, please do take it. And if you take the home study version, please arrange to have partners to work with through the exercises. The partner work has been extraordinary and illuminating and healing, like the entire course.
Thank you Mark!
Sometimes I just have to keep breathing through all the kindness from folks…
And I also wanted to point out, because our pingbacks aren’t showing up (why not?) what Colleen Wainwright said on her blog:
Referral Friday: Heart of Money
I just wrote a blog post about how this course has helped me. Here’s an excerpt:
Two months ago, I was constantly terrified.
Sometimes I was able to bury it under the surface, but it would rear its head at horrible times. I would fight with Kyeli about personal and business expenses, and I would randomly flip out in terror of what might happen if the Freak Revolution wasn’t profitable enough soon enough.
Today, I’m at peace.
Well, maybe not at peace, but certainly much farther along on my journey toward finding peace. Still some fear, still some worry, but no more abject terror, no more flip-outs, and no more horrible fights about money.
What changed?
Two words: Mark Silver.
I’ve been taking the Heart of Money course, and even though I’m only halfway through, it’s already having a profound effect on my relationship with money.
It doesn’t stop there.
In addition to transforming my relationship with money, it’s also affecting me on a deep spiritual level.
(Click on the link below to read more.)
.-= Pace´s last blog ..How I overcame my fear of running out of money =-.
Okay…I feel drawn to take part but have two concerns.
Firstly, I’m worried that I don’t have a real life study partner to share this experience with. I live in Brisbane and feel it would be wonderful to have someone or a few someones to work with.
Secondly, I’m worried that I don’t have a real life business to work on. I am in the process of defining what I’m going to do, how I’m going to do it, when etc etc. I have enough money to survive for another 18 months without working at all…but need to begin now so that I’ll be in flow and action by the end of 2010.
@Fiona- I’m glad you’re drawn, and let’s see what I can say. The first thing is that the partner exercises are definitely helpful, but not absolutely necessary. Some folks are choosing not to use partners, and they are still receiving benefit.
And, if you are looking for people to connect with who are engaged with Heart of Business material, I want to invite you to check out The Business Oasis. It’s an active online community, and many people there, we have a number of Australians, have built relationships with each other to give and receive support in working with the materials.
As for your second question, the Heart of Money is the one course we have the doesn’t require you have a business to work on. Folks are taking it who are in jobs, or aren’t even involved in work. Because it focuses solely on the relationship with money, there is nothing in there that works with practical “how-to’s” around building your business. That’s another course, which is coming up in late September.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
I’ve always had trouble with money. I’ve always earned enough…but just barely enough. And I’ve always spent just a little more than I had.
Which didn’t bother me when I was 20 years old with all my working life ahead of me. But the accumulated debt was soul-dampening, mind-absorbing, and spirit-sucking when I hit 40 and realized half of my working life had passed with little to show for it.
Which is frustrating. An “I must be a total mess to have gotten myself into this total mess” kind of frustrating. All anger and shame and self-loathing. All problem-minded with no end in sight.
So along with my unproductive money habits, there was my unproductive self-talk about my unproductive money habits! Because I knew better but didn’t do better. Round and round for many many years…anger shame self-loathing anger shame self-loathing…
And now it’s (mostly) gone.
From the start of this course, it was clear that my money issues weren’t something I could think my way out of. I had been thinking on them for years and it hadn’t got me very far, right? I’d reflect on my spending mistakes with regret and make excruciatingly detailed plans for spending and saving in the future.
What I’d never done until Heart of Money was sit with my money issues in the present. Just sit. And breathe. And assess my emotions—instead of my numbers—to see where the trouble was/is. And I learned I’m not dumb or stubborn or lazy or wasteful. I was (and sometimes still am) afraid and wary and overly-concerned with loss…which has some odd byproducts, I tell ya!
That may sound a little woowoo? But here’s the thing: If Mark hadn’t worked us with the woowoo, the practical guidance he shared later would have been just any ol’ money management class. It would have been useful for the head but totally unused by the heart. Like other money management classes I’ve taken, I’d have listened lots, taken in little, and done not much.
