Who we are
Enlightenment exchange
A virtual space dedicated to exploring enlightenment as part of human development
Across cultures and throughout history, human beings have described profound shifts in awareness—often called enlightenment, awakening, liberation, unity, or higher consciousness. While these experiences have frequently been framed in religious language, they are not limited to any religion or spiritual tradition.
Enlightenment is a maturation of human consciousness that can be explored directly and lived authentically by people of all backgrounds and worldviews.
There are many terms used to refer to this domain, and countless pathways taken to reach it. We are fascinated by all of them and interested in points of connection as well as contrast.
A global upsurge in practices, research, and understanding has motivated this work. Enlightenment Exchange holds the view that we are in a time when the pursuit of higher consciousness is becoming a new normal. Experiences and ways of thinking about this have fascinating implications. There is much we can learn through shared inquiry and respect for different perspectives and forms of expression.
We invite you to join us in classes, workshops, events, and online discussion — exploring secular and sacred pathways to the upper reaches of human development. These include traditional sacred practices, non-theistic approaches, contemporary contemplative methods, and modern perspectives on consciousness and development. All paths are treated with respect, and none are presented as exclusive or superior.
Sharanam Enlightenment Exchange, LLC is the organizational home of this integrative work.
The word śaraṇam means refuge or sanctuary in Sanskrit. This is a safe place to deepen understanding through direct experience and open inquiry.
If it were a physical location it would be a clearing in a forest reached by paths from all directions. People in the know would trek miles, or astrally drop in – to meet with a few kindred spirits and discuss whatever. We would sit for hours, shaded by wysteria, swapping tall tales of higher states. Someday soon this will be a podcast.
Sharon Peaslee
Founder & Meditation Teacher
My own path into this work has unfolded over many decades of sustained practice, study, and teaching. All have been within the framework of Raja Yoga, a comprehensive system that focuses primarily on meditation supported by the eight limbs of yoga laid out by Patanjali.
I began Transcendental Meditation in 1970 and have taught TM for over 50 years. Through decades of practice and extended study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, I developed a deep experiential familiarity with effortless transcending, pure awareness, and inner stillness.
I have also engaged deeply with Vedanta, particularly through the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the Vedanta Society. This rigorous and inclusive framework deepens nondual awareness and emphasizes clarity, discernment, and freedom from dogma. It honors sacred and secular approaches to truth across all cultures.
In recent years, my practice expanded through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and Self-Realization Fellowship. Kriya yoga practices of SRF have enriched experiential dimensions and furthered expansion of awareness.
These traditions integrated naturally over time as a living, growing synthesis of experience and understanding. I continue to be a work in progress, inspired by the emergence and acceptance of this rapidly expanding new normal.
Teaching is a way to share what I most value. All the meditation practices I teach are rooted in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and draw from personal experience and understanding. As my practice and perspective has grown over the years, I’ve sought better ways to meet the needs of others.
I became a teacher of Transcendental Meditation in 1972 and taught for decades. More recently, I completed a teacher training program focused on ways to meditate that responsively address each student’s needs, goals, and direct experience.
My committment is to help students develop a personalized practice that is enjoyable and gives tangible benefits. Rather than promoting a single method, I am dedicated to helping each person discover what works best for them in the present moment and going forward.
I also draw from several degrees and years of teaching a wide range of subjects to middle and high school students. These included Language Arts, Social Studies, Business, Marketing, Graphic Design, Publishing and Filmmaking. The greatest take away was the importance of adapting to the needs and interests of each student so that what they learned was of value to them.
Writer, Producer, Designer
I have over 25 years experience as a TV and web writer, producer, director, and designer. My career has always been an interesting balance of creative work, teaching, and meditative practices. It’s a dynamic feed back loop of continuous creativity and renewal.
