HANDS-ON
SPIRITUALITY ®
This is an Honors course, given at Butler University, which I devised in 1997. I should say, "which came to me." It was like Athena being born from the head of Zeus. The NAME of the course came in a flash, and the rest of the course was implicit in that name. It took very little effort to unfold it.
I am a classicist by profession. If I had to put together a "spiritual C.V." -- the very thought is a joke -- it would have lots of entries. I am an INCLUSIVE by nature. In other words I sincerely accept the validity of many spiritual paths. That acceptance plus experience in hands-on spiritual practices of many traditons is all it takes to teach this course.
The course is extremely popular. It always closes first and has the longest waiting list. Secretaries, professors, outsiders, as well as many Butler students, phone to try to get in. I am limited by time and floor space. The maximum, as set by the Honors Department, fluctuates between 18 and 20.
The name Hands-On Spirituality ® is registered to keep its use for the multi-path approach. Anyone wishing to lead a course based on these principles, with this title, is welcome to contact Paula Saffire (psaffire@butler.edu).
Some information on the course:
Course Description from catalogue
Goals Handout (given first class)
Elements Handout (given first class)
Nuts & Bolts Handout (given first class)
Sample Syllabus (1998)
"Final" Handout (given towards the end)
First-year Student Comments (selections, 1997)
Second-year Student Comments (selections, 1998)
Letters to the Next Generation (totality, third
class, 1999)
Student Letter to Course Angels (1999)
Mondays 6:00-8:30 Paula Saffire
A "hands-on" exploration of spiritual practices that involve the body. Practices will include: dervish whirling, tai chi, hatha yoga, walking meditation, footwashing, Thai medicinal massage, and mandala drawing. This is a spiritual "lab" course. Experience comes first; readings are brief and for the sake of enhancing experience. Requirements: (a) open-mindedness, respect for otherness, (b) a desire for experience, (c) some self-discipline, and (d) some courage. Consult the instructor if you have (a) and (b) and want to ask about (c) or (d).
MY ULTIMATE GOAL
My ultimate goal for this course is simple: You have at least one experience of deep peace / stillness and you are aware of it. You have then, for life, a reference point. You will always be able to go back to this experience and consider what it is worth to you and how / whether you might want to devote more time and energy to pursuing it. Period.
YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL
What is your ultimate goal? Does it match with mine? If your ultimate goal is to get a high grade for little effort, we are in trouble. And we may even be in trouble if your ultimate goal is to get a high grade by doing lots of mental work because that won't work in this course. Let's straighten this out from the beginning. I've put my goal on the table. Would you please do the same, as honestly as you can. Why are you here?
MY INTERMEDIATE GOALS
Of course I have some concrete intermediate goals, too. Among them are the following:
(a) You become acquainted with spiritual techniques that use the
body, mainly by doing as well as reading.
(b) You understand the universality of experience behind the different
belief systems that support the techniques you are learning.
(e) You understand that breathing, dancing, and dying can be used
for a spiritual "stretch"
(d) You are able to:
throw yourself into a
chant for 15 minutes
use mantra repetition
to calm and steady your mind
do some Dances of Universal
Peace
give a 15-minute healing
Thai massage with respectful touch
INTRODUCTORY
HANDOUT: ELEMENTS
ELEMENTS OF THE COURSE
YOU. The most important element of the course is YOU. Because this course is experiential, you need to be here. Attendance is absolutely crucial. And attending means really attending--being present energetically as well as physically.
ME. I am responsible for coordinating the various wonderful "Course Angels" who visit and I will act as a "Course Angel" myself at times, sometimes representing "Angels" who are no longer here. My job is to keep the vision of the whole and to stay in touch with you as best I can, as well as you let me. Also, of course, I do the business: decide on programming, assignments, readings, etc.
COURSE ANGELS. This course has been blessed to have a series of wonderful visitors. Our local Course Angels volunteer their time. I haven't talked with them about this but I assume they do it in the same spirit I do it. We are all grateful for the dimension that spiritual practice has put into our lives and only too glad to share it with others. One thing about putting together this course is that it has made me realize how much "spiritual talent, if I may call it that, there is in Indianapolis and also at Butler. It has really made me glad to be here.
There are no practices presented in this course that I haven't done myself and experienced the fruits of myself. I invite others because in many cases they can present the practices better than I can. And it is better for you experience how many different people are committed to spiritual practices connected with the body.
