Summer 2023 Course dESCRIPTIONS

Prehistoric Mass Extinctions: Are We Next?

Coordinator

Course Description

During the 4.6 billion-year history of planet Earth, five major mass extinctions have occurred which have profoundly impacted the planet’s biodiversity. Join Prof. Alan as we explore each of these major events and what humans are doing to our planet during the 6th major mass extinction. Are we at risk of exterminating ourselves with our current atmospheric experiment already underway?

Thinking as a Sacred Activity

Coordinator

Course Description

We’ll use drawing exercises and journal writing to explore three kinds of thinking: Mechanical Thinking, Critical Thinking and Straight Thinking in the Abstract. We will look at the first four inventions of humanity (hunter/gatherer, herder, farmer, civilization). We’ll explore humanity's 5th invention (Artificial Intelligence) and how it will really change our world. We’ll explore the work of Plato, Socrates, Joseph Campbell, Gerald Heard, Carl Jung, Thane Walker and more to understand how thinking is a sacred activity.

Mindfulness Practice: Breathing and Walking

Coordinator

Course Description

Over six sessions, the 16 steps of Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati) will be gradually presented in a meditation format. Each class will consist of a brief recorded introduction to the day’s focus, then a recorded meditation through audio guidance by well-known mindfulness teach Gil Fronsdal. This set will take 35 minutes. We will then do a 30-minute round of mindful walking. Options to walking will be provided for those who find that activity difficult. Each class will conclude with an optional time where discussion about the day’s practices can occur. The class is appropriate both for those with and without any previous mindfulness experience.

Mindfulness Practice: Breathing and Walking

Coordinator

Course Description

Over six sessions, the 16 steps of Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati) will be gradually presented in a meditation format. Each class will consist of a brief recorded introduction to the day’s focus, then a recorded meditation through audio guidance by well-known mindfulness teach Gil Fronsdal. This set will take 35 minutes. We will then do a 30-minute round of mindful walking. Options to walking will be provided for those who find that activity difficult. Each class will conclude with an optional time where discussion about the day’s practices can occur. The class is appropriate both for those with and without any previous mindfulness experience.

Exploring Creativity

Coordinator

Course Description

Class will be a workshop where individuals work on their personal art goals in a sharing environment. Participants can exchange knowledge and offer “gentle” feedback to each other if they want to. Bring the supplies you will need for your own project. Everyone must bring a plastic or similar material sheet or tarp to put under their workspace. We are fortunate to be invited to use the space and therefore this requirement is a must. Also, the church requires that participants follow their COVID-19 protocols.

Short Stories and Essays

Coordinator

Course Description

For those who love reading and discussion, this is the perfect entertainment. There is always a lively, opinionated, and friendly atmosphere with a warm welcome for all participants. Come join us as we delve into the ever-fascinating world of short stories and essays created by some of the best writers who have put pen to paper. The book for summer is: Short Story Masterpieces, by Raymond Carver & Tom Jenks (pb..Dell, 1987). It is available at Amazon or other used book outlets.

Mindfulness Practice: Breathing and Walking

Coordinator

Course Description

Over six sessions, the 16 steps of Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati) will be gradually presented in a meditation format. Each class will consist of a brief recorded introduction to the day’s focus, then a recorded meditation through audio guidance by well-known mindfulness teach Gil Fronsdal. This set will take 35 minutes. We will then do a 30-minute round of mindful walking. Options to walking will be provided for those who find that activity difficult. Each class will conclude with an optional time where discussion about the day’s practices can occur. The class is appropriate both for those with and without any previous mindfulness experience.

A commitment to regular meditation is expected of participants for this course.

Mindfulness: Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Book Discussion

Coordinator

Course Description

This class is in the format of a book discussion. The book, Aging as a Spiritual Practice: A Contemplative Guide to Growing Older and Wiser, by Louis Richmond is a user's guide to aging well. The book is about aging from a spiritual and experiential perspective. If you're a Buddhist, then many of the contemplative reflections may be familiar to you; and maybe in any context. If you're not a Buddhist, then these reflections may well speak to you and be of use. Purchase of the book is required. It's available from Amazon and other sources.