Highland Institute

With reference to the proverb that “the longest journey begins with but a single step,” previous member Marian Head forwarded the above diagram of Highland Institute as a reminder of how far we have come. That single first step, with the original name of Highland Institute for Conscious Evolution, was indeed the beginning of a ten-year journey, underscoring the critical role of perseverance.

By now we have spent ten years trying to capture the proper name and the purpose of the Institute in a 400-word Manifesto which, in essence, is modeled after Benjamin Franklin’s American Philosophical Society, still going strong since its founding in 1743.

Safety and diversity represent the fundamental pillars of Highland Institute. These two features work in concert to attract members of all age, gender, social and economic background, which we consider the best antidote to creating an echo chamber.

Highland Institute grants Honorary Memberships in furtherance of its ideal to create a safe and diverse community, recruiting both Artists in Residence and Wisdom Chair holders, who make huge contributions to our community. We feel honored, for instance, to have had Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (blessed be his soul) as the occupant of our first Wisdom Chair. Reb Zalman’s smile was infectious, and his final book, From Age-ing to Sage-ing was a great influence in my life.

Today’s Wisdom Chair is occupied by our 93-year-young member Oak Thorne, whose joy for life and his “yes you can” optimistic attitude have been a great source of comfort to me and many other members. Then we have long-time member Kevin Townley who is an author and teacher, a student of the Western Mysteries and Ageless Wisdom, and The Grand Lecturer of the Colorado Masonic Lodges.

Adding to this august list is artist Frank Sampson, whose whimsical paintings adorn our walls, along with Artist-in-Residence Giuseppe Palumbo, whose sculptures populate our gardens.

Take a look around Highland; notice each detail and piece of art; notice each member and how they are connected to other members, forming the warp and weft of the fabric of our community, making us feel connected, like we belong.

— Sina.

This Newsletter includes items reflecting the personal opinions of their respective authors. This forum is dedicated to the free exchange of ideas and welcomes alternative perspectives submitted in good faith. Neither the original submissions nor any counter-points represent the position of either City Club or Highland Institute. We invite you to engage in these discussions.