Living on Purpose
A long-distance learning program.
January 2009
For information and registration, call (802)453-4440 or e-mail us at todo@together.net. You may also register on-line.
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. This course 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, Richard Leider, and William Damon. This is a course about direction - about finding direction, setting direction, and staying on course.
This is the third year of offering this course and each year we have to close registration early because of tremendous interest. The course also offers 16 credits towards the ToDo Institute's Certification program.
"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes
true happiness. It is not attained through self gratification but through
fidelity to a worthy purpose."
Helen Keller
This program requires an average commitment of about 30 minutes per day -- a substantial but not overwhelming commitment. Yet with the structured guidance provided by this program, and the online support of other program participants from around the world, you may actually succeed in devoting 15 hours during the course of the month towards the goal of living on purpose. You may be very pleasantly surprised by the noticeable difference these efforts can make.
This program includes daily assignments/exercises, written support materials, and a faculty advisor who you can contact during the month for feedback, consultation or questions.
The program’s online discussion list is open only to class participants and allows you to share your experiences, ideas and comments related to the theme of simplifying. Many participants have found that the discussion enhances their efforts. The ideas, tips, challenges and successes that are shared on the list contribute to a sense of camaraderie amongst participants, provide an ongoing stream of real-life examples, and create a sense of shared purpose. As part of a larger learning community, each participant’s efforts not only benefit their own life but also support those making a similar effort.
Program Cost: $80 ($65 for ToDo Institute Members).
Tuition includes a book and written materials, calendar of assignments
for the entire month, access to the course website with more than a dozen online resources, participation in the online discussion group,
and access to a program advisor throughout the month for questions
and consultation. If you have participated in this program in the
past, you can receive a 50% alumni discount, but alumni registration will only be available after February 24th on a space available basis. Overseas participants
add $11 for additional postage. Canadian participants add $9 for additional postage.
To register, call 800-950-6034 or 802-453-4440 or e-mail us at todo@together.net.
Long-Distance Learning Programs
Our distance learning 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 is $10 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 are available for alumni (please call). If you would like more information about these programs please contact us at (802) 453-4440 or by e-mail todo@together.net. You may also register on-line.
Other Long-Distance Learning Programs...
- Renewing Your Relationship
- Self-Reflection (Naikan)
- Living on Purpose
- Working With Attention
Return to...
Who Are We?
The ToDo Institute is a non-profit educational center located nestled in the foothills of the Green mountains in central Vermont. We serve as a meeting place between east and west, where methods of Japanese Psychology blend with western culture to provide powerful tools for enhancing our lives. The applications of our work bridge the gap between the spiritual, the psychological and the practical. Facilitators for this distance learning program include Linda Anderson Krech, MSW and co-author of A Finger Pointing to the Moon: A Workbook for Establishing Direction and Focus in Daily Life.
If you’d like more information about what we do, you can take a tour at our homepage and browse through our library. Thank you.
