September 2018
Hi folks!
I hope you had a wonderful summer, despite the heat and humidity for much of the season (a sign of things to come, I suppose). Signs of Fall are upon us: some trees are beginning to turn color, Labor Day is behind us, and Fall term is gearing up. This month we have three new courses, and a special evening presentation by my long-time friend Nirmala Nair, a global environmental activist whom I met in 1999 on one of my trips to South Africa.
Nirmala recently returned from Bhutan–just one of many countries she has visited in her environmental work. In the month she will be with us, Nirmala is willing to speak to any groups or organizations which might be interested in hearing her reports of what other countries are doing on behalf of global ecology. If you know of such groups, please let me know, and we will try to set up meetings. Nirmala’s bio is below.
The Tao of Elvis and the Tao of Jung: Tuesdays, 9/4, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4; 7-9PM; 55 Clover Lane, Waterbury; $60; to register, call Sue (802) 244-7909
China is a rising star in the global firmament, and Taoism is one of the major wisdom traditions China offers to the world. This course explores key themes in Chinese history and how, by manifesting Taoist wisdom in their lives, both Carl Jung and Elvis Presley offer us inspiration and guidance for living more aligned with the truth of our being. The three texts for the course are The Tao Te Ching, The Tao of Jung and The Tao of Elvis.
The test of the Tao Te Ching is available online; The Tao of Jung can be purchased at a discount at Bridgeside Books (be sure to tell the cashier that it is for our course to get the discount), and The Tao of Elvis will be lent to participants. Led by Sue Mehrtens
Psychology and Mythology: Wednesdays, 9/5,12,19,26; 7-9PM; 55 Clover Lane, Waterbury; $60; to register call Sue (802) 244-7909.
An exploration of the meaning of mythology and the evolution of mythical thought from a psychological standpoint. Consideration will be given to mythology as a source of insights into various psychopathologies and archetypal complexes. The course will examine the relevance of myths in our daily lives, and the archetypal underpinnings of myth. 8 CEUs are available for therapists. Led by Sue Mehrtens
A Jungian Perspective on Women’s Health and Wholeness: Thursdays, 9/6, 10/4, 11/1, 12/6, 1/3, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2; 7-9PM; $90; to register call Sue (802) 244-7909.
Jung’s brand of psychology is especially popular with women, and many Jungian analysts are women. In this course we read nine books written by women analysts focused on the ways Jung’s psychology addresses the lives of women and their challenges. All the books for the course are provided to participants. 18 CEUs are available for therapists. Led by Sue Mehrtens
Exciting Ecological Endeavors: A Global Perspective: Saturday, 9/22; 7-9PM; free; to register call Sue (802) 244-7909
This Fall term we are privileged to have a global environmental activist, Nirmala Nair, staying with us on a writing retreat, and she has agreed to share her discoveries of individuals, groups and countries doing exciting things to save the planet. When she joins us in September, Nirmala (originally from Kerala, India) will have recently been in Bhutan, South Africa, France and Oregon. You won’t want to miss this interesting, inspiring evening.
Nirmala is an integrated systems designer with a background in sustainable development for climate change adaptation. Her work covers a broad spectrum ranging from zero waste, biomimicry, permaculture, with an emphasis on practical simple solutions for healthy soil, eco-systems and healthy communities.
She is a sociologist with a specialisation in development studies. As a trained yoga teacher, Ayurvedic primary healthcare practitioner and permaculture designer, she is passionate about healing food grown in healthy soils and living well.
Until recently she was working as an external consultant on climate resilient sustainable water solutions for farmers in rural Bhutan.
Currently she is on a writing sabbatical working on a book project examining the impacts of mega funded global sustainability programs at local level. The over emphasis on external expertise, technology and capital seem to negatively impact local self reliance, innovation and community resilience.
She is based in Cape Town. Check out her work on the School of Practical Sustainability link
https://www.facebook.com/School-of-Practical-Sustainability-278352622271057/
our Blog essay link is:
Understanding What We’re Dealing With: Jung on the Antichrist Archetype