University of Life by Laurie Buchanan
I am currently attending the University of Life. Each class I complete takes me a little closer to graduation. At some point I will have gained all of the necessary wisdom from this coursework and return home. Right now I’m carrying a full class load with:
Mindfulness – (prerequisite, Touching Life Deeply)
Being Still – 301
Letting Go – (remedial course)
Divine Grace (no cost, freely bestowed)
Living Meditation (prerequisite, Insight)
Gratitude (elective)
Over the next few days I’ll share the course descriptions, but right now I’ve got to go; I’m studying for finals.
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
~ Laurie Buchanan
www.HolEssence.com
Copyright © 2010 Laurie Buchanan — All Rights Reserved.
Tuesdays with Laurie 
Well this classmate in The UOL is happy to do homework assignments with you Laurie,
The good news is everybody graduates with at least a pass & some come through with flying colours.
It’s the best learning institution I know,
Mike
Mike – It’s 2:30 in Paris. Are you in class, or are you playing hookey today? You’re definitely the class clown — always making me laugh! Thank you for dropping by.
[We’ll probably run into each other in detention …]
Brilliant! Inspiring and full of your wondrous wisdom!
I am Love, Jeff
Hello Jeff. I appreciated your post this morning, The Passing Through. I’m so glad came by — thank you.
Oh, Laurie, you must talk to the administration!! Gratitude simply can NOT be an elective course. What WERE they thinking? LOL. (I loved this today…)
Kathy – The reason that the U of L decided to make Gratitude an elective is because it’s something that students have to discover on their own. The faculty saw early on that forced Gratitude simply wasn’t effective. In fact, it fell flat. However, when the option is left to the student, they blossom, and learn through personal experience that genuine (heart-felt) Gratitude makes life’s journey a pleasure, adding sweetness to every aspect.
(Will you excuse me a moment? I just got caught with gum I’m my mouth. I think I’m in for it now) …
Oh what a lovely explanation! The administration was sooo wise. Feeling very grateful for you this morning–even though you got caught with that gum in your mouth–and—should we be whispering in class? LOL!
[exaggerated clearing of throat] Miss Smith … [head bent down slightly, said over tops of glasses as she pierces you with eagle eyes] You well know there is no whispering in class. If you persist in this behavior you will be joining Miss Buchanan in the corner. Need I say more?
I stand corrected [slight embarrassment] … Miss Drue
LOL!!
This hit my funny bone this morning. There are days when I struggle through my classes, resenting every minute spent in work while I feel that I should be playing or otherwise engaged in doing something that satisfies only my desires, or in other words, wasting time. Remembering that there is goal to be worked for, something to be achieved, that it is all for a reason convinces me to take a firmer grip, straighten my posture and proceed with a lighter heart. There really is no wasted time.
Sandi – You are one heck of a hard working Honors Student as evidenced by your recent 4.0 grade point average at the Art Institute of Atlanta.
But even students with their nose pressed hard to the grindstone need to take Underwater Basket Weaving, Philosophy of Star Trek, or Synchronized Swimming every now and then, just to chill out.
Miss White, you have been put on notice. Get out your 24 pack of beautiful rainbow pencils and Color Outside the Lines until further notice!
Funny how some of those least popular University courses turn out to be the most valuable.
Nicole – You are oh so right! [Teacher jots note to self: Miss Smith is one smart cookie!]
Hey there Laurie, I am in no great hurry to graduate. However I am keeping my coursework up to date, because you never know when your day will come to don the cap and gown.
Some credits that I have carried forward from the school of hard knocks are: advanced juggling of fine china, optimum distribution of butter over an abundance of bread and metaphorical elephant consumption. As Ms White says, the is no wasted time. Underwater basket weaving also comes in very handy for making a shark cage in times of flood!
love and laughter
Gil
Gil – In regards to the metaphorical elephant consumption …
… you recently taught me something of great import to add to “one bite at a time.” You said (and I quote):
“Invite the whole village over. Some to dig the pit, some to gather the firewood, everyone to share in the bounty!”
That really struck a chord in me. You know what that’s the sign of? An excellent teacher! [teacher jots note to self: set appointment for Miss Gil to see the Guidance Counselor, she transfers knowledge well — would make an extraordinary teacher!]
Yes. one of the hardest parts of that course in “Letting Go”, is asking for help or admitting that you cannot do it all yourself.
Gil – “Letting Go” is right up there as one of the toughest courses I’ve had. I’m in the “remedial” version this semester because I’ve taken it (and failed) on so many previous occasions.
