Founded in 2021 by Sean Waters, the Wisdom Workshop emerged from a simple question: how does writing well connect to living well? What began as an experiment at the intersection of composition and philosophy has grown into a vibrant community of 100+ lifelong learners from across the globe.

But the Wisdom Workshop was born much earlier, in 2008, when Sean started teaching World Philosophy at Colorado State University. Sean recognized, as you may have, too, that higher education often misses the mark in helping people make personal decisions in the face of life's deepest questions. Or as Joseph Campbell puts it: our educational system teaches people how to climb ladders, not critically evaluate the buildings the ladders are leaning against.

Earning a second Masters in Education in 2012, Sean began envisioning a different approach to higher education — one that blended Eastern contemplative traditions with Western philosophy, academic rigor with practical application, and personal reflection with community dialogue. The result is a unique educational experience that participants have described as "the most educational thing I've done outside of my education, and the most therapeutic thing I've done outside of therapy."

At Wisdom Workshop, we believe wisdom isn't something you acquire—it's something you cultivate through deliberate practice. We create intimate learning environments where participants can explore the art of living well through writing, reflection, and authentic connection.Our signature approach integrates:

Small, Curated Cohorts:
Limited to 9 participants to ensure meaningful engagement
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Transformative Writing Practices:
Using the pen as a tool for clarity and presence;

Philosophical Inquiry:
Exploring timeless wisdom traditions with practical application

Community Dialogue:
Learning through the power of shared exploration

‍Facilitated Emergence:
Creating the conditions for wisdom to unfold naturally

We're not interested in quick fixes or superficial solutions. Instead, we create spaces where people can slow down, listen deeply, and discover their own wisdom through the practice of presence.

Our flagship offering, Writing the Good Life, is a 7-week journey exploring the Seven Pillars of wisdom cultivation: Presence, Purpose, Play, Projects, People, Process, and Perspective. Through guided writing practices and community dialogue, participants develop tools for navigating life's complexity with greater clarity and purpose.

Our special topics course in Creating the Good Life: The Art of Living Beautifully is a 7-week journey exploring the Seven Pillars of wisdom cultivation through the lens of creative psychology and creative practice. A follow-up to Writing the Good Life, Creating the Good Life encourages artists and creatives to develop and deliver their creative gifts to the world.  

For those called to share these practices with others, our Facilitation Training and Continuing Community of Practice provides the continuing experience, skills, frameworks, and community support to guide ourselves and others on their wisdom journeys.

Sean Waters, Founder & Lead Facilitator
With 17+ years of teaching experience and an academic background in philosophy and education, Sean brings a unique blend of scholarly depth and practical wisdom to his facilitation. As a musician, writer, and lifelong student of wisdom traditions, he creates learning experiences that engage the whole person. You can read more about Sean in his own words here.

The Wisdom Workshop community spans 9 countries and includes participants aged 22 to 74, from diverse professional backgrounds and life stages. What unites us is a shared commitment to cultivating presence, curiosity, and authentic connection.

As one participant described it: "It was beautiful to see the bond between everyone at the end of seven weeks. I am so grateful to be in this group and this community."

We invite you to join us in this growing community of wisdom seekers, where the practice of writing becomes a pathway to living well.

The Wisdom Workshop is ideal for

Mid-Career Professionals seeking renewed purpose and presence

Compassionate Leaders, Coaches, and Facilitators
who want to hone their dynamic decision-making heuristics

People in Midlife Transition
ready to begin writing the next chapter of their lives

Lifelong Learners and Teachers
passionate about personal growth and wisdom cultivation

Our flagship 7-week intensive program in Writing the Good Life gives participants ongoing growth and collaboration with a vibrant, diverse community.
"I found a tribe of like-minded individuals and the tools to navigate my midlife transition with grace and purpose." -Sanaz Kalantari, CPC, Global Coaching Services Program Lead at Microsoft.
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"Your workshops are like nurturing grounds and launching pads. I didn't know how it would unfold, but it just did. Because it's so thought- and spirit-provoking. - Nancy Scannell, Retired Teacher, Facilitator, and Writer

Read Selected Testimonials Here.

If you're curious about whether the Wisdom Workshop is the right fit for you, schedule a Discovery Call with our founder, Sean Waters.

In this 15-30-minute call, you'll:

Explore your current challenges and aspirations

Learn more about our unique approach to midlife development

Get a feel for fit -- whether you have identified specific goals or not

Get to know Sean and ask any questions directly

[Schedule Your Call with Sean]

Join us in reimagining midlife education. Go from deepening presence, clarifying purpose, and to making the decisions that matter most in just seven weeks.