DOINGS. Mainly in class. You will be asked to find one out-of-class "doing" on your own. I will give you a list of local free "doings."
READINGS. As assigned. You will do a "bookshare" and report on reading from the Booklist.
BOOKSHARE & BOOK REPORT. For the bookshare, you are trying to distill the essence of the "gift" the book has for you or might have for others and communicate that. Time is too short for more. Give me a 1-3 page typed report on your book(s). If you think there are some passages that would make a good handout for this class, please xerox them for me.
JOURNALS. As assigned. The purpose of the journals is to enable me to know you are doing the practices and how they are working for you.
E-MAIL GROUP. There will be some sharing on e-mail, as class decides.
"FINAL." See Final Paper.
INTRODUCTRY
HANDOUT: NUTS AND BOLTS
NUTS & BOLTS
NEEDED FOR THE COURSE
The Way of a Pilgrim by --- , translated by Helen Bacovcin
Gautama Buddha in Life and Legend by Betty Kelen, Singapore 1990
Handout Packet
A 3 ringed-binder with a transparent sleeve on the cover and pockets. Put in an image that makes you feel peaceful. At times you will need to bring a blanket or towel and a pillow to class.
GRADING
I know that grades matter to you. And I know that some of you got
here (honors students) because you know how to get good grades.
I cannot grade this course in the standard way because it would run directly
COUNTER to my goal. An overbusy mind does not produce peace.
I am trying to help you find ways of stilling your mind, not stimulating
it. I want you to exercise your mind reflecting on your experiences.
But the central aim has to do with quieting the mind and if I grade you
on what busy mind
produces I am encouraging you to move away from the heart of the practice.
So: DO THE PRACTICES with a vengeance! Reflect later, as long
and as much as you can. And do your reading as stimulus and aid
to reflection. Remember: PRACTICES come first.
COMPONENTS OF GRADE
ATTENDANCE. This means you are HERE, both physically and energetically. You will be allowed one missed class. After that, eached missed class is 8 points off. If you have an emergency and can document it (death in the family, medical emergency) you may make up missed classes by participating in structured hands-on spiritual practices elsewhere. You need to consult with me about what would be suitable.
Journals, discussion, and possibly e-chats. Your journals let me know that you are doing the practices during the week and how they are working for you. They are also opportunities for reflecting on the reading and on chosen relevant topics. You will put together all your journaling (and e-mail if we do it) at the end. **Always keep a copy of everything you write, in case something gets lost.
Bookshare and Book Report.
"Spiritual Stretch" (activity on your own) and Report.
"Final" and Final Statement. (Producing some comprehensive document along with a performance / mandala / work -- you name it. We will present / show / discuss these during our final exam meeting. See "Final" sheet.)
HN 300 50 HANDS-ON SPIRITUALITY
Saffire Butler University
Spring 1998
Writers Studio, Jordan Hall 6:00-8:30 (unless a change is indicated)
Please wear comfortable, loose, non-distracting clothes, with layers
for temperature adjustment.
Activities may shift according to weather, timing, etc. We will
try to have some time for group sharing each class.
Homework includes at least two hours of spiritual practice connected with
class each week.
[NB: Melissa Shyan will be teaching Tai Chi Ch'uan non-credit T-R at 9:00
Star Gymnasium--a golden opportunity.]
Jan 12. (a) Paula Saffire (Classics): Brief Introduction and preview of Zen meal. (b) Joyce Janca (French): Chant: Kwan Seum Bosal. (c) Group Introductions. (d) Saff: Respectful Touch: Preliminary to Traditional Thai Massage. (e) Dance of Universal Peace Gate Gate, From You I Receive.
READ FOR NEXT WEEK: The Way of a Pilgrim, Foreword and pp. 3-59,
and Handouts: Mantras and Mantra Repetition. DO: Choose a
mantra and use rosary for a count of 2000. Or do two hours solid
mantra practice.
Remember: Do NOT do mantra while you drive or operate machinery,
etc. Continue practicing respectful touch if you like. JOURNAL:
responses to class, reading, and practice. (See Journaling sheet.)