The partakers in this conversation cover quite a wide brushstroke: Gil is in South Africa. Nicole is in Canada. Sandi is in Georgia. Kathy is in the Upper-Upper Peninsula (otherwise known as God’s Country). Jeff is in New Jersey. Mike is in France.
Hello class
I am a transfer student from U of TS…University of too serious!…
My transfer Credits are;
AP Statistics
AP Chemistry
Art (minus 101). F
Debate 651
Orchestra
Home Economics (take over,withdrew from class )
Management (Internship)
Diversity (exchange program)
AP World Religions
I also need to go to nurse for my medicines as well as have 2 study halls at the library
Oh dear – Kim, I suppose you’ll raise your hand to answer all of the questions. That’s usually what off-the-charts brilliant students do. I definitely want to sit next to you during tests. I promise not to look at your answers … honest [fingers crossed behind back]. I also want to have a least one study hall with you. I need all of the help I can get. Hey, what did you bring for lunch — you wanna trade?
Boy, Laurie I thought I would not meet anyone here, being a new scool and all. Thanks for making me feel welcome. Sure I can help you in study hall. I think I can help you with some of the classes, I am struggling in “Letting Go” class, sounds like you have a lot of experiance there. Hey what time is lunch? I have peanut butter to trade, I just don’t hope you have something like broccoli, I am allergic, I have to go to the hospital if I am exposed to it daily.
Sure you can sit by me during tests, we cann do that in class too, I think you re smarter than your portray!
Kim – I have loads of experience in failing “letting go.” Unfortunately I have a turbo powered “embrace” mechanism. My lunch bag has a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly) on wheat bread, cashews (raw, unsalted), a Gala apple, and red licorice bits. I don’t know how book smart I am, but I’m definitely getting a bit better a life smarts …
Sold! The licorice bits did it!
You will need to explain the mechanics of Letting Go in regards to “Embrace” mechanism. Sounds like something in Physics class, OMG was I supossed to sign up for that one! My planning this semester is doomed!
Take care and be sure read up on “Being still” homework.
Oh and by the way I failed Home Ec and Nutrition. Casn you bring two lunches tomorrow!
Kim
Kim – I knew the red licorice bits would entice someone! I’ll see what I can do to explain the mechanics of Letting Go in regards to the “Embrace” mechanism when I post the course details. I’ll do my best to read up on Being Still. That’s somewhat hard for someone who’s always on the go. I aced Nutrition and did so-so in Home Economics — I’ll pick up any slack there.
I thought the class “Being Still” would be a challenge for you. I have the reverse issue with that and considering “Enhanced Motivation 201”
Kim – “Being Still” is extremely difficult for me; I’m a natural wiggle-wart with lots of vitality and stamina. Len says that I have two speeds: (1) turbo-boosted zoom! or (2) sound asleep. Nothing in-between.
Course description for Gratefulness — A+
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for this……….hmm I thought being an eternal student meant lots of parties and hanging around with friends……….I have to follow a curriculum?
Good to see your wit and insight in action again!
Liz
Liz – Glad you finally decided to show up for class. Ops, there goes the bell — you just made it! Yes we have to follow a curriculum. Just look at the classes Kim’s taking! If you sneak out to any more parties, you’re going to end up on restriction. You’d better hang out with us in study hall. We’ve simply got to bring our grades up.
Hey, I heard this is one school where nobody gets out alive. 😉
I must have rode the short bus Laurie because I was enrolled in several other remedial courses.
Patience for beginners
Humility for beginners
Acceptance for beginners
Forgiveness for beginners
Being for beginners
Do these credits transfer?
Bob
You’re right Bob, it’s gonna be the death of us all!
Yessiree Bob (no pun intended), all of your credits will transfer. And you can’t fool me for one minute with all those sweet, loving, kind and thoughtful classes. I know you’re the kinda guy that punches a girl in the arm just to show her he likes her!
Ah, the wind ate my power again! (with a little help for a rather large arbutus tree which decided to go sideways)
Well I’m in no hurry to graduate either Gil but I confident that I will either complete my course work or get kicked out any… at some point:)
What a wonderful analogy Laurie and I am looking forward to your next few posts fleshing out the course descriptions.
Terrill – I’m so glad you stopped in. You know what? I’m going to buddy up with you in art class so that I don’t fail. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Terrill’s work, go take a peek at today’s post “More Painting” on her Creative Potager blog. You won’t believe what she used as her UNDERpaintng and covered up! Lordy, that would have been my Pièce de résistance!
