Sedona Center   

This workshop is a new and updated version of a workshop previously facilitated in 2017. New additions include information on the history of Hindu Art and stories/images of additional deities. I will bring in several items from my personal collection that help describe the many interesting stories from Hindu mythology. We will end the workshop with a beautiful Bhakti Yoga chant to Krishna.

Copper Represents the Goddess of Love Venus. Copper promotes love and peace and many believe it fights inflammation and arthritis. Day one we will be making a Copper Cuff. Day 2, earrings and a pendant with and intro to enameling. Day 3 will be set aside for finishing. Class includes instructor’s use of tools. Materials fee of $50, collected at registration, will include 100gms of Art Clay Copper, enamel and sanding supplies. Students must have attended at least 2 Art Clay Classes.

Businessman, philosopher, publisher, scientist, diplomat, and founder, Benjamin Franklin's life spanned an epoch of momentous change and innovation. This class will focus on Franklin's life, his diverse talents and interests, and his skill and leadership in both the fight for America's independence and the framing of its constitution.

If you are an avid reader, there are certainly books that can inspire you! Jan Karon's "At Home In Mitford" is one such book. It is part of the Mitford Series, which is a significant contribution to the art of storytelling, character development and response to complex life issues. Here you will be introduced to the mountain valley village of Mitford and its unforgettable characters. You also are welcomed to bring and share a book that has inspired you.

Are art, science, mathematics, computers, virtual reality, music, & humor distinct categories? Students will be exposed to how disjunctive categories dovetail gracefully into unique art forms. Each section will be followed by discussion of students' life perceptions. True three dimensional painting using Virtual Reality- not just for artists, but as an introduction into the virtual world. Sculptures embedded with original music. Whimsical Cartoons will be used to elicit students' thoughts.

In October 2022, Xi Jinping consolidated his personal power and won an unprecedented third term as China's leader. Now he and the new cabinet, installed in March 2023, are confronted with rising economic, social and political challenges that are equally unprecedented. What changes are in the offing? Will they be adequate to calm an unhappy populace? What are the implications for China's relations with the US, which continue to deteriorate?

Learn about your personal Mac or Windows computer, as we examine: 1) hardware, including operating systems, and peripherals like printers, keyboards, and mice; 2) software basics and their terminology and essential settings; 3) file and application management and maintenance; and 4) how to back up your computer. No prior experience is needed -- just a desire to become more comfortable with your technology.

By presenting relevant concepts and data, this on-going course aims to equip each participant to be an educated consumer of news on a wide range of economic topics. Discussions will be fact-driven and nontechnical; no formal economics training is required.

Einstein:“I think the most important question facing humanity is, Is the universe a friendly place?" How do our beliefs determine the quality of our lives? Discussions will be initiated by a photograph and text on the following topics: Truth, Children, Parents, The Value of each person’s life, Friendship, Good and Evil, Balance in Life, Love, Fear, Envy, Spiritual Laws, Living in the moment, Happiness, and Death. Six of these will be chosen depending upon the composition of the class.

The sequence of life forms, dating back billions of years, is a fascinating topic. Admitting the importance of single-celled life and plants, we will concentrate on the history of Animals on Earth. That should be able to occupy our attention for a few hours.

Have an experience which is thoroughly captivating and expands possibilities beyond imagined boundaries. Dred (Fred Osborn) takes his audience on a ride through their minds with participation and interaction. He can pull random information from each person’s thoughts, including addresses, names of pets, and even birthdays!

There have been 29 extinction events throughout Earth's 4.5 billion-year history. Join us to discuss the causes and effects that challenged the success of life forms on our planet, and the opportunities those events have created for evolution and biodiversity.

Albert Einstein said “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Ann Eller, who was a colleague of Dr. Hynek, advocates for the existence of ETs. Hynek was the UFO advisor for the USAF, who eventually switched from skeptic to believer. James Witt, PhD, will present scientific evidence and inductive reasoning to support the concept of a benevolent, intelligent Creator of which all is inseparable oneness.

Yuval Noah Harari (1976-) is an astute, and provocative, observer of Homo sapiens, the species' history, present situations, and potential future. We will consider his three major books, along with his writings and lectures. His visions of a “Cognitive Revolution”, the impact of biotechnology, and his debt to Vipassana meditation will be among our topics of discussion.

Buying boots, packing packs, getting lost (and found), staying as safe as possible …. What about hiking alone, with guests, with children? What about poles, straps and all that other stuff … what do we really need? What’s different (and dangerous) about southwestern hiking? What’s wonderful (and special) about Sedona hiking? What are the “best practices” to protect our trails, enhance our comfort and safety, increase our fitness and fun – for hiking, forever.

How do judges really decide? What is judicial independence? What are the “corruptions” that can compromise fairness? Can America survive today’s threats to judicial independence? Provocative and personal, the workshop will draw from compelling cases Judge Schudson decided – alone, as a trial judge; collaboratively, as an appellate judge. The workshop will consider Dobbs and other controversial Supreme Court decisions.

If you've ever thought you could write a user guide, or wondered what's involved in creating technical documentation, this course provides an overview. You will learn about navigating job requirements (Q&A, writing tests, sample docs) and popular software tools. We'll also discuss the different types of technical documentation, including UI/UX, tutorials, developer docs, web content, online help and style guides. Bring your own Laptop/Tablet with keyboard to class. If you do not have a one, we have loaner laptops (windows) available for use during class. (MS Office, Google Docs, Paint).

