California Ongoing Explorations

University of California Berkeley

Creation of classes in January 2024

We co-created and facilitated classes at the University of California Berkeley in both the Spring and Fall terms of 2024 entitled “Earnest Inquiry: A Fresh Look into Our Most Fundamental Questions”. These classes explored the essence of Opening Minds and Hearts (OMAH) with 25 undergraduate students each semester, providing a space for all to inquire as equals into their most fundamental questions.

Class introduction

The introduction to the class read as follows:

“Note, this introduction (and syllabus) is written differently from a normal syllabus. It is written somewhat poetically and is intended to be pondered with care in a relaxed, unrushed way.

We're excited to explore a fresh space distinct from traditional learning environments,

A space where all who are present are equals, 

Exploring the whole of our lives and whatever each of us finds important, 

Empowering each of us to open up to the vast possibilities life may offer, 

While deeply respecting that we’re each on our own journey of discovery.  

Can the passion in each of us come to life and guide each step of our way? 

One question we hope to explore together: 

Are we all capable of fundamental transformation through honest, open, and compassionate exploration?

This class provides a chance to explore such questions 

as individuals and as a community.  

We propose an emphasis on what we observe each moment as a source of learning, 

rather than opinions, beliefs, or conclusions.  

We encourage an environment of equality, introspection, 

honesty, and vulnerability.  

We emphasize compassion with ourselves and each other 

to foster natural, unforced change.  

In this environment, we can see if the barriers within and between us might relax and 

free us to dive into life’s rich possibilities on our self-directed journeys.

The structure of this course will be co-created by all those present,

Exploring in class whatever supports us in our day-to-day life explorations.

We'll engage in large group discussions, small group interactions, and personal reflection time.

Together, we'll embark on this exploratory journey.”

Class structure

This course was offered once a week for two hours. The structure of this course was co-created by all those present, exploring in class whatever supported each student in their day-to-day life explorations. We began each class with five minutes of silence, and then engaged in large group discussions, small group interactions, personal reflection time, and various activities that students proposed (e.g., sharing meaningful art). The facilitators and students chose activities to aid us in connecting with ourselves, each other, and to explore what seemed most important in our daily lives. Often the class had explicit options such as joining a large or smaller group discussion, or to engage in quiet personal time.  

Outside of class learning

To complement what was explored in class, students developed their own self-directed plans to explore in their day-to-day lives. Students reported and reflected weekly in a writing assignment on what they were exploring in their lives, what changes they would like to make, and also reflected on topics that emerged in class. These self-directed plans included focusing on integrating new insights into their moment-to-moment living, journaling, taking quiet time, exploring meaningful interactions with others, and engaging in activities that were helpful for being present, alive, and engaged.

Class feedback + co-creation of ongoing open community gatherings, a student organization, and student led classes

Most students reported profound effects of this class on the whole of their lives, which are reflected in quotes below. However, the most powerful feedback from the class is that over half of the students from the latest class (as well as a handful from the first) are co-creating a student organization and are teaching student-led classes in this same spirit. The tagline they are using is: “It isn’t concrete. It’s highly individual, but unified by a common passion of deeper understanding, deeper questioning, and deeper expression!” 

These students, along with those of us at OMAH, have also co-created an ongoing open gathering on UC Berkeley’s campus where everyone from the surrounding community is welcomed to join. 

Here are a handful of quotes from students on the impact of the class on their lives:

Personal Transformation

• “This class has truly been life-changing for me — I can say that with complete certainty.”

• “The power of self-reflection has saved me. My friendships have changed, I’ve learned what love is, I’ve learned about my standards and how I carry myself, I’ve learned the power of communication. Thank you for saving my life, thank you so much.”

• “This class has made me grow as a person. I feel I understand myself and my ambitions much more deeply. I’ve also gained respect for myself and everyone around me because we’re all complex humans on our own journey.”

• “I learned so much about how to just live day to day, and how to stop stressing about expectations that I’ve set in place for myself, and those that other people put on me. It was a transformation of letting loose, of being more free-flowing, and just letting things happen the way they do and stop trying to be controlling.”

Awareness

• “This class has greatly impacted my views of the world and how I see myself as a person. The sheer nature of introspection serves to illuminate things that are embedded deep within you, and this class has given me the resources to explore more introspection in my own life, and has provided a meeting space to do the same with fellow peers.”

• “This class has given me the space to uncover insights about myself that I don’t think I would have stumbled upon otherwise. I’ve realized how much I value being present not just in the big moments, but in the quieter, everyday ones. I’ve learned that mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or silence — it’s about bringing intention to how I live. This understanding has encouraged me to approach my day-to-day life with more patience and awareness, especially when things feel chaotic or uncertain.”

• “Self-discovery is something that builds peace and unity in all of society, and it starts with yourself. This class fosters that directly.”

Curiosity

• “I feel like my curiosity about life and my surroundings completely skyrocketed on the sheer basis of me realizing that there's not a definite answer to the world.”

• “I feel so much more curiosity towards life and a willingness to explore with fresh eyes.”

If you would like to explore something along these lines at your organization, in your community, or in your personal life, please reach out to us at info@omah.org.