Jan 19. KRANNERT ROOM. BRING: a pillow plus a blanket or long towel. COME ready to eat a light meal because that is class! (a) Joyce Janca (French): Zen Meal (with Society of Fellows). (b) Mandala preview and Breathing Exercises. (c) Dale Hathaway (Political Science): Dances of Universal Peace
READ: Gautama Buddha Foreward - p. 67. DO: Continue with mantra. At least one hour of solid mantra practice. (You might want to experiment--change mantra, do mantra on the breath, etc.) Also you might want to try mantra at odd times--walking to class, waiting on line, etc. And get acquainted with your breath. (See Topic #1 on Journaling sheet.) JOURNAL responses & Topic #1 (breath).
Jan 26. BRING: a pencil and coloring materials (crayon, pastel, pencils, paint, markers). (a) Janice Mutch: Jungian Mandalas. (b) Saff: Chanting Om Mani Padme Hum if time permits.
READ: Gautama Buddha pp. 68-91, Patanjali Yoga Sutras Chapter I, Handout on Hatha Yoga. DO: Continue as before. You might complete your mandala, do another, etc. Continue to think about what it is showing you. JOURNAL: responses & Topic #2 (Patanjali).
Feb 2. KRANNERT ROOM. ** CLASS IS 6:30-9:00. BRING: blanket or long towel plus pillow. (a) Saff: Traditional Thai Massage. (b) Discussion: Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras, including Hatha Yoga preview. (c) Betsy Light: Hatha Yoga.
READ: The Way of a Pilgrim pp. 60-104, Gautama Buddha pp. 91-105, Handout from New Testament. DO: Some hatha yoga and your choice. JOURNAL: responses.
Feb 9. (a) Karen Patrick-Knight: Sitting and Walking Meditation. (b) Bookshare: Cloud of Unknowing. (c) Laura Hooper (Butler student): on service. (d) VIDEO as preview: Stephen Levine on dying. (e) Melissa Shyan (Psychology): Tai Chi Ch'uan.
READ: The Way of a Pilgrim pp. 107-154. DO: Some service, Tai Chi, and continue with other practices of your choice. JOURNAL: responses.
Feb 16. (a) Melissa Shyan: Tai Chi Ch'uan. (b) Bookshare: Who Dies? A Year to Live (c) Paul Mikels: Dying as a Spiritual Practice. (d) Saff and Mikels: DUP or chant (if time permits).
READ: Gautama Buddha pp. 106-186. LOOK THROUGH: Inside Tibetan Buddhism (library reserve). DO: Continue with practices of your choice. JOURNAL: responses & Topic #3 (Death).
Feb 23. (a) and (b) as a public event (sponsored by the Society of Fellows). (a) Bookshare: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. (b) Lobsang Jamspal (with Society of Fellows). Death and Dying: Tibetan Buddhist practices. (c) Jamspal: Bowing Practice, Sun Meditation, and chanting.
READ: Browse through the pictures in Old Path, White Cloud in library & on your own. DO: Continue with practices. JOURNAL: responses. Including Topic #4 (desire).
March 2. BRING clean feet in clean socks! (a) Scott Swanson (History): Footwashing. (b) Bookshare: The Experience of Insight and Insight Meditation. (c) Frank Gentzske: Five Element Dancing. (d) Preview on Rumi & Dervish Whirling (VID).
READ: Way pp. 155-207 and handout (Dervish Whirling). DO: as usual. Try some mindfulness meditation during the week. JOURNAL: responses.
March 16. SAPTA!!! Long chant and meal at Paula Saffire's home. Narayana.
March 23. KRANNERT ROOM. (a) Annie Carpenter-White (Dance): Ashtanga Yoga (with the Society of Fellows). (b) Bookshare: Shambhala? Lame Deer? (c) Rumi poems. (d) Annie: Dervish Whirling.
READ: on your own. Browse through some new book on the cart or find your own. DO: as usual, and try some whirling. (One student did it with her roommate last year for a study break!) JOURNAL: as usual.
March 30. Bring a blanket. (a) Ashley and Larry Shapiro (Music): North Indian Hatha Yoga.
READ: on your own. DO: as usual. JOURNAL: as usual.
April 6. (a) Cielle Tewksbury: Mudras (with the Society of Fellows). (b) Cielle: Tai Ji. Saff: Dances of Universal Peace. Bookshare: Don't Just Do Something, Sit There / It's Easier Than You Think, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha.
READ: on your own. DO: as usual. JOURNAL: as usual.
