Personal Development   

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 a path to self-awareness, understanding and development. Abundant Enneagram explores how a person who is aware of the challenging parts of themselves 20% of the time, can then focus 80% of their time and energy on their gift. We will learn ways to bring out that 80% in an interactive and practical approach to the enneagram.

We will build upon the concepts from part 1 of this course by further exploring our type to focus on personal growth and development. We will also discuss interpersonal dynamics between types and the invitation to live from abundance. Prerequisites: 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. Materials: Journal, pen.

Beyond beautiful flower arrangements, ikebana (“giving life to flowers”) is a contemplative practice firmly rooted in Japanese culture, aesthetics and the philosophies of wabi sabi, simplicity, understated elegance and living harmoniously with nature. We will practice this graceful, ephemeral art by creating arrangements from simple miniatures to table centerpieces for the holidays including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to use garden scissors to clip flowers and small branches. Materials: Garden scissors and large Japanese kenzan (flower frog). Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for fresh flowers and other shared materials.

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.

Meditation helps us to focus, quiet the mind and direct our energy. We will review various types of meditation and discuss physical techniques such as balancing, grounding and other methods to redirect energy. We will also study the energy centers, often called chakras or energy wheels, and how these impact our body and mind. Each class will include the practice of meditation.

Playing poker helps keep the memory sharp and provides an enjoyable social outlet. We will learn the general rules of three basic types of poker games then explore some of its many fun variations. Notes: This course is for newcomers to poker only. Participants will need a working Zoom camera and to participate with it turned on. Materials: Pencil, paper and deck of cards.

In Sanskrit, the word Buddhism translates as “the study and practice of awakening.” Awakening can be described as the discovery of our core intelligence and its connection to all of creation. We will examine teachings such as the four noble truths, the eightfold path, the three refuges and the bodhisattva vow, and consider how they lead to an awakened life. Prerequisites: While it is helpful for participants to have some knowledge of meditation and esotericism, it is more important to have a sincere desire to learn about and apply these perspectives.

We will explore how to create and maintain habits for lifestyles that support healthy longevity for older adults. We will cover material from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, James Clear’s Atomic Habits (2018) and related content in our slide presentations and small-group discussions. We will focus on the important, simple, and practical things we can control, and leverage them for optimal aging. Prerequisites: Participants should be curious about exploring and making behavioral changes for a healthy lifestyle.

Plants hold an energetic signature: an electromagnetic charge that conveys information. We will learn lucid dreaming-style meditations to explore the subconscious and connect with higher guides, ancestors and the spirits of plants and animals. Together, we will meditate and experience a shared dreaming experience, reflecting how indigenous peoples accessed the healing power of plants. Prerequisites: Some meditations will take place outdoors on campus; participants may choose to stand, sit or lie down, and should be comfortable navigating paved and unpaved surfaces. Note: Participants do not need to have participated in other courses in the series to enjoy this one. Recommended textbook: Plant Spirit Medicine: A Journey into the Healing Wisdom of Plants by Eliot Cowan (2014), ISBN: 978-1622030958. Materials: Journal (required); cushion or blanket for outdoor meditations (optional).

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.

Are you interested in walking the Camino de Santiago, the 1200-year-old trail through northern Spain? We will begin with a brief history of the Camino then discuss considerations when choosing which route to take, physical preparations like training and packing, as well as the various options for eating and sleeping along the way. Note: Participants should have an active interest in planning a Camino walk as opposed to a simple interest in learning more about it.

It is amazing how many memories involve meals shared around a table. Fancy or basic, each family’s meals are unique signatures. Just like food, recipes should be shared. We will discuss how to write a cookbook that shares your recipes with friends and family. We will dive into developing a concept, writing recipes, deciding on a format and designing a publication.

We will understand and apply the rules summarized on the back of the 2026 National Mah Jongg League card to ensure we feel comfortable with gameplay procedures, scoring basics and common situations at the table. We will learn a reliable method for selecting and committing to a hand, plus an effective Charleston strategy: what to pass, what to keep. Prerequisites: OLLI’s Beginner Mah Jongg or equivalent experience; contact the instructor with questions. Note: Contact the instructor in advance with questions about accommodations for participation/color blindness.

We will explore a practical roadmap for life and work transitions, including retirement. We will look at three stages (long/emerging ending, messy middle and new beginning) and six types to build transition intelligence and to better understand and navigate them. Supporting this exploration, we will learn about additional tools and maps—enneagram, self-awareness and presence—that help us identify conscious and unconscious patterns, blind spots and growth paths. Prerequisites: Some knowledge of the enneagram is helpful but not required. Recommended textbooks: Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age by Bruce Feiler (2021), ISBN: 978-1101980514; and The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types by Don Riso and Russ Hudson (1999), ISBN: 978-0553378207.

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.

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.

We will examine the challenges, possibilities and benefits of cultivating more patience. Some questions we’ll explore are: How is patience connected to perspective and psychological flexibility, compassion and self-compassion, trust and confidence? What can we do to more graciously accept what cannot be changed, and more graciously change what can? If the earth is a school, what are our challenges trying to teach us, and how can we use these lessons to become more of the person we long to be? Required textbook: The Power of Patience: How to Slow the Rush and Enjoy More Happiness, Success and Peace of Mind Every Day by M.J. Ryan (2003), ISBN: 978-0767914864.

We will explore issues related to women aging that are presented in Mary Pipher's book Women Rowing North. We will examine issues related to what brings happiness at the end of life, attitudes toward aging and finding meaning in later life. Required textbook: Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher (2019), ISBN: 978-1632869609.