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Connect with Curiosity: 
The Questions That Brought Us Here

What curiosity brought you to CIIS? 
We posed this question to our community—faculty, students, and alumni—and what emerged was a tapestry of seeking: questions about consciousness and ecology, purpose and connection, the body and the beyond. In these short videos, you'll hear what draws people to a place where your biggest questions aren't obstacles to overcome, but doorways to walk through.

The Ecological Awakening

What is our place in nature? Open pathways to ecological wisdom and interconnected being.

What are the qualities of people really making the great turning? How do we work with people to connect or reconnect to nature for the behalf of all beings?”

Jeanine Canty Professor, Transformative Studies

How do the world's religious traditions and spiritualities shape how we think about the natural world? We have to change the way we think about humanity and our relationship to the natural world.”

Elizabeth Allison Professor and Chair, Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion

Seeds hold the potential for growth and transformation. What is education that creates those fertile environments for liberation?”

Charlotte María Sáenz Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Undergraduate Studies

The Mystery of Being

Some questions have no answers—only deeper mystery. This is where transformation begins.

I was and remain fascinated by existence. I was drawn by amazement and astonishment at existence itself, and found a community that understood that astonishment.”

Jacob Sherman Professor and Chair, Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness

What else can be discovered about the human experience? CIIS invited me to explore the ineffable, what's been dismissed because it doesn't fit the scientific method.”

Anna King Ph.D. Class of 2024 and Adjunct Lecturer, Research Psychology

What is consciousness? What are these other realms people tap into? The mystery of consciousness is so unfathomable that my curiosity is infinite.”

Janis Phelps Director, The Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research

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The Quest for Authentic Purpose
 

Who am I? What is my path? These questions catalyze alignment between inner truth and outer action.

The curiosity to finding myself fully and aligning my inner being with my outer purpose in life—what's natural to me with something meaningful of service.”

Helge Osterhold Associate Professor, East-West Psychology

I've always had curiosity and wonder about our true potential. CIIS allows human beings to dream bigger and break out of the habits of lower expectations.”

Matthew D. Segall Associate Professor, Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness

After learning intellectually about spiritual traditions, I wanted to learn it applied. How do I actually apply this to my life? What's my path?”

Lee Granas Ph.D. Class of 2026, East-West Psychology

The Alchemy of Connection

How do we truly connect? Collective transformation points the way toward beloved community.

What is a community built on awe? People in deep relationships with radical curiosity, with each other, with their questions.”

Fernando Ona Associate Professor and Chair, Transformative Inquiry

Curiosity about life and work of Sri Aurobindo and how our society, political structures, and educational structures could allow us to exist in coherence and harmony.”

Daria Grigoreva Ph.D. Class of 2026, Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness

Am I living the life my ancestors hoped for? I'm curious about living in alignment with their dreams for me.”

Nick Blanc B.A. 2026, Interdisciplinary Studies

The Edge of the Known

What lies beyond conventional understanding? Discover new dimensions of thought and experience.

I'm endlessly fascinated by people. I want to understand how we think and feel. There's always new theories and concepts to learn.”

Anna Benassi Associate Professor, Integral Counseling Psychology

Why is it that a physical practice can create psychological change and healing? How can moving our bodies and breathing in certain ways expand consciousness?”

Nick Walker Professor of Psychology, School of Undergraduate Studies

I was studying Buddhism and wanted something with spiritual intellectual context. CIIS invites deep inquiry—it's not about having all the answers, but meaningful reflection.”

Zoe Sipes Program Lead, Sex Therapy Certificate

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Where Will Curiosity Take You Next?
 

At CIIS, your biggest questions become your greatest teachers. 
What are you waiting for?

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