But with Mark’s class, I listened lots, took in lots, and acted every week. I couldn’t attend the live classes because of my schedule, but the MP3s were great. I did all the reading and assignments, and (sometimes) the homework. I partnered with other students, too, which was enriching…so good to hear others striving and thriving through their struggles! And I listened to the MP3s again. And again.
After 7 weeks, I’m much less afraid about losing anything (or everything). When the anxiety starts to bubble up I have means to manage it. When my debt starts to overwhelm me, I can deal with that, too.
My headspace is so, so open now. Creative juices are flowing again and I sleep like a stone.
Such a relief. Such a relief.
Week 7 of Heart of Money. Ditto to much of what has been said above… but wait! There’s more.
Practically every day I find myself applying one of the teachings or exercises from this class to some situation completely unrelated to money or finances.
Without going into detail
, I’ve applied Mark’s exercises to essentially any situation or issue that brings up feelings of fear, anxiety, overwhelm, panic… including things like relationship conflict, body image unhappiness, decisions that need to be made, (posting a comment here), etc.
And, every time, the insights and guidance I’ve received have been so loving and affirming.
More than anything else, this course has given me tools that are helping me deepen my relationship with myself. For that, gratitude overflows.
Heart of Money is so much larger than finances (and, believe me, finance/money stuff is big enough on its own). There is no end to the practical application of the teachings and exercises contained in this course.
If this course in any way calls to you, I sincerely ask you to take the time with your heart and see if it is right for you. You will know if it is.
thanks for all those responses which have been so helpful and in many ways confirming of what I felt. I decided not to put it off and made the commitment yesterday to the course. I am very happy to be a part of the course and a part of this community. Again, thank you so much for all the really generous and wonderful advice.
Om Shanti,
Fiona
Well, I’m a bit behind, as our course ended in August and now it’s almost October! Mark may not even want/need any more comments since he’s launched his latest course – and my husband is in it as well. But here goes anyway!
For me this course has a wonderful quality to it that I call ‘The Mystery’. That being, that during it I started to see increased enrollments in my retreats and coaching business that came not from more efforts, more Doing – but from my effort and commitment with this practices. I noticed less tension in me and more trusting that when I show up with my Jewel shining – in other words, fully being my True self, life is more fun, and I’m more successful.
I am grateful for the teachings and the modeling Mark does of being who he is (Great!). A # of participants from my class were so jazzed that we have formed a group and are repeating the exercises again — persistence and continued support of what works are 2 things I know that always help my business grow and bring me more peace inside.
Thanks Mark! and the whole team!
Victoria
Hi to all you amazing people who’ve posted such transparent and mindful words. I happened on Marks website as I have to do a completion project for a psychotherapy course I took – wait for it – twenty two years ago… and didn’t complete. Huh! Years not months. I now want to complete this course, and have been given the opportunity to do so. The project I want to do is around money, so naturally I used the web to find tips. And I fell upon this course! My history around money, relationships, work – and I’m not 40 – I’m now 65, has been pretty dreadful – perhaps like a 16 year old not wanting to grow up and take responsibility, and still in denial regarding my relationship with money, where and how I live – presently living off a UK state pension, and some savings – only I can’t really call them savings as that money is the result of selling my home ten years ago, and what is left.
I’m writing this for myself, but would welcome any follow up comments – and I shall now get the home study course.
This course was fantastic. It took me from being full of anxiety to having more freedom to address many issues around my finances directly and also around myself and my relationship with the Divine.
I am well aware that my personal beliefs and perceptions influence what’s possible and this course has allowed me to see and experience new ways of being with my personal finances and with my business. This course allowed me to see more of my limiting beliefs and develop a new relationship with them. I recognize this is a journey, and but I feel like I have new insights and practices that are pointing me in a new direction.
The partners I had were all an integral part of the power of this program. I really appreciate the way you have designed this into the course. In addition, Mark, I so appreciate your way of being, your compassion, wisdom, and knowledge. I feel a resonance with your values and way of doing business. Thank you. Namaste.
