Our Karuna Community
Karuna Book Club
​ We are a group of Karuna members that have a love of reading. ​
​The Karuna Book Club meets once a month on the last Friday of the month at 2:30pm on Zoom.
Group Leaders:
Corinne
Jane
Each month there is a book that we read and discuss together. We also have what we call a "bonus book" for those readers for whom one book is not enough.
We try to provide the list of books six months in advance so that members are able to check out books from the library or Libby.
Our hope as a book club is to introduce our members to reading selections that introduce them to genres or authors that they might not typically explore.
When we get together on Zoom we enjoy an informal discussion of the books we have read. We talk about the book itself, the author, whether we like or dislike the premise of the book and how it affected us.
We also recommend other books we have read and think our book club members will also enjoy. A Newsletter about our monthly meeting usually comes out the week before our book club meets. It outlines what we discussed at the monthly book club meeting, the list of books we will be reading in the next months and any of the books members have recommended.
The Karuna Book Club can transform reading from a solitary activity into a rich, shared experience with other book club members that fosters growth, connection, and joy of reading.
Karuna Knitting Club
Participating in a Karuna's Knitting Club can offer a range of benefits that go beyond simply improving knitting skills.
​Here are some key advantages:
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Karuna Knitting Club meets bi-weekly at Starbucks.
Group Leaders:
Debbie
1. Social Connection
Community Building: Knitting clubs create a sense of belonging. It’s a great way to meet new people who share a common interest.
Supportive Environment: Members often help each other with techniques, ideas, and inspiration, creating a collaborative learning atmosphere.
Reduce Loneliness: For people who may feel isolated, joining a knitting club provides regular social interactions and friendships.
Improving Techniques: Being around more experienced knitters helps beginners advance their skills faster.
Exposure to New Patterns: Members often share patterns, tips, and projects, expanding your creativity.
Learning Opportunities: Clubs sometimes host workshops or have guest speakers to introduce new knitting methods or trends.
2. Skill Development
3. Mental Health Benefits
Stress Relief: Knitting is known to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. The repetitive nature of knitting can be meditative.
Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment while knitting helps you stay grounded and mindful.
Cognitive Stimulation: Following patterns and solving knitting challenges keep your brain active, enhancing problem-solving skills.
4. Creativity and Inspiration
5. Charitable Opportunities
Sharing Ideas: Being part of a group allows for brainstorming and sharing creative ideas, which can fuel your own projects.
Motivation: Seeing others' progress and achievements can motivate you to start or finish your own projects.
Karuna's knitting clubs organize group projects for charity, such as knitting scarves for the homeless, blankets for hospitals, or hats for newborns.
6. Sense of Accomplishment
Working together in a group and finishing projects provides a sense of pride and accomplishment. You can celebrate each other's successes and share your finished work with an appreciative audience.
7. Physical Benefits
Hand Dexterity: Knitting helps maintain fine motor skills and can be especially beneficial for older adults in maintaining hand coordination and strength.
Posture Improvement: Clubs may also provide tips on how to knit ergonomically to prevent strain, which can be useful if you knit for long periods.
Overall, the Karuna Knitting Club offers both personal and collective benefits, creating an enriching experience through learning, creativity, and community.
Karuna Education
Lifelong learning is a continuous pursuit of knowledge. Presentations on health related issues, gardening tips to fitness.
The benefits of lifelong learning are vast, including:
Twice a month Karuna hosts an educational presentation from local experts in their field.
Group Leader:
Irene
1. Personal Development
Improved Mental Health: Engaging in learning helps keep the brain active and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. It keeps your mind sharp and improves memory.
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: As you acquire new skills and knowledge, it builds confidence in your abilities to handle various tasks and challenges.
Greater Creativity: Lifelong learning often encourages critical thinking and opens your mind to new ideas, fostering creativity and innovation.
Building Stronger Relationships: Engaging in learning, particularly in group settings, allows you to meet new people and form connections. Whether through formal classes or informal learning communities, you broaden your social network.
Cultural Awareness: Lifelong learning, particularly in diverse topics, can lead to a better understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and global issues. This broadens your worldview and fosters empathy and open-mindedness.
2. Social Benefits
3. Physical Health Benefits
Reduced Stress Levels: Learning new things can be a form of stress relief, especially when you focus on subjects you're passionate about. It can help keep anxiety and stress in check by keeping your mind occupied.
Improved Physical Health through Education: Lifelong learning in areas such as nutrition, physical fitness, and health-related topics can directly benefit your physical well-being, improving lifestyle choices and promoting healthy habits.
4. Technological and Digital Proficiency
5. Fulfillment Of Curiosity
Staying Technologically Relevant: As technology evolves rapidly, lifelong learning helps you stay current with new tools, platforms, and software. This knowledge can enhance both personal and professional capabilities.
Digital Literacy: The world is increasingly moving online, so being able to navigate new technologies is essential. Lifelong learning ensures that you remain digitally literate in a tech-driven world.
Satisfies Natural Curiosity: Lifelong learning allows you to continually explore topics that interest you, which leads to personal satisfaction and intellectual fulfillment.
Enrichment of Hobbies and Interests: Whether learning a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or delving into photography, learning can greatly enrich your personal hobbies.
6. Resilience and Personal Growth
Increased Resilience: The ability to learn and adapt contributes to personal resilience, making it easier to overcome obstacles and adjust to life changes.
Embracing a Growth Mindset: Lifelong learning fosters a mindset of growth, where challenges are seen as opportunities for development rather than obstacles.
Lifelong learning not only opens up new avenues for personal development but also enhances your quality of life by keeping you engaged, curious, and capable in an ever-changing world.
The Karuna Walking Club
Group Leaders:
Myrna and Janice
The Karuna Planning Committee
