Got questions? See if any of the answers below fit.
If not, feel free to ask us here.
How much does it cost?
The course is free to everyone. It is intended as an open gift to all and should not be monetized in any way. If you are offered the opportunity to participate in the class for a fee (beyond the nominal cost of copying materials, etc.), please let us know at info@onthepathtoheck.org.
What can I expect to get out of taking the course?
We hope that by intentionally focusing on humility, empathy, compassion, and kindness, exercising those traits will become even more fully ingrained in our day-to-day interactions. Indeed science shows us that the more we do good, the more likely we are to do good, and the better we will be at it, so being the genuinely best person we can becomes our baseline.
Can I take the course on my own using the materials here?
You could, but you shouldn’t. All the materials for the course are available here for review — there’s no secret to the curriculum. However, a critical component to the course is community interaction. It’s not enough to read the course materials and view the videos. To get the full benefit of the course, you really need to be engaged in discussions, discoveries and discernment with other participants. That is where the majority of the growth happens.
I have a busy schedule. Can I just drop in for the sessions I wish to attend?
Full participation in the course is necessary, both to build a shared commitment within the group and to benefit from the all of the content. That said, everyone has busy lives and emergencies crop up. We ask that you commit to at least six of the eight sessions. If that’s not possible this time, no worries, it will be offered again, and we hope that you can join us then!
How is this different than every self-improvement program?
On the Path to HECK is a course for developing our own personal virtues so that all our actions and interactions embody goodness; not simply those actions when we are actively focusing upon ‘doing good.’ We no longer give or do because we feel generous; we give and do because we believe in abundance. Beyond that, we fully expect to build healthier relationships and communities together through a renewed commitment to humility, empathy, compassion, and kindness.
How is this the same as every self-improvement program?
You’ll get out of it proportional to what you put in. In addition to the weekly gatherings, there are “Questions for Discernment” and “Homework Exercises” that will aid in your growth; there are “Side Trails” of additional TED talks that you may wish to explore. You should plan to spend a few hours per week in self-directed study. Expect high points and low points, but we believe, in the end, you will be changed for the better.
Do I have to be a person of faith to participate?
No. While there are occasional references to faith in some parts of the curriculum, it is not intended solely for those in faith communities. No religious background or interest is needed. The course does not promote a particular religion or religion in general.
When do you start trying to sell me things?
This is the one and only sales pitch you’ll ever receive. This isn’t a pyramid scheme or a recruitment mechanism for an organized — or even an unorganized — group. You can remain as anonymous as you like for as long as you like.
How can I find out if this course is offered in my area?
Go to the Calendar Page for a listing of upcoming offerings. If you don’t see one in your area, get some friends together and create one! (And let us know about it so we can add it to the calendar for others to sign-up to attend.)
How can I and/or my organization offer this course to others?
We would love to see this course disseminated widely. The materials you need to offer it are all available on this website. We hope that you will be in touch with us at info@onthepathtoheck.org so that we can keep up with where the course is being offered and so that we can provide any support you might need, particularly for a pilot course.