James Kwako MD is an Instructor for the Center for Lifelong Learning, an adult education program that began in 2013. It started as an extension of the Santa Barbara City College Adult Education Program, the oldest adult education program in the country. It remains the most active in the country. Dr. Kwako has been an Instructor in the Medical and Psycho-spiritual Departments since 1991.
Dr. Kwako provides two-hour seminars in the Spring and Fall of each year on a wide range of topics. Most of his classes are on Saturday morning from 10 AM-12 NOON. He provides current up-to-date science references and cutting-edge perspectives on the topics chosen. His style is engaging, stimulating and provocative. He always leaves time for questions and comments and often lingers afterwards for further discussions.
These classes take place at the Santa Barbara, Schott Campus, near Cottage Hospital.
Recent Seminars Include:
HOW TO USE DREAMS FOR HEALING
January 25, Saturday 10-12 noon, Schott Center, Room 31
We dream every night. Dreams are part of everyone’s night experience. Through dreams we are able to connect to our vast reservoir of lifetime experience of thought, feeling, action and aspiration. Our dream life is also a well-spring of healing insight, energy and inspiration. In this class you will learn about the dream sleep, how to remember dreams and interpret them. Join in the discussion of dream incubation for healing and guidance. REGISTER NOW
HOW TO HEAL THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
February 1, Saturday, 10-12 noon, Schott Center, Room 31
Death is a transition from this life to the next one. Near death studies of ordinary people and the skills of extraordinary people have established guidelines for how to understand the continuity of life. In this class you will learn ways to prepare for death, evaluate the stories of those who report what happens to those who die, and how to heal from the loss of a loved one. REGISTER NOW
HYPERTENSION: A WHOLE PERSON PROGRAM
Hypertension affects about one third of our population. It is a major cause of strokes, heart attacks and aging. The primary treatment is medication usage which has many adverse effects. Medications are effective but can be minimized with the wise use of supplements and enlightened lifestyle changes. In this class you will learn which supplements work (and potential problems), how to prevent heart disease (and reverse risk factors) and how to live well with hypertension.
COMPREHENSIVE THYOIRD GLAND TREATMENT
The thyroid gland is a major source of physical energy, optimal weight and mental alertness. Its function decreases due to genes, age, infections, stress and variable nutrient deficiencies. In this class you will learn ways to test thyroid function, how to interpret results and choose from the treatment options available. Dr. Kwako will discuss necessary minerals, amino acids, and herbs, as well as medication controversies and lifestyle choices that optimize thyroid function.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE?
We all die, sooner or later. What happens to us, physically, emotionally and spiritually? Medical science describes what happens physically. Near death science describes what happens emotionally. Esoteric science describes what happens spiritually. Dr. Kwako will draw upon each of these disciplines in practical ways. He will provide guidelines for understanding and reassuring ourselves, family and friends what happens, how to prepare and what we can do now to bring heaven to earth.
HOW TO EXPLORE SPIRIT IN THE SLEEP STATE
The sleep state is a deep reservoir of self-renewal and spiritual awakening. Every day we process the thoughts, feelings and actions of the day. At night we also make a connection to the higher nature of our spirit self, the source of our love, wisdom, strength and joy. Dr. Kwako will discuss the purposes of the sleep state, how we process the day and how to commune with spirit when asleep.
HEALING PAIN IN BODY, HEART AND MIND: CONQUERING CHRONIC PAIN
Pain is the sign of fire out of control. It is unwanted, unexpected and devastating when unending. However, pain can be treated with medications, injections, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, supplements, body therapies, relaxation, visualization and meditation. Dr. Kwako was medical director of a pain treatment center for several years in which he learned creative solutions to chronic pain. In this class you will learn how to mobilize healing for the body, heart and mind.
CAUSES AND CURES OF INTESTINAL CONDITIONS
Intestinal problems cause much pain, distress and distraction. The intestines include our entire capacity for digestion, assimilation and elimination, all of which are vital for optimal health, energy and full awareness. Dr. Kwako will discuss common causes and treatments for heartburn, indigestion, food allergies, irritable bowel disease and colon cancer. In this class you will learn about the effects of diet, supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, herbs and moods in optimizing intestinal function.
PRACTICAL MEDITATION FOR THE ACTIVE MIND: ACTIVE MEDITATION FOR LIVING WISELY
Meditation is a practice of self-reflection. It is a means whereby a growing number of people seek serenity from life’s stresses and understanding of complicated challenges and relationships. Studies and reports verify the relaxing, rejuvenating and inspiring value of meditation. In this class you will learn 4 steps that lead to effective meditation: detachment, attunement, invocation and application. Dr. Kwako will review benefits, potential problems and practical uses of meditation.
HOW SPIRIT SPEAKS THROUGH ART TO THE NON-ARTIST: USING MASTERS OF ART TO MASTER THE ART OF LIVING
Good art expresses higher ways of thinking and feeling. It transforms common themes of nature and human life into greater vistas of serenity, sacredness, dignity, dedication and joys of living. Art can connect us to the sources within that heal unhealthy ways of living and lead us to greater wisdom. In this class you will see great art and the meanings of it. You will also be guided in an experiential exercise that uses the art of enlightened souls to inspire needed change, healing and aspiration to the higher life.
COMPREHENSIVE ADRENAL GLAND TREATMENT
The adrenal glands secrete over 150 hormones that primarily increase vitality and decrease inflammation. Adrenal hormones raise energy levels physically and mentally, they decrease the pain of inflamed joints (including the neck and back), the intestines and the immune system. In this class you will learn how to evaluate low adrenal function, how to test its hormones, and lifestyles choices that increase its actions. Dr. Kwako will discuss causes and treatments of under functioning adrenal glands.
ESP FOR ENLIGHTENED LIVING
ESP is the ability to sense subtle energies of feelings and thoughts within ourself and others. ESP is a common first alert system that can help us prevent accidents, disease and death. ESP can increase alertness for healing the body, relationships and our future. Dr. Kwako will discuss recent research, personal experiences and those of others. In this class you will learn how to develop sensitivity to subtle energies and live more wisely.
HOW TO FIND THE MISSIONS OF THE SOUL
The source of our life has many names but one presence and one power. Many of us allow life events to determine direction and difficulties that arise. The purpose driven yearn to learn the divine design of the higher self and extract meaning from the suffering that occurs. In this class you will learn how to discern the ideal, resist the distractions of the day and cultivate the skills of gracefulness and resilience.