Looks like I’ve lucked in on having such a delightful teacher around me…..”an apple for You, Ms Laurie.” (and hands it to you with a halo above my head:)
Rita – I’m so glad that you’ve joined us! Now don’t sit too close to the window. People like you who have hearts as big as their wonderful dreams need just as much class time as the rest of us. Recess will be soon enough.
Well Laurie I used to attend the School of Hard Knocks.
But I am currently doing a doctorate in observing the behaviour of people at parties in the UK, and in Scotland in particular.
Sadly I think this may take me several years to complete…
Lol, do you need a research assistant?
Kevin – We take transfers from the School of Hard Knocks. I’m especially glad you came because our track team could use some help. I know you’ve recently dusted off your running shoes. So how about it?
Oh, my goodness, Laurie . . . I am not sure I am even qualified to apply for registration. I seem to have taken all of the noncredit courses: Moodiness 101, Recess (advanced course), Fine Food Flinging (lunch monitor prerequisite), and Study Hall (aka nap time). I am looking forward to the course descriptions . . . probably have to take a test or something though.
Barbara – No worries, the University of Life doesn’t turn anyone away. I love that you were a lunch monitor who advanced to Fine Food Flinging! And while I’ve never taken Moodiness, I’m world renown at Recess (that’s a slight exaggeration), just call me the Tether Ball Queen.
HAHAHAHAHA I was actually reading everyone’s comments WHILE I was in a class from 6:15-8:15! Learn to grow rich!
There are so many things I’d love to learn. My friend Mary O’Neil calls me Bethie Spongepants because of my desire to learn.
Well universe, I’M OPEN TO LEARNING – COME ON!!!!
Oh I guess I didn’t need to invite that. It’s been teaching me my whole 47 years. I just don’t usually get everything fast enough. I sometimes have a hard head.
Thanks Laurie and all. I really enjoyed the double entendres!
Beth – I knew you were distracted in class, but I didn’t know you were reading comments. Detention Hall for you Miss Spongepants!</strong> I’ll sit next to you for lunch. You’re such a good cook, I’m confident you brought something I’ll wanna trade for.
In my application I must declare numerous faults:
Prone to arrogance;
A tendency to exaggerate when not fully aware;
Tend to ignore rules if it seems appropriate to me to do so;
Likely to spend more time contemplating than doing;
Insist on applying universality;
Rather too inclined to rely on intuition, rather than designing strict tests to validate them before use;
Almost impossible to keep on a single topic – tend to have at least a dozen things on the go at once.
Keen to do postgrad work on universal prosperity and longevity.
Quick learner – willing to tutor in most topics to “pay my way”.
Ted – Your “list of faults” are perfect for the University of Life. Contemplation is good, but action’s good too — balance. I’ll tell you what … you tutor the rest of us — give us an intellectual leg up, so to speak — and we’ll pull you into all of the action-packed group projects. It will be a good exchange. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this new student, let me tell you that he’s a Mensa (a person ith a frighteningly high IQ), he lives in New Zealand, and he’s the nicest person you’d ever want to meet. Welcome!
I apologize for being late to class, but the dog ate my alarm clock, and then snacked on my homework, too. However, I am willing to do extra credit work to make up for my tardiness. How about a writing assignment?
It seems the one course that I haven’t been able to properly graduate is Survival Solutions 101, although after repeating the course multiple times, I could probably teach the class by now! Or at the very least, I could write the curriculum from memory.
I was also hoping to see a class being offered in Acceptance, but perhaps I should think about enrolling in the Letting Go course as a prerequisite. Of course, that might be a class that would require multiple sittings. Too bad there isn’t a class being offered in Perpetual Sorrow and Holding On Too Tight. That is a class I could pass!
Also, do the UOL sweatshirts comes in XL sizes? Some of us have taken a bigger bite out of life than expected, but we still like to show our school spirit along with the rest of the class. Give me a couple pom-poms, and I’ll shake things up, Rah-rah UOL, the other schools can go to h…… oh, wait. Might have to re-think that cheer. What was it you said? Positive, uplifting, constructive and healing?
Anybody? Rah-rah UOL, living life and being well?
Thanks for the clever post, and the food for thought. All these comments were entertaining and thought-provoking as well. Perhaps I should consider a class in Absorbing the Message by Exposure to Brilliance.
Nancy – We always let Texans in, regardless of the time. Glad you could join us! Have a seat there, right next to Barbara. Although she currently lives in Maryland, she’s from Texas and has the beautiful accent to prove it.
Your comments made me laugh!
