Life Enrichment

To see all current Life Enrichment courses, click here. [1]

Being Human in Myth, Literature & Film
What does it mean to be human? Science and religion have their answers, but in this class we'll explore the nature of humankind from the storyteller's point of view.  What do centuries of myth, classics of literature, blockbuster films, and iconic TV shows tell us about ourselves? In this thought-provoking class, third in the popular Being Human series, we'll explore origin myths from numerous cultures.  We'll investigate the concept of sentience in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. We'll discuss sub-humans, super-humans, artificial humans, and post-humans, as well as post-apocalyptic, dystopian, and utopian societies. Join us for a unique blend of anthropological and literary perspectives, and a series of lively discussions!

Being Human: the Future of Our Kind
Where is humankind headed in the next ten years, hundred years, thousand years? How will we live, eat, work, and play? How will we supply our energy, health care, and housing needs? Will science and industry provide us with the answers? Together, we'll explore the possibilities. In this fourth installment of the popular Being Human series, we'll examine the greatest challenges of the future from the perspectives of social science and the humanities. This class features lively discussions plus an opportunity for you to engineer a hypothetical human society of the future.

Principles of Meditation - A Joyous Peaceful Way of Life
The practice of this ancient art will enrich your life experiences and expand your horizon. It is an excellent support to prevent, slow or control cardiovascular disease, improve the ability to sustain concentration, restore balance for depression, develop constructive use of thought patterns and ease pain associated with chronic diseases. If the practice of meditation is a new concept you would like to experience - or if you wish to renew your meditation practice, this course will help you establish a firm foundation.

Being Human: A Cross Cultural View of Who We Are
Of what is human identity made? Where does our sense of self come from: Culture, Upbringing, External Circumstances, the opinions of others? If you had grown up in a different culture, or as the opposite gender, or in a different century, would you still be you? Are you the same person now as you were twenty years ago? The concepts of self and existence vary greatly from culture to culture; even the manner in which we think and interact with the world is culturally prescribed. Join anthropology instructor Julie Castillo for a thought-provoking cross-cultural discussion of personality, consciousness, and self.

The Art of Schmooze
Small talk is anything but small.  It's a prerequisite for making friends and influencing people in both our personal and professional lives.  Through it, we form relationships, see the world through another's eyes and let others know who we are.  It's critical, then, that we build our schmooze muscle.  You'll learn to do just that in this class, with the assistance of author Beth Mende Conny, a former reporter who specialized in personality profiles.  Class fee includes copies of Conny's books "The Art of Schmooze" and "What to Say When Talking to Yourself."

Fearless Creativity
Life is a creative act, so create the life you want. Isn't it time? Time to dust off dream projects, expand your horizons, alter your thinking, live more fully and just have fun. This workshop (fun-shop) will give you a jump-start. You'll learn how to tap your creativity, take charge of your time and energy, find the resources you need, and gain confidence and mastery. By course end, you will also have created a personalized plan so you can keep going and bring your dreams to life. The instructor, Beth Mende Conny, is a creativity coach and the founder of WriteDirections.com. She has written more than three dozen books, including Fearless Creativity. Materials fee $15 for books and supplies.

For more information or to register, call 240-500-2236.