The Power of Learning

"The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding."
-Leonardo da Vinci
Lifelong learning holds many valuable benefits. Whether you need new skills for a job, are seeking a new hobby, or you're just brushing up on an old skill, challenging yourself to learn new things keeps you creative, capable, and curious.
Learning can be a vulnerable process, especially during the first step: Acknowledging that there is room for growth. But expanding your comfort zone makes it easier to adapt to changes, helping you feel more confident and prepared to take on life's challenges. Consistent learning strengthens your innovative and problem-solving skills, which improve your ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated things. And building on existing knowledge can save you time, energy, and stress along the way.
Another benefit to learning is that you become a more interesting person! People who are well-rounded tend to have an easier time relating to others and sparking social engagement because they ask questions and listen carefully. This can open the door to new opportunities and experiences.
The more we appreciate learning, the more we realize how much knowledge and experiences are still out there. Learning gives us a sense of accomplishment and the confidence to take on other challenges that might have seemed intimidating before. On that note, we hope you enjoy this week's top picks that are centered around arts and learning!
In the coming weeks, we will continue to be a source of hope, inspiration and moral support. For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at [hidden email]. Until next week!
Sincerely,
The SWCA Team
And Now For This Week’s Top Picks…

ARTS | Virtual Art Classes Online
The Schack Art Center (Everett, WA) is offering courses online! From drawing, to fabric painting, to Lightroom essentials, students can learn new concepts in art while still at home.

MUSIC | Free Music Broadcasts
The musicians from Seattle Symphony have generously volunteered to share free broadcasts for streaming through the Symphony's social media channels.

THEATRE | Acting & Playwrighting
Explore nine online acting and playwriting courses offered free from three top universities: MIT, Utah State University, and The Open University.

DANCE | Virtual Dance Classes
Merce Cunningham Trust's abundance of digital content could keep you busy for weeks. Check out "Mondays with Merce" on their YouTube channel and full-length recordings of 13 Cunningham works on their website.

HEALTH | Mindfulness & Meditation
Looking to add meditation and mindfulness exercises into your daily or weekly routine? From breathing technique to visualization exercises, Headspace offers the essentials of mindful awareness available for free.

YOUTH | Scholastic Learning At Home
Keep your kids reading, thinking, and growing all summer - and beyond. Sign up for information about new teaching resources on Scholastic's free website today.

CULINARY ARTS | Quarantine Cooking
Cookbook author Joanna Gaines is taking her baking smarts to YouTube to whip up some treats, including chocolate chip cookies, pie, and breads.