I was uncertain whether I wanted to take the Heart of Money course. So I emailed Mark about my situation and asked his advice. He very kindly empathized with my predicament, and told me he didn’t want to tell me what to do. He ended his email with, “what is your heart saying?”
At the time, I didn’t even know I could communicate with my heart! But I took the class anyway, and I am so glad I did! What Mark suggested in his question seemed to me to be his approach in teaching. He is there to offer the teachings and guidance, and what seemed to give him the most joy was to see the students walk the walk and discover for themselves the lessons.
I thought the class structure was highly effective and thoughtful:
1). Weekly tele seminar. Starting with a warm Welcome by Mark, addressing concerns and questions. I always appreciate the Remembrance practice that followed, which I felt anchored and synchronized participants. Mark would present the lesson for the week, and lead the class into an exercise. Participants would share their experiences of the exercise. Then Mark would discuss assignment for the next week and wrap-up.
2). Partner exercises. This was the most powerful part of the class for me! I am blown away by the level of trust, openness and commitment of everyone to help each other that are fostered in these exercises. Most of my insights have come from working with my partners, being there for each other and holding the space, reflecting, sharing insights. Most of all, I didn’t feel alone in my struggle and found the support tremendously uplifting. I felt completely buzzed with energy after each session!
3). Q&A. I also thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the written Q&A portion of the class. Each week, a written assignment reflecting on what I learned helped me track my progress. Any questions I had, Mark would thoroughly and thoughtfully answer in the weekly Q&A PDFs. Reading my classmates’ questions and Mark’s answers to them gave me different perspectives.
Weekly assignments have do-able actions that can be put into practice. It is true what you put into the class is what you get out of it. I have seen improvements not only in my relationship to finance, but all across the board with regard to spirituality, relationships, health, etc. I learned to improve my communicating, listening and reflecting skill. I also experienced the awesome humility and honor of holding space for someone and watching her go through a struggle and discovers for herself spontaneous insights! Most of all, I learned to prioritize my life in a meaningful way. I am finding that it is effortful to commit to such priorities, but it is a worthwhile endeavor!
I wish to thank Mark for his gentleness, groundedness, compassion and clarity. The way in which he provides a safe space for students to learn and grow is wondrous!
I also wish to thank my partners for being mirrors for each other. The support and encouragement helped me persevere through the toughest times!
If you have a desire to change your relationship
with your finance, or any area in your life, this may be a suitable class. I took a leap of faith and my heart now rejoices for it! What is your heart saying?
Part of me went, not another class! Yet I am so grateful I jumped in. With some of the stickier issues around having assets and liabilities – debt, I came to a greater place of contentment. What was most rewarding was to be able to turn around some pattern imprints that were still running the show.
Heart of Money provided the grounding and gentle support for me to move from paralysis to taking small new steps. My faith was regained. I let go of the desire to have a quick fix, win the lottery, and to enjoy the journey – even the uncomfortable parts. I remembered past incredible successes that took me many years before they came to fruition. I remembered that I have always been taken care of by Spirit. I remembered the brilliant creative solutions that have always been part of my life.
I am grateful for the teachings and particularly for the veil of safety that has allowed me to stand in my sovereignty and others have mentioned this about seeing more of me emerge.
I am grateful for my amazing partners and for my time now of integration at the beach.
Thank you Mark, Kate, Holly, Yollana.
Have a splendid summer forever,
Carol Anne
I didn
I am very happy with the changes in my outlook regarding money after taking Mark Silver
I took the “Heart of Money Transformational Journey” class w/Mark over two years ago and sometimes I can still feel the learning and experiences unfolding.
Here’s the nutshell:
I learned a lot, even stuff that really surprised me about myself and my beliefs about money;
a couple of classmates became friends, one became a client;
since the class, my income has steadily increased, which, of course, is lovely, but how the techniques I learned have affected my spending habits and informed my discernment when it came to making financial decisions has provided me with incredible amounts of relief (emotionally and financially).
If you’re ready for change in your life around money, and around how you access your internal wisdom, this course is a sure thing.
