This class is designed as an introduction to the practice of yoga. It is a slower-paced class focused on developing clear and safe alignment in basic yoga postures (asanas). You will learn gentle stretches, simple breath-work, and relaxation techniques to help you become comfortable with yoga. Bring a yoga mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is optional but helpful to have a small cushion or rolled-up towel and a yoga strap. Limit 15.

Zareen Shah
9:30—10:30 A.M. Tuesday, Feb. 17
Unity Church of Austin
5501 W. US Hwy 290 (78735)

Please note: This course has been moved from Wednesday morning to Tuesday morning. And the venue has also been changed. All information below is correct.

This course examines the greatest theft of art and cultural valuables in history and its continuing impact today. From 1933 to 1945, the Nazis confiscated more than half a million objects of art. Although the western Allies refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of these confiscations, many heirs of Nazi victims are still trying to recover their ancestors’ art. Using films, Power Point presentations and class discussions, the class begins by exploring the history of looting art during times of conflict, from the Romans through Napoleon. Then we focus on Hitler’s views on art, the development of the Nazi aesthetic, and confiscations from German museums and private collections in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. We’ll consider the role of the “Monuments Men” after the Allied invasion of Europe, the discovery of Nazi caches of art, and initial attempts to restitute such art. Finally, we examine legal restitution efforts after the war, more recently, and currently. Our instructor taught art law at Harvard Law School until his retirement in 2008, taught a seminar on art law at the University of Texas Law School upon his subsequent move to Austin, and taught several summer art law seminars in Freiberg, Germany. Limit 30.

Terry Martin
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, Upper Room
9508 Great Hills Trail (78759)

This class features news from countries south of our border. You’ll be reading and listening to native speakers discuss politics, science, economic issues, and Latin American culture via the Internet and you will spend class time discussing these issues in Spanish with classmates. We will use News in Slow Spanish Intermediate Level (cost $10 per month for a two-month subscription) and selections of Spanish language news online. In addition we’ll tackle some aspects of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary you need to know to keep advancing in your ability to understand and communicate in Spanish. See samples of current weekly issues at www.newsinslowspanish.com (Latin America), Intermediate Level. Bring $1 for handouts. Our very popular instructor taught Spanish at St. Edward’s University for many years. Limit 22.

Jann Randle
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
Lamar Senior Activity Center, South Room
2874 Shoal Crest Avenue (78705)

Drawing on your own experience and education, this course will explore tools that help navigate the second half of life. It begins with a developmental theory that addresses lifelong yearnings and areas of central concern, along with early family experience and intergenerational legacies. Then we study psychological types (useful for navigating relationships), problem-solving, and personal change. We look at temperaments, learning styles, and archetypes of the masculine and feminine. Next, we examine practical approaches to dream work, daily positive focus, and enhanced couple communication. We review our psychological “heritage” of optimal experiences and relationships, which can provide a customized guide-map for life-planning. Finally, we examine how we can become intentional in what we wish to give to the next generation. Limit 20.  

Richard (Nick) Grant
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
The Church at Highland Park, Burchette Room
5206 Balcones Drive (78731)

Explore the breadth, depth, and reach of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), one of the most recognized (and recognizable!) figures in art history. You may already be familiar with some aspects of her self-portraiture, her extraordinary life, or her status as a cultural icon. Our goal is to expand our understanding of Kahlo, so in addition to viewing and discussing as many of her artworks as possible, we will also learn about her exhibition history, her writings, and her treatment in the fine arts (film, opera, ballet, literature) and popular culture. Connections will be made to the broader aesthetic and historical contexts of her work. Of special interest to our class is a monumental new exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Frida: The Making of an Icon (January 19-May 17, 2026), and I hope you will be able to see it. This course is taught in English; primary texts in Spanish will be available when relevant. Please bring $5 for course handouts. 6 classes. Limit 45.