April 13. KRANNERT ROOM. (a) What is it like to have a spiritual teacher? With various guest speakers. (b) Vote on last activity. (c) 7:00-8:30 Farrunnissa Lila Rosa: DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE. (This is a public event, sponsored by Honors Program and Society of Fellows. Feel free to bring your friends. The bigger the crowd, the greater the energy. So "put on your dancing feet" and get ready to give it your all!)
READ: on your own. DO: as usual. JOURNAL: as usual.
April 20. Biofeedback experiments and -- class's choice. [This turned out to be Thai healing massage.] BRING ALL JOURNALS in order, to leave with me, and a copy of your book report. I'll try to return the journals at the "final."
April 27. "FINAL" (as described on FINAL sheet). Writers Center 6:00-8:30.
This
is the group at a sapta at my house.
Comments ranged from "I hated it: I'm claustrophobic and I hate dogs" to "It was an incredible experience! Two hours passed like fifteen minutes, and I relished the opportunity to just chant, focus and be at peace for two whole hours on Monday night. The experience changed my life... I become so centered, and at peace with my life. Everything that didn't make sense to me before we started seemed simple when we finished. I was much more patient, pleasant, and tolerant."
This
is Takuya Sato's Zen garden. We each chose our own spot and meditated
in the garden. Then we went inside for a four-bowl Zen meal.
This
is the "diploma" I make each year for students and course angels. They
are such a wonderful group of people. My heart fairly bursts as
I put this bouquet together each time.
BRING FOR ME:
Some WRAP-UP document. At least three pages. Two mages should include some final reflections on the course, your involvement, your practices, whatever.
The third page should go into some detail about your "final"--what your
NON-VERBAL presentation means to you. In this you can attach words
to what you will be trying to express in other ways to the class.
FOR THE "FINAL" ITSELF:
We will draw lots for the order.
We will sit in a circle and have each person present non-verbally, however they can, what the course was for them. This should take a maximum of 4 minutes. (There are 20 of us.) You may add up to 60 words to explain. But the point is to focus inward to the HEART of what you are trying to say, and this can be communicated without words.
We will be creating a "living mandala"--a composite presentation in dance, art, gesture, whatever, of what this course has been.
Words are too often used to excite the mind rather than to still it. In this "living mandala" we will try to absorb each other's experience without chatter and without judgment.
Some previous "finals": a Tai Chi demonstration, a home-made video,
a dance-drama, a pantomime, cookies with instructions, a diorama, a Winnie
the Pooh sheet to color, etc. Students expressed their feelings
about sharing spirituality, the practices that had meant the most to them,
the totality of what gives them spiritual support.
Besides learning together, we have formed a spiritual support group of sorts. It is important to create a fitting closure.
FIRST-YEAR
COMMENTS
Used with permission. Italics are mine.
"We are rewarded in school for doing what the teacher wants and so we just do only that. I was the valedictorian of my class and I am just as guilty, if not more.... This class is such a different class. This class is for me." -- 1997
"I am walking away from this class with new methods of finding peace and a revived acceptance of people and their differences. ... This class was an adventure, but at the same time a risk. It was a risk because it forced me to examine myself and my views. It was an adventure because it was a class like I have never experienced before and perhaps never will again. ... I enjoyed the chance to meet new people and delve into new activities, but I value most the time I spent with myself... I feel I have discovered skills that will benefit my health and well being. These skills will allow me to focus on my future and maintain my sanity in the present." -- 1997
"This was a class I will never forget. I learned and grew up so much mentally. I think I have a more open, freer mind. I am willing to try new things and take risks. ... I think the most significant thing I learned was my mantra. That's something I will always keep and hold dear. ... Thank you so much for offering such a hands-on, gratifying class. You took a risk in offering it, and we all accepted your risk with open arms." -- 1997
"I just want you to know how much this course has meant to me this semester. ... It has really helped me to discover about myself and what makes me truly happy. ... The really great thing about this class was I really saw changes in my classmates and FELT personally different. This class was a safe and healthy exploration... I was a little scared the first class but I knew in my heart that I had literally gone into the honors office every day to get into this class for a reason, just like the rest of my classmates. This class has developed a lot of life decisions for me. ... I just want you to know that this class and the people in it have really affected lives and living. This class is much in need for everyone and I am glad that there is someone willing to take its many challenges." -- 1997
