Personal Development   

Traditionally, the enneagram is a model of the human psyche that describes nine interconnected types, each with a unique pattern of survival skills, core motivations and giftedness. It offers an in-depth path to self-awareness, understanding and development. Abundant Enneagram explores how an individual who is aware of the challenging parts of themselves 20% of the time, can then focus 80% of their time and energy on their giftedness. We will learn ways to bring out that 80% in an interactive and practical approach to the enneagram. Recommended textbook: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self by Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes (2021), ISBN: 978-1642970319.

We will build upon the concepts from part 1 of this course by further exploring our AEType and AETriType to focus on personal growth and development. We will also discuss interpersonal dynamics between the AETypes and the invitation to live from abundance. Prerequisites: Participants should have taken CFS’s Abundant Enneagram, Part 1. Recommended textbook: The Enneagram of the Soul: A 40-Day Spiritual Companion for the Nine Types by Nhien Vuong (2025), ISBN: 978-1642970623.

Enjoying our many regional breweries is a special part of living in Western North Carolina. We will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for our regional brewing industry through the perspectives of its rich history and current events. We will explore a layperson’s view of the brewing business and process, and how to enjoy beverages and breweries in WNC.

We will learn how to play chess and strategies for the opening, middle game and endgame. We will cover how pieces move, castling, en passant, checkmate/stalemate and checkmate patterns through lecture, worksheets, analyzing real-life games and live play in the classroom. Recommended textbook: Everyone's First Chess Workbook by Peter Giannatos (2021), ISBN: 978-9056919887.

We will learn how to play the Wright-Patterson style of mahjong. This fun, tactile game is played with tiles and a book of 92 suggested hands. We will focus on creating non-competitive, intellectually stimulating play. Required textbook: Mah Jongg Wright-Patterson Rules (2022), available to purchase from the instructor at the first class for $8.25.

In a time of broken trust and cultural fragmentation, elders can play a vital role as bridge-builders, storytellers and guardians of integrity. We will explore practices of deep listening, trust-building and Indigenous-inspired “seven generations” wisdom. Through reflection, dialogue, and courageous conversations, we will discover we can stay relevant, foster connection and contribute meaningfully to families, community and society as we age.

We will explore how to create and maintain habits for lifestyles that support healthy longevity, particularly those applicable to older adults. We will cover material from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Peter Attia’s Outlive (2022) and James Clear’s Atomic Habits (2018) in our slide presentations and small-group discussions, and may also track our progress. Prerequisites: Participants should be curious about exploring and making behavioral changes for a healthy lifestyle.

What do your favorite things reveal about who you are? We will explore favorites of all kinds—from films and vacation spots to books, memories, restaurants and beyond. Each week, participants will share a few of their personal favorites while discovering new ones from each other. Along the way, we will discuss how our choices reflect our values, personalities and life stories. Note: Participants should come prepared to reminisce, laugh and celebrate the things that make our lives unique.

We will prepare to access a meditative state independently. Compared to other approaches, functional meditation has been identified by past participants as the “express elevator” to your personal meditation level. We will use functional meditation as a method to reduce pain, improve sleep, manifest something good and find a parking place among other more important issues. There will be discussion and at least three meditation processes practiced at each session. Note: As the course is progressive, participants should register only if they can attend all class meetings. Participants are required to practice daily to develop the skill so should have a place at home to recline in comfort. Materials: Mat; a pillow and blanket or beach towel for warmth are recommended.

We will gain insight into our personalities using astrological theory. Topics include astrology basics; interpreting a birth chart; transits and aspects; predictive tools and how to use them; and celebrities’ charts.

We will explore easy plant-based dishes—using neither animal products nor processed foods—inspired by a different world cuisine each week: Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican/Caribbean. The instructor will prepare dishes from a shared set of recipes, after which participants will enjoy a lunch together. Note: We will meet each week at the instructor’s home, approximately a 10-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for groceries.

Wine is not the sole province of so-called experts; wine is for everyone. We will expand our understanding and enjoyment of wine by exploring tasting methods and the effects of viticulture (cultivation and harvesting of grapes) and vinification (fermentation) on wine taste and texture. Each week, after a brief presentation, we will taste and discuss five different wines. Note: We will meet at the instructor’s home, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to the instructor): $40.