Workshops #1: The Stages Model ~ A Contemporary Model of Development Perspectives ~ April 2025

In this workshop at one of Ledgeway Sangha's weekend retreats in April 2025, Brian Robertson provides an immersive exploration of the Stages model of human development. Drawing from the lineage of theorists like Dr. Terry O'Fallon, Robertson outlines how our capacity for meaning-making evolves through distinct person perspectives—moving from concrete, impulsive awareness in infancy to the subtle, systems-oriented levels common in modern adult life, and eventually into the rare, "metaware" tiers of consciousness. Throughout the session, Robertson emphasizes that these stages are not fixed personality types but fluid "probability clouds" of how we process reality moment-to-moment. He details the alternating developmental rhythm where individuals first stabilize within a new perspective ("dot-zero" stages) before learning to step outside of and structure that perspective for others ("dot-five" stages). By understanding this trajectory, listeners can better navigate the natural friction of personal growth, recognize common developmental "shadows," and learn how to foster more effective communication and community across different levels of maturity. Link to complimentary PDF on the Stages modelWorkshop HighlightsDefining Development: A breakdown of how the "Stages" model measures the evolution of subjectivity and the maturing of meaning-making over a lifetime.The Three Tiers: An explanation of the shift from Concrete (physical world), to Subtle (ideas, plans, and systems), to Metaware (the ground of awareness itself).Dot-Zero vs. Dot-Five: How "dot-zero" stages involve immersion and categorization, while "dot-five" stages offer the ability to step back, reflect, and consciously structure one's environment.Navigating Transitions: Why major life shifts—such as leaving a job, community, or belief system—often signal a transition between developmental stages.Identifying Shadows: A candid look at the predictable pitfalls of each stage, from the egocentrism of early development to the "victimhood" trap often found in pluralist (4.0) worldviews.States vs. Stages: Clarifying the crucial difference between temporary altered states (e.g., through meditation or psychedelics) and the integrated capacity of a developed stage.Interested in attending a Ledgeway Sangha drop-in or retreat? Sign up for our mailing list or request an invitation at ⁠www.ledgeway.org