About
The Mukta Center
The Two Human Potentialities: Being and Becoming
Human life unfolds along two profound and complementary paths: being and becoming. From the moment we enter the world, these two innate potentialities are present within us.
Being is our unchanging ground of awareness. It is the simple presence that observes thoughts, sensations, and experiences without itself being altered by them. This quiet center of awareness is always here, though for many of us it remains unnoticed beneath the activity and momentum of daily life.
Becoming is the unfolding journey of a human life. It is the development of our unique character, talents, creativity, relationships, and contributions. Through becoming we encounter the challenges, struggles, discoveries, and expressions that shape a life story. Each person carries a singular path of becoming, a one-time expression of life that will never occur again in exactly the same way.
These two movements are not opposites. They are complementary arcs of human existence. Being provides the stable ground from which life can be experienced with clarity and presence. Becoming provides the dynamic field through which life expresses itself in the world.
Much of human suffering arises when we lose connection with one of these dimensions. Some people become lost in endless striving, activity, and identity, forgetting the quiet presence of being. Others attempt to withdraw from life’s unfolding, neglecting the creative journey of becoming.
The Mukta Center teachings, through blogs, ebooks, events and workshops, explore how these two potentials can be recognized and lived together. Together they invite a simple possibility: to live the fullness of both human potentials — being and becoming.
Awareness Teacher
Geoff Barkley
Geoff Barkley has been dedicated to the study and practice of awareness and personal growth for over fifty years, exploring both psychological and contemplative approaches. He holds a Master’s in Social Work and a PhD in Educational Research, with a focus on the factors influencing health behaviors.
With more than four decades of clinical experience, Geoff has worked in holistic private practice as well as in the fields of substance abuse, psychiatry, and healthcare. He promotes personal growth through releasing old psychological conditioning while at the same time discovering your innate, unique talents, vision and character.
Alongside this professional background, he has maintained a lifelong practice of meditation and awareness techniques. Geoff has studied with teachers across traditions, including Swami Vishnudevananda, Sufi Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, and Zen Roshi David Radin. His yoga master is Swami Venkatesananda, a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda, whose teachings continue to inspire his work today.
Beyond his professional and contemplative life, Geoff is the father of four grown sons and is happily married to Anne, a photographer and advanced yoga instructor. Together, they share a commitment to creativity, health, and the practice of mindful living.
The Mukta Center exists to share awareness and personal growth with as many people as possible. There are a variety of ways to connect, whether reading an ebook, attending a workshop, or attending a kirtan. Each step you take supports both your own journey and the larger mission of bringing clarity, joy, and freedom into daily life through the fullness of being and becoming.
For more information
Have a question about our programs? Interested in workshops, ebooks, or coaching? Click here to contact us.