"All in all, this has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. This has been the first time that I was able to connect so very much with my classmates and my professors. In a way, the class was almost like a church service in that we received lessons about spirituality, but we were also able to practice these lessons, and actually experience peace and joy in class rather than simply approaching the practices from a historical or anthropological view point. I have seen myself grow mentally and spiritually this semester as a result of taking this course, which is something that can rarely be said of a class. I have become much more open about talking and sharing with others, being more receptive to being touched and touching, and more comfortable and closer in my relationship with God. The practice of mantra is something that I am sure I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The impact this practice has made on my method of talking with God is indescribable. It is something that I feel like I have been looking for for a long time, just now having found it. This is an excellent class. I hope that it will continue to be offered at Butler and ...also... that it continues to be blessed with the many 'course angels' who were so kind to offer their time and talent to us. Spirituality is something that is too often thought of as a private, hidden, secret thing. Hands-on class showed me that this does not have to be the case at all... Spirituality really should be shared with others." -- 1997
"This class was an important part of my growth as a person and something I looked forward to every week this semester. I think it was my favorite Honors class." - 1998
"I really like the experiential aspect of the class. This course really challenged me to take a deeper look at myself and my thoughts and actions. Both the readings and in-class discussion spurred this reflection. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in expanding his spiritual side." - 1998
"This class was different in that I felt like I had a great deal of freedom to explore a topic I didn't know much about. I really enjoyed the reading assignments and liked learning the different practices. I also felt like I got a taste of an incredible amount of information within a short period of time." - 1998
"This course dealt with enriching the soul rather than attaining more information. Through this course I was able to grow as a person. It challenged me because I had to keep myself open to new experiences. The class was unique because the professor and all other members were able to feed off each other--it made it so that we had a bond." - 1998
"This course was very different from others, because we learned by doing instead of reading and writing. It was challenging, but not in the traditional sense because we had to look inside ourselves for the answers rather than thinking of external matters. It is a very good class." - 1998
"I loved the class. It was a nice change of pace and gave me a chance to examine a topic I hadn't looked at before." - 1998
"The course challenged you mentally to explore yourself, explore your mind and even your heart." - 1998
"The course was very different from my other classes. It challenges you to use a different part of your mind and your "self" than most courses. Rather than studying beliefs and theories, etc., it studies those through practice. It is perhaps one of the most challenging classes I've ever had because you don't have the safety of absolutes and knowns. You are exploring areas foreign to your experience and opening up a part of yourself you don't often go to. It has been at times a very scary experience, but I don't think I've ever learned as much about myself and life as I have from this class. What I have learned here has helped me in all other areas of life and I feel it can ilmiprove the quality of my life, or rather my state of being, not in a material way but in a real way. I also feel the benefits it has given me can help to benefit others and enrich their lives. The class environment was wonderful for the growth and experience of the class. I feel like my life would be greatly lacking something without this class." - 1998
"I have gained much more from this class than from any other college class. It was an open class environment where one could believe or value anything they wanted to." - 1998
"The class environment was very relaxing and comfortable. I was able to experience many opportunities I would never have been introduced to otherwise." - 1998
"I always feel better, more relaxed, in better states of mind when I leave the class then when I enter. I've felt closer to this class, more so than to any other I've taken at Butler." - 1998
1998
HANDS-ON SPIRITUALITY:
LETTERS TO THE "NEXT GENERATION" Spr 99
During the last class students were given a sheet of stationery on which
to write whatever they wanted to the "next generation," knowing that I
would not see these until grades were in and that I would post these in
their entirety, no matter what was said. Here is the totality of
the 19 letters.
______________________________________________________________
To the next generation:
Definitely take this class if you have the chance,
but have an open mind and a willingness to experience new things.
The experiences you will have during this course will bring you some of
the greatest peace you will ever have. This class will only give
you back what you put into it, and if you give a lot, you will get a lot.
All the practices can be adapted to your life no matter what your religion.
Take the practices for what they are worth and enjoy every moment.
Sincerely,
A former doubter, now a true believer in spirituality
~
Prepare for a journey that you will remember for
a long time to come. This class will test your limits as a spiritual being,
but the reward is priceless. Come in with a clear mind and you will
leave with knowledge and wisdom.
~
To the Next Class:
Realize what an opportunity
this is;
Realize what you are going to learn.