This workshop focuses on the various aspects and qualities of the native flute, and on basic playing instruction. Topics covered include a short history, an actual demonstration of various flute types and their characteristics, beginner playing techniques, and the essentials of what you should know before purchasing a flute - be it your first or just your latest. If you already own a native flute please bring it, so you too can play.

The Bigfoot culture is an evolving phenomenon, divided between research proponents with serious academic objectives and obsessive extremists intent on fast-tracking a capture and kill mission. Ultimately, no investigator will be satisfied until physical proof more substantial than trace evidence is presented to the scientific community. An analysis of recent field work and discoveries that may indicate a paranormal connection will be considered and debated while welcoming participants' input.

We will learn to laugh with a series of mild exercises and lots of belly laughs, while chanting "ho, ho, ha, ha, ha." This is a form of Laughter Yoga begun in India and practiced all over the world. Laughter Yoga stimulates the body's circulation and endorphins, and creates a relaxed mind and body.

This course will walk you through Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, supplement plans, and Part D drug plans. It is presented using simple language so you can make the BEST Medicare decision for you!

Do you have trouble saying "No"even when there is a legitimate reason? And STILL feel guilty? Come realize you have the right to say NO without excuses and extensive explanations. Learn about setting appropriate boundaries that will strengthen your sense of self – and even enhance relationships with others.

We will examine a wide variety of philosophical concepts: the scientific method and anti-science; Kuhn’s paradigm shifts; the 7 major theories of truth; skeptical theories of truth from Nietzsche, Popper and Rorty; early truth seekers like the Egyptian Maat and Greek Gnostics; objective v. subjective reality; problems with empiricism; the limits of logic of Russell and others; sensual illusions; availability heuristics; brain theater; virtual reality; the pain of new ideas; disruptive change.

The study of ancient life has helped us understand the organic side of Earth’s rich past. The methods, classic and high-tech, and findings, small and large, of paleontology will be the focus of our Workshop.

This workshop is based on research from notable educational psychologists. This research provides the foundation that will allow you to better frame and organize your message so that it will more fully resonate with your audience, i.e., irrespective of whether you are presenting to an audience of 1000 people or to an audience of five people, the framework remains the same. Appropriate for the most practiced presenter, and for people who are either inexperienced or terrified of presenting.

At each of the six sessions, local community leaders involved in important, and innovative activities will provide a behind-the-scenes look into their projects and organizations. They will describe their work, challenges, and recent decisions, followed by audience discussion. The list of speakers will be distributed at the beginning of the term (via email, OLLI newsletter, and news media). Call Paul at 928.282.1541. Everyone is welcome to participate in this “town square” experience.

Bookmark this link for speakers - www.yc.edu/ollisvSCF

Concerned about the alienation and animosity dividing many Americans holding different political and religious views, both locally and nationwide? If so, learn the latest insightful research findings and effective "best practices" a few organizations are using today to heal these divisions and build bridges that connect us. Each of us can use these ideas and actions with neighbors and family members to restore the goodwill and cooperation we need for our community and America to thrive.

This presentation thoroughly describes the philosophy of employing nature in the healing process, including supporting evidence from quantum physics, biology, and epigenetics. We will examine the value of circadian rhythms; keeping harmony with work, play, exercise, and sleep; whole food plant-based nutrition; and medicine. Practical examples and applications will be provided.

This 3-week learning group involves both time in classroom and field experience to teach you how to create your own visual story with a musical slideshow. Learn to understand photography as a metamorphosis which imprints the memory of the time it is created. Draw upon your vision and deepened sense of being and see how the importance of images you select, when infused with music, can flow into a beautiful story. You will need to use iPhone, iMovies, and iTunes. Some easy walking is involved.

It was Daniel Goleman who first brought the term “emotional intelligence” to a wide audience with his 1995 book of that name, and it was Goleman who first applied the concept to business in his Harvard Business Review (HBR) article. Goleman found that while the qualities traditionally associated with leadership—such as intelligence, toughness, determination, and vision—are required for success, they are insufficient. In this workshop participants will learn the tenets of emotional intelligence.

Do you ever feel unheard? Wonder about the reaction you get? Swallow what you’d like to say? Have the same conversation over and over? Get asked a question you just answered? Have a person do something very different than what you requested? Come learn about the challenges of getting someone to understand a message exactly like you are envisioning it, and learn ways to phrase things that are respectful both to yourself and to the listener.

Each week we are invited to answer important questions of Life, Love and Being. Digging deep to find our own profound meaning and truths, we will write toward clarity and inspiration. Trusting our inner wisdom, we will write and share without judgment or critique, listening with respect and a heart wide open. This class offers us an opportunity to reflect and ponder some deep questions, while honoring our own inner voice. All are welcome.

Organize your thoughts, photos, artwork, letters, diaries, and emails. We will write in class and at home - yes, homework! Bring paper, pen and/or laptop. Your first chapter will be on your grandparents, second chapter on your parents, then chapters about your life divided into 15-year segments. Writing topics will be suggested, and your work edited. You may read your work aloud to the class, if you like.

We will greet each other, center ourselves, deep breathe, do 40 minutes of gentle yoga stretches and 20 minutes of relaxation and meditation on the floor. Bring a mat, and enjoy the bliss of becoming one in mind, body, and spirit.

We will create a textured linked bracelet with a toggle clasp using basic skills of rolling, texture, drying, sanding, and firing in a kiln. We will polish and patina our copper links and add jump rings to construct a bracelet. Class includes instructor's use of tools. Materials fee of $23, collected at registration, includes 50g of Art Clay Copper and Copper jump rings.