The School for the Second Half of Life

The Sixth Cohort of The School for the Second Half of Life
January, 2025 - May 2026, In-Person at Mercy by the Sea

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15, 2024

To learn more, register now to attend one of the following free Zoom Information Sessions:

September 17 October 9 October 21

Download Brochure, Guiding Principles, Guidelines for Engagement and Calendar. 

To apply, download and fill out this application form and send to Ann Caserta.

“Wholly unprepared, [we] embark upon the second half of life.  Or are there perhaps colleges for forty-year-olds which prepare them for their coming life and its demands as the ordinary colleges introduce our young people to a knowledge of the world and of life? No, there are none…. But we cannot live the afternoon of life according to the programme of life’s morning–for what was great in the morning will be little at evening, and what in the morning was true will at evening have become a lie.” —C.G. Jung, psychiatrist and author

This stage of life invites us to a greater sense of wholeness and a new sense of freedom to make choices that are true to ourselves and to a meaning of life that unfolds through the wisdom of years. Our youth-driven culture tends to view aging only as something to be dreaded and denied. The reality is that these years, lived mindfully, offer an opportunity to enter more deeply into and savor what matters most in life. We are invited to a Second Coming of Age.

The second half of life is not defined by a specific age, but may begin when we find ourselves wondering, “Is there more to life?" We’ve enjoyed successes and survived failures, endured loss and had cause for celebration. Yet, little by little, or through a sudden life event, we find we cannot or don’t want to live life in the way we always have. It’s time to look at life with fresh, soft eyes. Paradoxically, this crossroad calls for a willingness to “not know,” to set aside perfectionism, to slow down and listen to the still small voice we’ve been ignoring. And, in time, to ripen and become like Mary Oliver’s rose “in its huge willingness to give something from its small self to the entirety of the world.”

Welcome to The School for the Second Half of Life, in-person at Mercy by the Sea, Madison Connecticut, beginning January 2025

Join with other seekers to explore the spiritual invitations of the Second Half of Life and discern the role of elders at this time in human evolution.

The second half of life is a distinct and creative developmental stage that can lead to a greater sense of wholeness and freedom. Through mythology, story, scripture, poetry, literature, film, art and music, we will explore how aging has been viewed across time, cultures and traditions and the wisdom practices that support and sustain our growth into the fullness of life. We will explore current research in aging, happiness, the brain, the new cosmology and eco-spirituality to inform our re-visioning of the Second Half of Life. And, we will engage our experience, imagination and creativity to explore the big questions.

Participants from all traditions, or no tradition, are welcome. Sessions will include suggested readings, input, small and large group conversation, individual time for reflection and a monthly reflection paper. Our building and conference room are accessible for those with mobility differences. Optional additional programs and activities (priced separately) may be offered throughout the year.

• The School will meet one Saturday per month (except June, July and August) for three "semesters." Participants commit to the three semesters when you register.
• The next cohort (our sixth) will enter in-person beginning January, 2025. Information sessions by Zoom will be available fall, 2024. For those who choose to apply, a fully completed application is required. The number of participants will be limited to 25. Application deadline is Friday, November 15, 2024.
• We strongly recommend that you attend a Zoom Information Session to ensure you can make a fully informed decision to apply and a full commitment to your participation in this program. Information Sessions will be offered 9/17/24 at 10 am; 10/9 at 7pm and 10/21 at 7 pm. Contact Ann Caserta, Guest Services, to register: ACaserta@mercybythesea.org.
• Dates for class gatherings include the following Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., (lunch included): 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/31, 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/6/2025, 1/24/2026; 2/21; 3/21; 4/18; Graduation 5/16/2026. Summer 2025 break will include June, July and August. In the event that a scheduled class date has inclement weather, or because of changes in COVID-19 safety protocols, we will meet by Zoom.
• Tuition for the three semesters is $2,700.
• A payment plan paying one-third of tuition each semester and limited scholarship monies are available.
• Overnight lodging (for an additional cost) may be available for those who travel a distance or for those who wish additional time for personal reflection and renewal. Contact Guest Services well in advance of the requested date(s) to check availability, price and to make a reservation.
• See Guiding Principles and Calendar.

Perspectives from our most recent graduates (May 2024)…

When asked, “Were your expectations for the School met?” They responded:

• “The School was so much more than I could or did imagine…”
• “My expectations were pedestrian. The School went a million times deeper –my expectations greatly exceeded.”
• “The depth of learning was exceptional. It all integrated together to provide a real framework for the second half of life. It met and exceeded my expectations to help me meaningfully cross the threshold.”

When asked, “Would you recommend the School to a friend?” They responded:

• “Yes, absolutely! A great time for reflection and growth & community-building and stretching.”
• “Yes. I would emphasize the time, travel and financial commitments and remind them they are worth it!”
• “Yes – for anyone who has a yearning for a deeper spiritual second half of life and for contributing to the world’s healing.”