With a brand new school year just beginning, this is a grand time for us adults to re-engage in learning of our own. Autumn is a great time to learn something new which can be harvested for the long winter months. For example, you can take a calligraphy, scrapbooking, and book design course September through November, and spend the winter months calligraphing poetry and quotations, or creating a decorative scrapbook to save or give to a loved one.

What subject has been begging for your attention? Make a list of whatever comes to mind, in any area: academic, recreational, physical, artistic, musical, expressive, etc. Remember: You are your own principal and guidance counselor!

What venue do you choose? Check off the modes below that apply.
Independent learning (using print media, radio/TV, DVDs, community resources and adult ed, public access studios, clubs, retail store classes, libraries, study groups, internet, etc.)
Private or small-group instruction, working with a teacher/mentor
Taking an academic course (continuing ed)
Working toward a degree, certification, or license
Going on retreats, attending workshops, lectures, etc.
Enrolling in vocational and technical programs

When it comes to learning, being in school is only one way. You can learn through reading, observing, listening, dialoguing, experimenting, practicing, browsing in bookstores, etc. Find a way that is compatible with your learning style. To find

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out what that style (or styles) is, consider the options below. Ask: I like to learn by:

Doing (hands on)
Self-reflection, introspection
Communicating with others
Writing or drawing
Using scientific methods: critical, inductive, deductive, reasoning
Aural methods: through tones, sounds, rhythms, melodies, etc.
Visual methods: mirroring; imagining; diagramming, building, etc.

Once identified, why not take your learning style(s) on a learning vacation? You can find something wonderful and affordable to suit any learning goal, from adventure travel to spiritual retreats. Explore travel groups, outfitters, retreats, workshops, day trips, as well as activities sponsored by universities, churches and communities. Check out these web sites:

www.travelearn.com (international learning vacations)
www.shawguides.com, (hundreds of diverse learning options)
www.duderanch.org,, (from working cattle ranches to luxurious resorts)
www.detc.org (accredited distance education programs)
www.elderhostel.org (thousands of opportunities in 90+ countries for those over age 55)

For opportunities that engage mind, body and spirit, Vacations That Can Change your Life by Ellen Lederman (Sourcebooks Naperville, IL, 1996) presents over 200 life-changing destinations that transcend routine R&R venues.

Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can t Get Unless You re Over 50 by Joan Rattner Heilman (Contemporary Books Chicago, IL 2005-06). This resource is filled with interesting things to do and learn, including travel and volunteer options.

What exciting new things have you learned recently, or are about to engage in? Send us your ideas and inspirations , whether they re traditional or off-the-wall!

Joyce Cohen is a leading figure in the field of career development and life planning. She consults with organizations of all sizes and leads seminars on career management, mentoring, learning organizations, creative aging, retirement planning, growth and renewal, and other topics related to successful life planning.

Joyce can be reached at joyce@u-wisdom.com and will answer questions as space permits.

The opinions expressed are the author's and not necessarily those of connpost.com. Please direct comments to cdauber@ctpost.com.