Mark, thank you so very much. <3
Lisa Roberts recently posted When Taking Time for a Play Date is the Responsible Thing To Do
I just finished The Heart of Money class and it was indeed a beautiful journey of transformation. I’ve always had issues around my finances and it got to the point where I avoided dealing with my finances as much as possible.
This class helped me get over my fears about dealing with money and having enough that were causing my avoidance. I had a number of big epiphanies during the class which led to huge shifts – financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I emerged from this experience with an entirely different relationship with money and I no longer find it painful or difficult to deal with.
This class was by far, one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my business and in my life. It was deep, powerful, and transformative.
Cathy Wilke recently posted My Attempt at Dealing With Writer’s Block
I just “completed” Mark Silver’s Heart of Money Transformational Journey — even though I feel I am just beginning. Mark taught me everything I need to know, and I will be working with this material for the rest of my life.
Imagine the power of being able to ask a specific question about an issue you are having with money or with business, and actually receiving the answer: not only an understanding, but also the specific next steps you should take to be successful.
Until the fear left me I did not know I was afraid of money. My whole life I have lived with anxiety and fear of BOTH not having enough money and of financial success. Up until now I was unconsciously pushing both money and success away from me.
The techniques and insights Mark shared in this course were absolutely pivotal in my leaving a “secure job” where my compensation package and job security were decreasing visibly day by day and launching the online business of my dreams.
I’ve invested a lot of time, money and energy in preparing for this transformation over many years. And I have tried many, many times before but always “failed to thrive” financially.
In the Heart of Money Mark Silver’s teachings brought my fears and ambivalence about money to the surface – and they immediately began to dissolve.
I am no longer afraid, and in less than two weeks after launching my website I have my first client. Not only is he a paying client, but his business is in complete alignment with my vision and my purpose in life! My heart is full!
Thank you Mark and the Heart of Business team!
Does this Heart of Money thing really work?
The insights into relationship and the nature of money offered by Mark along with a committment to the homework, practices, and weekly class has woken up a deeply transformational process that I believe will carry on long past the ending of the course.
The transformational journey was focused around money but all aspects of my life have been touched.
The insights and tools gained can easily translate into any situation.
I was challenged at times by the language used and the volume of information but felt Mark left tons of space to adapt the class in ways that worked for us as individuals.
It is refreshing to be treated as an adult! Your capacity as a teacher really shows through here Mark.
I feel that I can wholeheartedly reccomend this course to anyone who wants to deepen their relationship to money and to their experience of Life.
Thank you!
The Heart of Money Transformational Journey is true to its name. It was as transforming as I believe I could allow it to be. Mark provided all that we needed as we embarked on our journey towards our relationship with our finances. With the foundation of sound Sufi wisdom and practice, he encouraged and supported us in nurturing our own spiritual journeys, and we saw how it was integrally related to our daily lives and financial practices. He also offered us valuable tools to reflect on our ways, and make the necessary changes to receive tangible benefits from our efforts.
Mark’s style of teaching prompted us to assimilate what he was teaching, rather than swallow mouthfuls of information that don’t always get digested. I say “us” confidently because I heard what people volunteered to share with the group during the course.
I enjoy face to face learning and this mode of learning via phone conference is sometimes challenging. However, it is the best of its kind I have experienced. The partnership system really helped to keep me on task and often gave me a chance to exchange all that was going on as a result of just ‘doing our homework’.
I am enjoying my work and keeping my heart and hands open to receiving what I need to live and enjoy my life. It is fun to see results!! As someone absolutely new to business I am choosing to be supported for the next 6 months by the Heart of Business team as I grow and protect this seedling of my business.
I completed Mark’s Heart of Money Transformational Journey a week ago and will be forever grateful to Mark and his teachings.
This course helped to unlock a number of VERY stuck places around money and Mark’s teaching style along with a rigorous course structure provided an incredible support which will be felt long after the course is over.
If you struggle with anxiety and fear around money, I highly recommend this course. It combines the depth of spiritual practice with practical, real-world, action steps.
A big thank you to Mark and his team for such a transformational course!