Personal Exploration   

This course will introduce students to the gnostic philosophy and theology of one of the Nag Hammadi codices. Our focus will be on the ancient text called the Tripartite Tractate, an early Christian adaptation of Gnosticism that was purged from the Christian religion around A.D. 350 and is considered a heresy by modern churches of all denominations. Because of its exclusion by Emperor Constantine, the material remains controversial to this day. This theology answers many of life’s most important questions and will be presented from a positive point of view with practical applications to one’s life. Because of the inherent controversy surrounding Gnosticism, discussions will be handled with respect for all points of view. 
 
NOTE: The book “A Simple Explanation of the Gnostic Gospel” by Cyd Ropp, PhD, is suggested but not required.  

This seven-week course for the novice as well as for seasoned meditators is designed to be user-friendly, devoid of any ideological framework and meant to make the practice of meditation accessible. For some, this may entail “un-learning” rigid doctrines and expectations. For others, it’s an invitation to quiet, to better regulate your nervous system, release tension and follow your curiosity down the yellow brick road of your inner world, as well as to better understand how we all create our subjective experience. Each class will include discussion, guidance and lengthening periods of meditative practice. No meditation experience is required, only a curiosity around how you put your world together.

Many people use AI simply as a tool, but individuals who think in images, metaphors or other nonlinear ways often experience something different. They feel “seen” by AI, finding that it helps them clarify ideas, translate intuition into language, follow metaphor or make sense of complex thoughts in ways the linear world hasn’t supported. This course will explore why AI resonates so deeply for nonlinear minds. Through examples, discussion and simple guided activities, we’ll examine right-hemisphere modes of knowing — imagery, intuition, metaphor, spaciousness and “felt” sense — and how these ways of knowing are supported by AI.

NOTE: Participants are invited to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone with access to the free version of ChatGPT. No purchase is required. No technical background is needed. Those without a device or account may pair up or observe.

Dowsing has been referred to as witching for water, divining, pendulum use and doodlebugging. It taps into an intuitive side of our consciousness and structures the response to make it usable. The course will cover its history, its development and the practical use of dowsing in everyday life. You will learn to access your intuition in a structured format and practice using different instruments that amplify the slight subconscious movements you make. In order to progress in dowsing ability, practice is essential, and proving our results will be part of the exploration process. This is a science-based inquiry and practice. There are no prerequisites except for an open, inquiring mind and the confidence to try something new that may challenge conventional understanding.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

What is the journey of a Ukrainian woman refugee? What was the experience of growing up in Soviet Ukraine? What is the impact of the transition from communism to a free Ukraine on the life of a Ukrainian woman and her family? Becoming a refugee involves a change of identity, loss of status and economic stability, and a descent into another unknown world. Through the stories of six Ukrainian refugee women living in Ashland, these questions will be explored within the larger context of Ukrainian history, women’s spirituality and the refugee experience as a path of spiritual transformation. The course will include reflective writing and/or journaling in response to the readings. 

NOTE: Text choices: “Women and War: Letters From Ukraine to the Free World” by Aurélie Bros or “Displaced: The Ukrainian Refugee Experience” by Tamar Jacoby. 

The Enneagram (“nine points or letters”) is a sacred nine-pointed symbol that describes nine distinct and universal personality types, their interrelationships and different paths of spiritual development. Study and practice of this profound and powerful system helps one to identify and move beyond nonproductive habits of body and mind, increases compassion for self and others and effectively integrates psychological and spiritual life. The first class includes an overview of the Enneagram. The following classes include a short, guided meditation, teachings, video clips and a Type Panel that demonstrates and explores the personality type of the week. There are handouts and optional homework assignments.  

NOTE: Required book: “The Essential Enneagram,” by David Daniels, MD, and Virginia Price. $9 on Amazon. There is no class on Monday, May 25.

