Anacortes Senior College

This course is an innovative series of 10 theme-based sessions providing participants the opportunity to discover and connect with their own understanding of personal peace. It is non-political and non-religious.

At some point in human history people began to realize that there is a level of consciousness beyond the thinking necessary for day-to-day survival. Think of those famous words ascribed to the Greek philosopher Socrates, “Know thyself.” The same phrase was also said to be written in stone at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Some historians believe those words were adopted by the Greeks from the Ancient Egyptians. The inner temple at Luxor was reputed to have an inscription saying, “Man, know thyself, and you are going to know the gods.” The point is that the phrase is not “know your history,” “know your culture,” or “know your society.” It is precisely: “know yourself.”

Rather than teaching what each theme is, the instructors act as facilitators so that participants can come to their own understanding. Each class session consists of a combination of video excerpts from best-selling author and peace educator Prem Rawat’s international talks, along with facilitated time for individual reflection and group discussion. Topics covered include inner strength, self-awareness, dignity, clarity, and others, with the goal of learning about one’s self. The program has been well received in universities, senior centers, and various adult education settings. It is offered in over 80 countries and in 40 languages around the world.

Informative Links: Peace Education Program Course Content Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gJk4-njcbY

Peace Education Program at Technical University of Denmark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzOaXJqZUrg&t=11s

Course Content is Research-Based:

https://tprf.org/peace-education-program/studies-endorsements/

Instructor: Bev Johnson

Bev is a life-long educator with 30+ years of experience in public schools as a teacher and school psychologist. She holds a master’s degree (M.Ed.) in education from Eastern Washington University and an education specialist degree (Ed.S.) in school psychology from Seattle University. Currently retired, Bev enjoys giving back by volunteering with the Anacortes Schools Foundation and The Prem Rawat Foundation. She is excited about offering Peace 101: Know Yourself, a course she believes can benefit everyone. Bev resides in Anacortes with her husband, Richard and their beloved tabby.

Instructor: Becky Resnick

Becky finished her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in 2002 and has been working primarily in geriatrics and palliative/hospice care. She has been a volunteer with The Prem Rawat Foundation, facilitating this course around the Seattle area and during her time living in Rwanda between 2018-2020. When not working she enjoys traveling with her dog Billie in their 1986 VW camper van.