ENCOUNTERING YOUR ANGELS:
I was stunned by the power of this short workshop to illuminate the angels who had inspired and reflected my values in my work throughout my life. And then to reflect upon the common theme among them revealed a path forward for further investigation. There will be visitations from new angels yet unknown, I’m sure! It was such a profoundly worthwhile and inspiring event.
Ariel Lippman, Spiritual Director
Thank you, Arlene, for providing the framework for us to ponder our true natures and how they have evolved. It is as if you helped us hold up a mirror to what is inside of us, catching reflections on our deepest motivations and desires.
J Clements, Educator, Media Producer
Thank you, Arlene, for such a generous and provocative workshop! It so satisfyingly shook the crust off my thinking as to who is a mentor or hero, and brought me to a much deeper and more expansive place as to who are my truest teachers — some from places so faraway and long ago and unexpected! It prompted a wealth of insight on the ideas and experiences that have shaped my intellect, motivations, and the paradigms I know to be true. As an autodidact who frequently works in the credential-worshipping space of higher education, I walked away validated in the power of art and humanity, energized as to possibility, and emboldened with new tools and rituals.
Alexa Miller, Arts Practica
This workshop was profoundly inspiring and fruitful in deepening my understanding of my own educational journey. By reflecting on the “angels”, who embodied possibilities of how to live a fulfilling and self-invented life, I uncovered some unexpected truths about myself. Arlene is an exceptional facilitator and it was wonderful to be in a community of people willing to open up to a new way of seeing ourselves and what it means to be educated.
Olivia Teter, Head of Client Innovation, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
“Encountering Your Angels” opens a line of fearless inquiry into the true sources of your character, knowledge, skill, and wisdom. Who inspired you? Who catalyzed a turning point? Whom do you wish to honor? Using writing prompts, drawing (if you wish), and group dialogue, you’ll work with one individual, then come away with a clear, simple process for identifying, honoring, and learning from all of those who’ve helped make your path.
Writing In The Camp of Angels of Freedom: What Does It Mean to be Educated? taught me something about myself through the process of discovering whom I wished to honor and why. I learned even more by revisiting the times in my life when I first encountered each person’s work, tracing the process of learning, integration, and impact. And as so often happens, reflecting on the little stories grounded in my own life opened a window on a much larger story.
The same discoveries await you. Who are your angels: the the individuals whose work and lives played catalytic, guiding, enlarging roles in your own life story thus far?
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN EDUCATED PERSON?
Through readings, writing exercises, and provocative discussions, this workshop will help you discover your own truest answers to a question that badly needs to be asked. Apart from formal education as a path to wealth or status: What does it really mean to be educated? What does it mean to you?
In this workshop, you’ll explore your own experiences of learning, your own curiosity, motivation, inspiration, and your own ways of cultivating them. Whether you are 18 or 88, whether self-educated or possessing multiple PhDs, you’ll come away ready to make your own path to knowledge and wisdom by walking it.