Long-Distance Learning Programs
For information and registration, call (802)453-4440 or e-mail us at todo@todoinstitute.com. You may also register on-line.
Taking Action: A distance learning support program to help you move forward on an unfinished project
June 4 – July 4, 2009
This course is currently in process,
and registration is full.
Do you have something important that remains unfinished? Here’s a chance to turn your plan into reality. Using methods from Morita Therapy (The Psychology of Action) you’ll have the support, encouragement, and guidance you need to overcome practical and psychological obstacles and accomplish something that becomes part of your life and legacy. Whether you're still in the idea stage, or stuck somewhere along the way, this program can help you to take action and move forward in the real world.
Living on Purpose
January 14 - February 13, 2009
Many of us desire to live a more purposeful life. We want to use our time well, to put our energy towards that which truly matters, to leave behind a positive legacy. But when we step back and take an honest look at how we're living . . . we're not satisfied. Maybe we're spending too much time doing things that feel urgent, but aren't particularly important. Maybe we find ourselves frequently being pulled off course by our feelings – feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. Maybe we just procrastinate on doing what we know we need to do or maybe we're just confused about what our purpose should really be.
Living on Purpose is designed to help you get on the path to a more purposeful life. We'll draw on exercises of self-reflection (Naikan) and methods from Morita therapy (known as the Psychology of Action). We'll incorporate ideas from Viktor Frankl, Stephen Covey, and William Damon. This is a course about direction – about finding direction, setting direction, and staying on course.
Working With Attention
April 6 - May 5, 2009
Life is a matter of attention. Your experience of life is not based on your life, but on what you attend to. In the Working With Your Attention program, you’ll practice exercises based on Constructive Living, Morita Therapy and Naikan which help you develop skill in using your attention. Exercises range from cooking a silent meal to poetry to mindfulness of one’s speech. Often we go through our day without noticing and without noticing that we’re not noticing. Attention exercises help pull our attention back to the present moment. We begin to become aware of how often our attention is captured by daydreaming, planning, worrying and self-focused feelings and thoughts. Only through sincere practice and conscious effort can we begin to build a healthy foundation for becoming mindful of what we are doing and the world around us.
Renewing Your Relationship
September, 2009
Our September program, Renewing Your Relationship, offers an opportunity to redirect energy towards your relationship each day for an entire month. The exercises range from writing your partner a thank you letter or poem to cooking a romantic dinner or going out on a date together (yes, a date, even if you’ve been married for 20 years!).
Each daily exercise gives you something to focus on for that day and as you go through the month you begin consciously directing attention, time and energy into building and renewing a meaningful relationship with your partner. This program is not about “expressing your feelings of anger” nor is it about “getting the love you want.” It is about becoming the best partner you can be. Spiritually, psychologically and practically that is a goal which is both meaningful and controllable. If you are sincerely interested in devoting yourself to building a wonderful relationship with your partner, this is an opportunity to do so in a conscious and enjoyable way.
Self-Reflection (Naikan)
November 1 - 30, 2009
In November we offer a Month of Self-Reflection, based primarily on Naikan and Naikan-related exercises. The Month of Self-Reflection gives you an opportunity to integrate the practice of self-reflection into your daily life. It gives you a chance to examine yourself and your life, so you are more aware of the support you are receiving from the world around you and also of the impact that you are having on others. Most of us believe that it is important to take time for quiet reflection, but we don’t do it because we’re so busy. The program requires an average time commitment of only 30 minutes per day, yet even such a limited amount of time can have a profound impact on our attitude, relationships and understanding of our life. We have chosen November because it is Thanksgiving month - what better time to reflect on our lives and give thanks for all that we have received
If you are seriously interested in applying Constructive Living principles to your life, we invite you to participate in one or more of the ToDo Institute’s new Long Distance Learning programs. These programs are designed as 30 day practice programs that give you an opportunity to work with daily exercises and assignments over a one month period. You’ll receive a model program with daily assignments/exercises, written support materials including books and/or audio tapes, a and a faculty advisor who you can contact during the month for feedback, consultation or questions. After you complete each week of exercises you are invited to write something about your experience -- a learning, a story or even a poem -- and submit it by mail, fax or e-mail to the ToDo Institute. We compile everybody’s writings and send them back out so you have a sense of being part of a larger community all of whom are working on the same program.
These programs are practice programs. The emphasis is on doing exercises and assignments and learning from your own experience. You should be prepared to devote an average of 30 minutes per day to the exercises and assignments. As part of a larger learning community, your training not only benefits you but also supports others who are making a similar effort.
The tuition cost is $65 per program for members and $80 for non-members; the cost for a couple registering together for Renewing your Relationship is $20 more. Tuition includes written materials and/or audio tape, calendar of assignments for the entire month, participation on the private mailing list for the course, shipping costs and access to a program advisor throughout the month. There is an additional discount of $30 if you register for at least three programs in this series. Additional discounts may be available for alumni or couples registering together (please call). If you would like more information about these programs please contact us at (802) 453-4440 or by
Enrollment is limited to 75 participants. Please register early. Thank you.
