Upcoming Programs

Working With Your Attention, April 5-May 5, 2010*
In this monthlong distance-learning program, you'll practice exercises based on constructive living, Morita therapy and Naikan, which will help you develop skill in using your attention. Attention exercises — ranging from cooking a silent meal to writing poetry to being more mindful of your speech — help pull our attention back to the present moment. REGISTER

*Get $10 off the registration fee by entering the discount code ELATTN at checkout.

Why We Like It

The ToDo Institute is an innovative nonprofit education and retreat center that melds Eastern philosophies with Western practices to help transform and improve people’s lives. We love how it incorporates the core principles of Japanese psychology, including Naikan (a method of self-question and self-reflection) and Morita therapy (the practice of accepting our feelings for what they are) to teach us practical, useful skills for coping with life’s challenges in a unique and memorable way.

We especially like the long-distance learning courses (see the featured program in the "How It Works" section) because they provide participants with the information and resources for making constructive change, while at the same time encouraging them to use what they’ve learned from past experiences to incorporate new habits and lifestyle choices.

How It Works

In addition to on-site events and workshops (go to ToDo’s Web site for more info), the ToDo Institute regularly offers long-distance learning (LDL) programs for at-home learners. Ranging in topics from “Living on Purpose” to “Renewing Your Relationship,” the goal is to help individuals develop the skills to make lasting behavioral changes that improve their quality of life.

Courses are conducted mostly online and are heavily self-directed, with emphasis on doing the daily exercises and assignments and learning from your own experience. The LDL programs are ideal for self-directed individuals interested in improving their lives through alternative modalities.

Other core class components of LDL programs include:

Written support materials, including books and/or audio tapes that are mailed to participants.
Assignments and exercises for the entire month. (For example, keep your eyes open for the color blue today. Actively scan for blue, from the smallest detail on a poster to the largest of blue skies.)
Access to a program adviser who’s available for consultations and to answer questions.
A discussion forum where participants can post and review messages from other students.
Using the Web-based distance-learning system, hear short lectures, read materials online and chat with students from around the globe who come together for a common purpose.

Featured Long-Distance Learning Program:

Working With Your Attention: April 5 through May 5, 2010* REGISTER
Taught by Gregg Krech, this course is all about strengthening your attention skills to help improve your mental health and to enhance your enjoyment of life.

*Get $10 off the registration fee for this course by entering the discount code ELATTN at checkout.

Cost and Commitments

LDL program cost: $80* ($65 if you decide to become a ToDo Institute member). Register early to avoid a $5 increase in tuition! REGISTER

*Get $10 off the registration fee for the upcoming "Working With Your Attention" course, which starts Monday, April 5, by entering the discount code ELATTN at checkout.

Time commitment: About 30 minutes every day for one month, as well as periodic check-ins at the ToDo Institute's Web site
For information about other upcoming LDL programs, visit www.todoinstitute.com/ldlp.html.