a 501(c)3 non-profit org.
The Shawshank
Hero's Journey
The Shawshank Redemption turns 30 in August. Celebrate with a new online class to experience the film like you never have before. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most popular films of all time because it speaks to timeless themes in all of us: freedom, friendship, meaning in life, and redemption.
In this Cinema Therapy-based program developed in a PhD program, we share Andy and Red's journey like you've never seen it before - even if you've watched it hundreds of times before. Because this time, you'll see how Andy's greatest gift of hope is for you, too. This class is open to everyone
See your favorite film differently
Movies are projections of light. When we receive that light, we see, feel and experience a myriad of emotions and physical sensations. We go back to our favorite films over and over again - when we are happy, sad, lost and in need of inspiration. The movies don't change, but we do. We see the same film differently based on what we bring to it and who we are when we see it.
So why do we keep going back to our favorite films? The answer is we have a story to tell - a story inspired by what resonates with us in the things we are deeply affected by in our favorite films. That's what we'll do in The Shawshank Hero's Journey. By considering Andy's journey against Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey structure, we'll see the universal appeal of his struggles, humanity and hope. Most importantly, we'll explore, discover and share the stories that come up for us as we engage in our own heroic journeys.
Cross the Threshold
This new, evidence-based, clinically-tested writing program is open to everyone. It was originally designed in a PhD study for people with Parkinson's disease. It is run by the creator of the program, Robert Cochrane, PhD. After running the course a few times, Robert found the themes and opportunities of the class were universal. While this class is not therapy, the benefits, for many have been therapeutic and positively life changing.
Practically speaking, we meet online for 90 minutes, once per week over the course of 16 weeks. Participants will write one page per week about their experience and share it on a password-protected Google Drive with classmates. Each participant is also expected to read and leave feedback on two of their fellow classmates pages as this is an ensemble-based program. We will start each session by moving to music that is themed to the stage of the Hero's Journey, then play improvisation games that support our growth, understanding and connection to one another. We will also watch clips from The Shawshank Redemption that demonstrate the Hero's Journey. While we make space for all emotions, laughter is 98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed. All sessions will be recorded so that students who have to miss a session at its scheduled time can catch up at their convenience. Your tuition will be paid directly to Yes, And...eXercise!, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for the Parkinson's disease community.
Perry H., AZ
I would describe Dr. Robert's class as fun, challenging, imagination stretching, and deeply emotional. The Doc is amazing. I have surprised myself when I look over my own weekly assignments.
Shabbir L., CA
I think the most valuable thing I have learned is how much more of a storyteller I am than I thought I was.
The story telling, using metaphors, helps tremendously. They allow me to be more free to express my emotions. This has helped me to experience more freedom.
Stacy K., Italy
The Day One program has dramatically changed my life and reminded me of who I really am, what I’m made of, and where I want to go.
Stories on Shawshank and
how we can look at the movies differently
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really: Get busy living, or get busy dying." - Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding
Read about Andy's Acceptance and check out the video for details on our amazing experiences at the 30th anniversary!