Old New Method

A school for the study of oneself by approaching ancient teachings from a psychological perspective
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About this School

A hundred people worked together over the course of ten years. The group comprised adults of both sexes, all ages, and from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Their common ground was the premise that we as humans are incomplete; nature develops us only to a certain point and leaves us unfinished, just as it creates wheat but not bread, milk but not butter, grapes but not wine.

First Four Labors
We drew our instruction from teachings old and new, preserved in literature, monuments, and customs—all tested by the touchstone of verification. If the utility of a method could be verified, it was assimilated. If not, it was discarded. And so, as we applied these diverse methods to further our development, we were simultaneously synthesizing a new teaching.

Our Community

We stay in daily touch, meet online weekly, and periodically gather in physical destinations of relevance to our teaching.
ONM Zoom Workshop
Students in Venice

Latest Blog Posts

Ending 2024

Ending 2024

In December, the farmer brings the year’s harvest to the table for the end-of-year feast, recalling the labors that made this moment possible. Looking back through the seasons at the many efforts invested, some always stand out in bold outline because they were...

Using Theater

Using Theater

The great advantage of theater is that it presses knowledge into our entire being. Unlike academic study, which mostly engages our mental function, enactment must involve our emotional and physical functions as well. It is a powerful tool for understanding, and...

Playing a Role

Playing a Role

“Play a role in the exterior… Say ‘Good morning’ as you always say good morning. But at the same time labor to keep up with the work we’re doing here internally… Do everything exactly as you are accustomed to doing, but play a role, without participating.” – George...

Breaking the Glass Exercise

Breaking the Glass Exercise

The emotional center distorts our perception of the world by placing ourselves at its center. Misled by this bias, we take everything personally and experience feelings about situations that need not stimulate any feelings whatsoever... When we begin studying our...