There are multiple hormonal changes that occur with menopause and with aging that affect a woman’s well-being and bedroom life. Some of these changes become obstacles around which women need to navigate. Women’s hormonal symptoms have often not been given focused medical attention, and many women do not know about available options. The good news is that there is no better time in history than today to be a postmenopausal woman who wants to have great intimacy. We will use PowerPoint as the backdrop support for discussing all the options for dealing with menopausal changes. This will include tips to increase the power in your day-to-day connection with your partner.

Your brain is the most complex object in the known universe. Fortunately, caring for your brain is not that complicated! We are getting older but our brains age at different rates. Let’s explore what the latest science says about this range of function, from subjective cognitive decline to mild cognitive impairment and on to Alzheimer’s. After reviewing basic brain function and defining terms, we’ll look at myths, realities and breakthroughs in brain health. We will then consider the therapeutic lifestyle choices (TLC) that prevent or slow cognitive loss, including exercise; nutrition; mental, emotional and social connection; sleep; and stress resilience. Finally, we’ll look at happiness and beyond: wisdom and self-transcendence. We will use full-color slides, lecture, discussion and Q&A. 

NOTE: The instructor’s book “Keep Your Marbles: Your Game Plan for a Healthy Brain” is recommended for this course. It is available on Amazon but will be available at a discount at the first class meeting. 

This course is designed for a deepening of our innate connection with nature. Being in nature has been shown to help humans increase their well-being. Time will be given to participants to be in silence. They also will be asked to contemplate various aspects of the natural community around them. They will be given time to write if they choose and then gather again to share their thoughts and ideas. All classes will be at a local park where, depending on weather, a shelter is near. Participants will be expected to dress appropriately for the weather and be able to walk on mostly level ground. There could be slight inclines, but no steep hills. Participants may bring a notebook and pen, but it’s not required. 

NOTE: This course will take place at North Mountain Park, 620 N. Mountain Ave, Ashland. Liability waiver required to participate. This class and its activities will be based on the book “The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing” by Julie Plevin Oliansky, a local who started Forest Bathing Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area.  

Radical loving is about being home with our wounded world. We will visit broken, abandoned or distressed places in our area, such as the Almeda fire corridor, Golden and Buncom ghost towns and clear cuts. During our visits we will listen deeply with our loving presence. We will share ideas about where other such places might be that are close by, accessible and of interest to us all. From those encounters we might want to create what our souls are calling us to bring forth: a piece of writing, painting, music, movement, sculpture or anything that moves our hearts. Our creation can become part of an altar at our homes honoring those areas and beyond. In essence, this course is about slowing down, being present with and, as you are moved, responding creatively to beauty, gratitude and love.

NOTE: Liability waiver required to participate.

The Joy Map is a gentle, creative and heart-centered four-week experience designed to help participants learn practical tools for emotional self-regulation, heart-coherence, stress reduction and cultivating everyday joy. Each session blends short instruction with experiential activities such as guided heart-coherence practices, reflective writing, music appreciation, nature connection, movement, expressive art and meaningful group conversation. This program weaves all of these elements into an accessible, uplifting experience — the kind that nourishes the heart, mind and spirit. No prior artistic or mindfulness experience is required; all levels are welcome. Each participant will create a personal Joy Map, a living document and visual guide for purposeful, joyful living.

NOTE: Participants will need a journal and various art supplies, including art paper, colored pencils, markers, glue and other supplies of their choosing. Be prepared to go outside for short movement and mindfulness activities. The cost will depend on supplies to which the participant already has access.

Share ideas, make new friends and celebrate women in an updated answer to the salons of the French Enlightenment. Find common ground and camaraderie with other women via conversation and intellectual stimulation using modern pop culture as the catalyst for discussion — like a book club, but with films. Students will jointly select five themes, ranging from angels to zeitgeist, deep diving into topics that touch women across ages, cultures, communities and circumstances. Weekly emails with current film titles for home viewing (from Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.), along with links to quotes, articles, visual artistic works and music will become touchstones to recall personal stories and insights to share in discussions. Classes may include a short meditation.

NOTE: Students will watch one or two films weekly at home before class, chosen from current selections on Netflix, Amazon Prime and/or other popular streaming services available via free trials.