Catharine E. Wall, PhD
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
The Village at the Triangle
4517 Triangle Avenue (78751)

In a comfortable setting, guided group participation and conversation will address the joys and pitfalls of being a grandparent in these times. We will draw on our own experiences and skills to share with the group and expand our thinking. Topics include how perspectives differ for the generations, setting and enforcing limits (mine, theirs and ours), how to talk to be heard and the best times to listen. The group will share ways to pass on our own life wisdom and values; and, when desired, influence doing things differently. This class is for grandparents who see their grandkids daily, as well as those who don’t. Our facilitator has 20 years’ experience working with discussion groups that inspire thinking and problem-solving for parents and grandparents. Limit 20.

Mary Taylor
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
First Unitarian Universalist Church Austin, Rm. 13
4700 Grover Avenue (78756)

In this ongoing seminar exploring how the arts affect us and why they matter, the subject this term is the short story and its tag-along genre, lyric poetry. Class discussion will focus on individual stories and poems while also exploring broader questions such as the following: Why do many readers prefer stories to poems? What makes a story or poem short? Do the genres share features other than brevity? What are the strengths and limitations of each genre? How do modern stories and poems differ from earlier works? Are the “meanings” of most stories and poems emotional rather than intellectual? How fully has an author realized a work’s potential? How worthwhile is the story or poem, and why? For receiving class assignments and materials, an email address is a must. Limit 24.

Joseph Longino, PhD
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

What do people across cultures truly need to experience lasting happiness and inner peace? Research—and timeless wisdom—show it’s not wealth, youth, or success, but the cultivation of certain attitudes, actions, and qualities of the heart. Based on the newly expanded 2nd edition of The Secrets of True Happiness, coauthored by Farnaz Masumian, our instructor, this course offers practical tools for finding authentic joy in everyday life. New activities focusing on mindfulness, gratitude and positivity help participants apply these principles in daily life. The updated edition also adds an inspiring new section, “Seven Days: Cultivating a Spiritual Attitude Toward Life,” with daily practices designed to integrate joy, gratitude, and peace into your daily routine. Whether you’re returning to deepen your journey or discovering these teachings for the first time, this course offers a warm and engaging path to greater happiness, meaning, and inner calm. 6 Classes. Limit 25.

Farnaz Masumian
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 203/204
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)

Continue learning to play the soprano or tenor recorder with other beginning students.
By the end of this course, we will have: covered all the notes (fingerings) in the everyday range of the recorder; become familiar with time signatures and rhythms through sixteenth notes; learned to play several major and minor scales; and become more confident sight-readers.  We will play multi-voice pieces (duets and trios) with other class members. You will need to have these materials, and bring them to each class: 

• The recorder you used in Beginning C Recorder 1

• A music stand

• “Sweet Pipes Recorder Book - Vol. 1 Soprano" instruction book, by Burakoff and Hettrick.

Other materials will be provided throughout the semester, including audio clips and sheet music created by the instructor, made available on a website. This course is intended for students continuing from LLI Beginning C Recorder 1. If you were not enrolled in that class, please contact the instructor at 512-825-4252 or richter@haus.org. The course, followed by Intermediate C Recorder, can be preparation for joining the Recorder Consort, also offered through LLI. Limit 8.

Susan Richter
10:00—11:15 A.M. Tuesday, Feb. 17
Christ Lutheran Church
300 E. Monroe Street (78704)     

Ever wonder how laces such as Belgian, Swiss, or Chantilly are made? You will learn the basic techniques of weaving lace using bobbins, which may lead to using other threads, yarn, and/or wire to create your own designs. Bring a box of straight pins, scissors, pin cushion and “cover cloth” (cloth table napkin or piece of fabric 18 inches square). Limit 12.

Pat Tittizer
10:30 A.M.—12:30 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
United Christian Church
3500 W. Parmer Lane (78727)

This class is recommended for students with prior yoga practice and experience in the basic understanding of yogic postures (asanas) and breathwork. “Asanas” or yoga postures selected for this class will emphasize range of motion, flexibility, balance and strength. Bring a yoga mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is optional but helpful to have a yoga strap and a small cushion or rolled-up towel. Limit 20.

Zareen Shah
10:40—11:40 A.M. Tuesday, Starts Feb. 17
Unity Church of Austin
5501 W. US Hwy 290 (78735)