Pay attention to it;
Respect it.
Have reverence for the spiritual traditions
these practices come from,
even if the tradition
is not your own.
Open yourself up for this class;
Realize how lucky we are to be able
to be exposed to all these practices.
Love the people in your class.
And you can't, CAN'T, I don't think,
go away from this course without
taking something of it into your life.
Be aware of that,
BEWARE, you will be
changed
for the better.
(I was.)
Lesley
~
The only way to experience this class is to give
yourself to it; do the meditations; do the mantra; do the dances;
do the massages. If you do, then in the last class you will look
back and see all that you have gained.
DO!
Shannon Ann
~
To the next fortunate class,
I came into this spirituality class feeling very skeptical. I had had no previous experience with the sort of things that we learned--the Thai massage, footwashing, meditation, etc. As I went through the semester I developed a very open mind toward others and their spiritual practices. However, one of the best parts of this class is that no one's religious / spiritual beliefs are questioned or compromised. I am fortunate for having the opportunity to take this course and learn techniques that relax me and give me peace. I only wish the same good treasure upon you.
-- L. W.
~
Hello! -
If you are serious about immersing yourself in the only class on campus in which you give yourself the chance to know your true self, then please sign up for Hands-On. This is not a class that rewards you easy credit for doing your work. On the contrary, this class requires a dedicated out-of-class effort in order for you to achieve the highest level of accomplishment. The best thing you'll take from this class is a better understanding of how to make yourself a better person spiritually through physical action. Thanks -
~
To the Next Class,
Take this class only if
you are interested in finding out more about yourself. It takes
true courage to look at yourself, your life and your beliefs without judgment,
but with just acknowledgment.
This class helps you to examine yourself and
your views through spirituality practices. But beware, you may not
like what you see and you may begin a life-long journey of change.
~
Dear future students,
This class has now almost
come to an end. I have experienced a lot of things that without
this class I never would have seen. You will too, as long as you
come open-hearted and open-minded. This class will give you as much
as you would like to put into it! If you are looking for an easy
A, however, this is not the class for you. It will make you think
-- you will engage yourself! Dr. Saffire loves this course and it
shows and you will appreciate her effort sooo much. You've got to
love it.
Florian Stamm, class of 2001
Unlike any class or experience you will ever have at Butler.
But take this class with an open heart, an open mind, and most importantly
a willingness to free yourself in body, mind, and soul. I would
want every person that I know to have this experience; it will change
your outlook on many things.
~
Dear "Next Generation" -
If I could say one word
of advice about Hands-On spirituality, it would be to enter every class
session prepared to experience something which will likely be way beyond
the realm of a normal college classroom. Keep an open mind, never questioning
"Why are we doing this?" Go with the flow of the class. Never
worry about doing the practices incorrectly or looking stupid. Your
spiritual teachers are many things, but judgmental is not one of them.
Relax, open your mind and be prepared to embark on what will be a very
extraordinary classroom. experience. By the way, if you fall over
during Dervish Whirling, don't expect any sympathy from me!
Have a great time!
Your most decidedly non-spiritual advisor,
Grant Meachum
Dervish Whirler Extraordinaire
[Grant fell the first time we whirled; with such abandon did he do the practice!]
~
To the new class -
First of all, I just want you all to know that this class will change you. I believe that with even a partially open mind, like I've carried throughout, you can't help but develop spiritually and mentally. You can only receive from this class what you put into it, so research, experience, and accept along the way. This class has been such a blessing to me, 2 1/2 hours of relaxation at the beginning of each hectic week. I loved it, and so will you.
Yours truly -
Michelle Moree
~
Future Students of Hands-On Spirituality,
I highly recomment that you take this class if at all possible. It is the most interesting class that I have taken at Butler and it is by far the most relaxing. This class requires a lot of participation because you must "do" to learn. I experienced so many new wonderful things in this class that I seriously doubt I otherwise would have heard of. We do so many different things in this class -- sing, dance, whirl, eat, meditate, and massage. It is a lot of fun and the most relaxing 2 1/2 hours of my week. My advice to you is to try everything possible. Even if you think you will hate something, give it a chance. I was pleasantly surprised many times during this class. I hope you are too!
