Multiversity opens to locals

Scotts Valley residents don’t have to travel far to explore relationships, spirit and wellness.
The new 1440 Multiversity, located on the former site of Bethany College, is a 10-minute ride from downtown but it feels like a trip into self-exploration.
“It’s a nice place to set aside daily urgency,” said Scott Kriens, who founded 1440 with wife Joanie. “Reflect on why those things became so urgent in the first place.”
Though the retreat’s intent is for people to attend classes and stay immersed in the curriculum by staying on site for the weekend, there is an option for those living close by, Kriens announced last week.
Each class will hold a handful of spots open for “commuter passes.”
Costing roughly $95 and valid for 24 hours, the passes include all classes, meals, daily meditation, yoga, access to non-ticketed evening events, use of the fitness center, and the option to book a treatment at the Healing Arts Center.
For people who simply want to use the retreat’s amenities, 1440 offers R & R passes that allow users to use the Healing Arts Center, meals at the Kitchen Table, and access to the four miles of hiking trails that surround the campus. Classes are not included.
The 75-acre retreat offers a wide variety of personal-growth classes ranging from mindfulness and new biology to parenting and poetry.
The Multiversity has called upon a diverse faculty with Western and Eastern approaches to teaching.
“We have a whole world of learning and growth inside ourselves,” said Kriens, who formerly served as CEO of Juniper Networks in Silicon Valley. He still serves as chairman of the board of the high-tech company.
After opening Memorial Day Weekend, 1440 is continuing to put the finishing touches on the campus.
All work is expected to be completed by the end of July, Kriens said.
Since opening, about 57 percent of students come from various locations throughout California, with the remaining 43 percent coming from a variety of states across the country. Some people have also come to the retreat from overseas.
To view 2017 – 2018 classes go to: https://1440.org/programs/