Life's University

Beyond the Classroom

by Kaitlin Pitsker, July 28, 2010

The monotony of the work week, scheduled life, and structured plans start to catch up with us after a while. Surrendering to this dullness is optional. Continuing education doesn’t mean being tethered to a desk or tormented by exams. For nondegree-seeking students of life there are numerous nontraditional education options available. More flexible than high school and less stressful than college, these interest-based opportunities allow students to explore areas of interest for the sake of enjoyment and personal growth. School may be out for the summer, or it may have been a few years since you set foot in the classroom, but with the numerous programs in the area, there’s never a bad time to take on the challenge of learning something new.

Healthy Immersion
T-shirts, snowglobes, and keychains are classic vacation mementos, but an educational retreat offers a more satisfying souvenir. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, offers participants the chance to relax while learning nutrition or yoga and working on a personal goal such as establishing a healthier lifestyle, changing habits, or losing weight. “One of the main reasons people come to Kripalu is that they want to immerse themself in a healthy lifestyle,” says Cathy Shamir, Kripalu media relations director. Kripalu, though named for a specific type of yoga, offers several types of yoga, healing arts services, appointments with experts, nutritional workshops, outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking, and creative programs including painting and movement. Generally, Kripalu participants spend between three days and a week residing at the Center and participating in their chosen programs, More in-depth courses, such as certification programs, last about a month. (800) 741-7353; www.kripalu.org.

Rejuvenate and Change
For those seeking wellness and personal growth, the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck provides opportunities for improved health, self-exploration, and spiritual growth. Founded in 1977, the Omega Institute uses educational experiences to awaken the best in the human spirit. “Omega provides a forum for people to be exposed to new ideas and ways of navigating an increasing complex world in the presence of leading thinkers of the day,” says Chrissa Pullicino, Omega media relations manager. “Through these educational experiences people learn how to ‘be the change’ at home, at work, and in their community.” Omega offers more than 350 classes a year in six categories: body, mind and spirit, health and healing, creativity and play, relationships and family, leadership and community, and sustainable living. The Women’s Institute focuses on harvesting the power of femininity. The annual Women and Power conference, held this year on September 24-26, will feature Ani DiFranco, Gail Collins, and many more presenters. Omega’s upcoming workshop topics include leadership, intuition, painting, social media use, and sport. They also offer retreats, teen programs, professional training, and programs for continuing education credit. (877) 944-2002; www.eomega.org.

Spring into Life
Learning and personal development shouldn’t be restricted to a timeline. Lifespring in Saugerties offers programs specifically for retired, semiretired, and adult students. Now, in the program’s second year, Lifespring learners can take up to three classes on Tuesdays during each six-week semester. Academic course offerings for the fall semester, beginning September 21, include biology and comparative religion. Lifespring also offers writing and poetry courses as well as gentle yoga. While exploring interests and learning skills, members can also engage in additional planned activities and enjoy the learning community created among the students. “The original idea was just to have courses, but it’s really about developing a sense of community,” says Susan Puretz, Lifespring president. (845) 246-2800 ext. 452; www.lifespringsaugerties.com.