Working With Your Attention

A distance learning program
Conducted by Gregg Krech*, a leading authority on Japanese Psychology.

Next Program April 4 - May 3, 2012

Ready to register visit here.

 

For further information, or to register by phone call 802-453-4440 / 800-950-6034
You can also email us todo@todoinstitute.com

“Life is a matter of attention. Your experience of life is not based on your life, but on what you attend to.” -- Gregg Krech

 

Much of our psychological and emotional distress is associated with an exaggerated degree of self-focused attention. Strengthening your attention skills can help to improve your mental health and to enhance your enjoyment of life.

Through daily exercises, based on Japanese methods of psychology this program provides practical benefits while blending the spiritual and psychological with the tasks of daily life.

You may learn to appreciate the richness of nature more deeply, concentrate better on your work, and improve your relationships with others. You may be able to respond more constructively to unpleasant feelings such as depression and anxiety, and you may also develop or deepen your own spiritual practice. By developing new habits of attention, you may keep track of your keys, your glasses, and your time. And, as you apply yourself to each day's exercise, you may experience the richness of the world in a way that revitalizes your spirit.

This program requires an average commitment of about 30 minutes per day and many of the exercises are integrated into your daily routine. Yet with the structured guidance provided by this program, and the online support of other program participants from around the world, you can succeed in developing greater skill in using your attention in many areas of your life.

“The foolish reject what they see, not what they think; the wise reject what they think, not what they see.”--Huang Po

This program is designed as a practice program. You'll receive a model program with daily assignments/exercises, written support materials, and a faculty advisor who you can contact during the month for feedback, consultation or questions. Resource materials consist of an audio CD entitled Life is a Matter of Attention by Gregg Krech, along with selected readings, calendar of assignments for the entire month, and optional participation in the online discussion group.

Sample Exercise

Letting Go

Pay attention every time your hand lets go of something today. As you are letting go of your cup, pen, money or your partner’s hand, be there – notice exactly what is going on. Watch your hand as it places your glasses on the table. Be present to the moments in which your fingers are letting go. How does this “letting go” exercise impact on your treatment of these objects? How does it change your experience?

"I am slowing down, paying more attention to what I am doing, and doing less, thinking less, and touch things in a more real way. This attention course is defrosting me, bringing me more in the present with what is." --Donna

"In all, I would say this exercise let to a more gentler, if not appreciative, treatment of objects... I really felt more “grounded” in my experience. This turns out to be one of my favorite attention exercises so far. Thanks all"--Henry

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 attention. Many participants have found that the discussion enhances their daily 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.

What our Members Are Saying:

I had signed up for the "Working with your Attention" program expecting one result (to be able to remember where I put my keys and to listen more attentively) but had the most unexpected and wonderful result!  I have long suffered from a conditioncalled trichotitlomania -- I pull my hair out.  I've spent hundreds of dollars on hypnosis, researched the condition extensively, even considered drug therapy and psychiatry.  Now, with one simple exercise from the program, "Letting Go," I have ceased this lifelong-condition, and the result was immediate.  I haven't pulled in weeks and am confident I won't anymore.  -- Christy Balfanz-Rice, MN

Early Registration Discount.  Just register at least 15 days before the start of the program to receive a $7 discount.  ($80 for non-members; $65 for members).   

Alumni Discount.  If you have participated in this program in the past, you can receive a 50% alumni discount. (Overseas participants have additional shipping cost.)

Credit toward certification.  This program provides 16 credits toward Certification in Japanese Psychology.  Those seeking credit need to submit a completed journal and a 1-2 page essay summarizing their experience in the program within 30 days of the program's completion.  Further information about the ToDo Institute's certification process can be found here.

If you'd like more information about what we do, please take a tour of our homepage and browse through our library and bookstore.  Thank you.

*Gregg Krech has served as the Executive Director of the ToDo Institute since 1992. Gregg is one of the leading authorities on Japanese psychology in the United States and the author of several books including the award-winning book, Naikan: Gratitude, Grace and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection (Stone Bridge Press). His work has been featured on public TV and radio, and in books, professional journals, and magazines such as Body & Soul, Utne Reader, Cosmopolitan, SELF, Tricycle, and Counseling Today. He is the Editor of Thirty Thousand Days: A Journal of Purposeful Living and frequently conducts programs for audiences ranging from Zen Center students to mental health professionals.

 

For more information on Attention and Japanese Psychology, read the article When It Comes to Attention, "I" am the Enemy.

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 $72 per program for members and $87 for non-members; the cost for a couple registering together is $20 more. Tuition includes written materials and/or audio CD, 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).

*internaltional paritcipants incur shipping cost to mail program materials.

If you would like more information about these programs please contact us at (802) 453-4440 or by e-mail todo@todoinstitute.com. You may also register on-line.

Other Long-distance Learning Programs...

• Living on Purpose
• Renewing Your Relationship
• Self-Reflection (Naikan)
• Taking Action
• Working With Attention

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