Student Profile

Name: Dan Michels
Concentration: Transpersonal & Humanistic Psychology
Graduating Class: 2008
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
I transferred here. I did go to community college for two-and-a-half years before Naropa, but I did not transfer those credits. I started over and have been here now for nine semesters.   

Why did you come to Naropa?
Conventional schooling was very frustrating for me. I started studying philosophy in school and was planning on that being my major. I took a philosophy of religion class, which totally changed my life. I was first introduced to Hinduism and Buddhism. I started practicing yoga and tai chi and kickboxing. I decided to transfer to a school that taught the philosophy and religion of the yoga sutras. Most people you talk to at Naropa have had similar experiences, but I just intuitively knew that this was where I was supposed to be.  I applied, was accepted and moved out to Boulder without even visiting first.  Once I came however, my plans changed.  I became a religion and psychology double major. 

Plans after graduation:
After graduation this spring (2008), I am attending law school.  My interest is in environmental law.  I do not yet know where I will end up. Many schools have not yet gotten back to me. So far, I have been accepted to University of Denver Sturm College of Law and Pace Law School in New York, which I received a $20,000 merit-based scholarship to.

The most challenging aspect of Naropa:
Naropa’s unique quality of education is its best asset.  It is also what makes it difficult. For example, sitting meditation is a method to explore ones own subjectivity. Through having one-pointed awareness with the breath we disidentify with the turnings of the mind, or discursive mind.  A sense of curiosity about ourselves is developed.  Coming into contact with our deep dark places can be scary.  It can bring up a lot of resistance and defensiveness. Exploring our projections also means taking responsibility for them, which can be very difficult. Coupling this educational framework with academic study and discipline is what makes Naropa wonderful.... 

What will you miss?
The atmosphere, the like-minded peer group, the kindness. 

Classes and Activities:
Currently I am finishing up my senior theses in both the Contemplative Psychology department and Religious Studies.  I am writing my psychology paper on the psychology and spirituality of intimate relationships.  For my religion paper I am writing about religious fundamentalism and violence, touching upon meaning-making and the interplay of faith and reason. I am also taking two other excellent classes, Environmental Justice and 19th Century Literature. 

Why did you choose the Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology concentration?
I never wanted to be a therapist or continue with my studies in psychology after my bachelors.  As such, I took what was interesting to me.  Existential philosophy and psychology is fundamental to understanding many, if not all, of the world’s wisdom traditions.  Humanism as a movement is pivotal in understanding our modernizing world especially in terms of the introduction of modern democracy.  Transpersonal psychology was key for me in terms of it incorporating spirituality and religion into the study of human consciousness. 

How has the Naropa Psychology program changed you?
I would not be as empathetic, compassionate, or flexible of a person without this education.  My listening skills are vastly improved, as are my communication skills.  My ability to draw effective boundaries is increased.  All in all, I feel I am a more flexible, open human being who can accommodate many different people and situations with careful responsiveness. 

Favorite Naropa experience:
Awkwardly running into my teachers in social situations.