Sincerely,
Stacy Templeton
~
A few words for classes to come:
There is a lot to be learned in this class. You can become a more centered being if you find a practice here that works for you The things we do are at the same time inspiring and fulfilling, which constantly amazes me. I can't praise the course highly enough. With that said, it is not for everyone. You must be willing to give it the time it deserves. Just because no one will know if you don't do the homework does not mean you shouldn't do it. The benefits of out-of-class practice are purely and directly yours. Don't be afraid of acting, or sounding, or looking foolish. The peace you'll gain from these practices doesn't come from any other person's approval anyway.
Most of all, give yourself
fully to the class while you're there. Forget about any problems you have,
tests coming up, papers to write, etc. They'll still be there after class
-- worrying about them during this time doesn't accomplish anything.
It will only distract you from the benefits of the practice.
Have fun!
~
Please make sure that you take advantage of every
experience which hands-On Spirituality offers. Try not to let your
own inhibitions or fears of looking silly hinder you from reaping the
benefits of these classes. Please keep an open mind -- sometimes
the spiritual practices which seem the most odd to you reward you with
a greater feeling of peace. Let yourself go -- especially during the dancing.
Try not to focus so much on executing perfect moves or being graceful.
Instead, simply enjoy the movements of your body and the freedom which
dancing grants you. Make sure you do the readings -- you might actually
enjoy them (as I have!). Most importantly, use this class to allow your
mundane worries to roll off your back, leaving you feeling renewed and
invigorated.
~
To the next class,
This has been one of the most unique classes I have ever taken. It has been such an awesome experience! I can hardly describe it. It is just something you must experience. It was not all fun and games, but the key to this class is coming in with an open mind, ready to just experience. What you take with you is different for everyone, but as long as you are willing to stretch your limits, the rewards of the growth are incredible.
Good luck on the beginning of your journey!
~
Dear Students,
This is a very rewarding class. You will learn a lot about relaxation and spirituality. You will come to understand how both have to come from within. It is not a lot of time commitment, but you will get a lot back in return. The peacefulness of most of the techniques learned will help fight stress! It may seem like some crazy stuff, but it is all very interesting!
Do the class!
~
Dear Future Hands-On Students,
I highly recommend this class, but you must be open-minded. Some activities will seem uncomfortable at first and even weird, yet if you remain open-minded they can be very enjoyable. The first couple of weeks of class will be the most uncomfortable, but once you get to know people and realize that you don't need to be self-conscious it is very enjoyable and fun. Don't take this class for an "easy" credit. Only take it if you really have an interest in the subject area. This class will teach you a lot and it is well worth it, but once again, only take it if you have a genuine interest in it. Good luck and enjoy!
~
Dear potential student,
This is one of the most rewarding classes I have taken during my time here at Butler. If you are thinking of taking this class, please consider a few things:
~You must be open-minded to
the practices in which you will be partaking. It makes it so
much more rewarding.
~You have to come to class fully ready to participate
and be active. The energy that is created
from this is truly moving.
I have enjoyed this class
and learned so much I can carry with me for the rest of my life.
Best wishes!
Nicole Schuch, class of 2001
~
To Next Generation of Hands-On Spirituality -
This class is not one
to be taken lightly. Although it may not be as demanding as some
classes, it is much more serious on a personal level. Be prepared to merge
yourself fully into the practices, because if you do not you will get
nothing from the class. It is extremely enjoyable if you will let
yourself go and experience spirituality in its many forms in the class.
The practices enable you to view life in a way different from what you
probably do now. They may seem strange or unusual to you, but I
guarantee you will learn to appreciate the time you have in class to become
lost in meditation or dancing or massage . . . whatever it may be.
Good luck on your spiritual quest!
LETTER
WRITTEN BY A STUDENT AND SENT TO ALL "COURSE ANGELS"
(1999)
Dear --- ,
Hands-On Spirituality has given me so much this semester. In addition to exposing me to ideas and practices that I had only vaguely heard of (if that), the class introduced me to a different outlook on life. I have been blessed to have had this experience. . . . By sharing with us, you have touched our lives in a way few are able. You have touched our minds with new thoughts to ponder. You have touched our spirits with other practices. . . . Thank you for your energy. Thank you for sharing with us. You truly are an angel.
Paula Saffire
Butler University, Classics Department
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Office: 317-940-9864 Home: 317-257-0537
http://www.butler.edu/~psaffire/sappho.html