Over the next few days you’ll see the course descriptions for this semesters classes: Mindfulness, Being Still, Letting Go, Divine Grace, Living Meditation, and Gratitude.
Here’s an assignment for extra credit:
There’s been several other Life classes mentioned in the ongoing dialogue. I’m throwing out a challenge to all students to write a blog piece about a Life course, or two, and then come back here and provide us with the link(s).
Thanks for the invite Laurie.
I’ve been sooooo busy at another Graduation.
You wouldn’t believe all the stuff you need to
move on up the chain…
They even got the Graduation date wrong on the
Commencement. I was right there when he threw his hat into the air.
Yet it say’s right here that he Entered into Rest on
Thursday April 1, 2010.
I would write more but I’ve yet to finish all the details.
My work is never done.
~lars
Lars – I’m tickled pink to see you here. They got the graduation date wrong? Oh my! The part I can’t get over is just how darned much graduation costs. It’s an expensive event. It seems they get you coming and going; a two-way toll booth.
I live for extra credit! LOL
Visit my site for Gratefulness
Laurie,
You are amazing,
I only left town for a couple of days and you have enrolled full-time in wonderful insightful classes.
I look forward to hearing more about these classes and sharing something I have been reading with you.
But, for now I’m back to catching up with my e-mails.( I haven’t check them the whole time I was gone.)
Smiling at You,
~Jean
Jean – Welcome back! I look forward to hearing about what you’ve been reading — I love to receive good book recommendations. Just because you were gone doesn’t mean you get out of homework. You will find your makeup assignment list posted inside your locker …
This was just plain fun Laurie! Thank you!
I have been guilty of trying to skip class, but alas there is no escape.
I have been busted for protesting against “the man” or “institutionalized” aspects of learning only to be hearded into remedial classes and run through a battery of tests to find out what is wrong with me. ;o)
For some unknown reason, I thought these were the prerequisites for the class schedule you outlined. I am glad to know I final made it into class, and I am ever diligent as Grace knocked the stuffings out of me just enough and gave me enough surprises that I do now believe I am being molded quite nicely according to the schedule above.
Some how the Humility course seems to have dug the depth of trying right out of me. Surrender glided in, and the teachers have been having one very large time with me ever since.
Wonderful!
Ben – You have, indeed, been molded quite nicely. Grace typically does a great job of that. Hey, when they get to poetry in our English Lit class, can I please sit next to you? I’ve read some of yours and I know you’ve got a great handle on the subject! I hope you have a nice weekend. Be sure to study… I heard we’re having a pop quiz on Monday!
Turbo boost or nap time! I love it…
My husband is very close….
Kim – I know you were looking at dogs this afternoon. Please know that if you did, indeed, get one — you won’t be able to use the same excuse that Nancy used; “her dog ate her homework.”
Hello,
This sounds like a big adventure for all of us. I love that we can teach and share with each other without regard to Time~Space.
I have just gotten done with a little travel adventrue book. A journey of Healing “Travels with Annie” By Ann L Getzoff
On so many levels this book interested me.
First, but not really the main interest for me, was that she was told she had Stage IV breast cancer.
Second, much more exciting to me is how she saw the rest of her life and what she wanted to do with it.
She was a psychotherapist from Santa Crus, California.
She takes us through two parallel journeys, one of course is cancer, the second is her travels around the world and USA.
I believe she is a true citizen of the World, volunteering all of the world even when she herself is fighting for her own life.
I found this an interesting and inspirational book.
It doesn’t sound like you have much time for free reading. But if you would like I can send this to you, if only for the information about the clinics she has worked with and the names of the organization that she went with. I found her description of Italy, Honduras, Galapagos Islands, and Mexico insightful.
Enjoy your day,
~Jean
Jean – Ohhhhhhh, it sounds like a wonderful book. I just checked to see if it’s available on Kindle (e-reader) yet and it’s not. But I’ve made a note of it and added it to my list of recommended reading. (Thank you for the offer to send it — that was very kind of you — but hold off. By the time I get to that book on my list, it will probably be available on Kindle). I would love it on BOTH counts. My mom died of breast cancer at the young age of 53. And I love to travel.
I’ve been meaning to ask you … are the necklace and earrings in your photograph on the home page of your website Turquoise or Laimar? (Great photo, by the way!). You do know that that color enhances the energy of the throat chakra (energy station) which governs self-expression and creativity, right?
Hello Laurie,
Yes is a fine place of learning of which I have spent many hours in class, walking the halls and strolling the grounds in the wonder of the lessons taught.
Thanks
Robert – It’s good to see you; I’m so glad you stopped by.
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