AESTHETIC PATHS TO FLOURISHING
Exploring and Creating Expressions of Beauty
(Online Course)
October 5 & 19
Introduction
“Man cannot do without beauty, and this is what our era pretends to want to disregard.”
― Albert Camus
We are shaped by what we sense. How we experience colour, sound, texture, and space influences not only how we feel, but also how we live. This course is an invitation to rediscover beauty as a necessity rather than a luxury, something vital to our well-being, creativity, and personal flourishing.
Drawing from philosophy, art, science, and lived experience, we explore how aesthetic awareness can deepen presence, awaken imagination, and nurture your inner life. Through ancient wisdom and contemporary insights, we will explore habits and practices that can increase our capacity to engage with beauty.
Aesthetic experience is a basic human drive, and this unique course guides you to become more proactive in shaping your aesthetic future through simple, embodied, and creative practices.
Led by two facilitators with decades of experience, this is a reflective, hands-on journey into what it means to live more aesthetically in everyday life.
What You Will Discover
In this course, you'll be invited to reconnect with your aesthetic self, to notice beauty in the ordinary, explore your creative voice, and cultivate practices that bring more vibrancy and meaning into your daily life.
Aesthetic experiences can help lower stress, increase positive emotions and mindfulness, stimulate innovative thinking, and make us feel more connected to ourselves, to others, and to the world. In an environment full of constant distractions and noises, it’s more important than ever to cultivate habits that help you notice the aesthetics around you.
Instead of waiting for beauty to appear by chance, we want to empower you to intentionally create aesthetic experiences that nurture your emotional well-being and support your creative flow.
What To Expect
Over TWO thoughtfully designed sessions, you’ll be guided through:
Dialogues & Connections
Reflective dialogues that invite insight and connection
Creative Expression
Simple art-based practices to explore your creative expression.
Aesthetic Experiences
Sensory awareness exercises to awaken everyday aesthetic experiences
Mindfulness
Embodied moments of presence and mindfulness.
Practical Application
Theoretical knowledge will be placed into practical contexts with experiential activities.
No artistic skill is needed. All that’s required is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore.
Course Outline
Session One
Sensing Beauty in the Everyday
Date: 5th October 2025
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 EST (check your time zone)
Location: Online
Overview: We begin by pondering why we need aesthetic experiences to flourish as human beings. You’ll engage in sensory practices to heighten your awareness of beauty in daily environments and rituals. We’ll reflect on what it means to feel aesthetically alive.
Session Two
Creating Your Aesthetic Expression
Date: 19th October 2025
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 EST (check your time zone)
Location: Online
Overview: Building on your experience, this session helps you discover and shape your own aesthetic awareness and expression.
Through accessible, creative activities, you’ll explore beauty as a mode of meaning-making and discovery into your inner world.
Course Leaders
Arts-Based Facilitator & Coach,
Organisational Psychologist, Creative Artist
My work centers on integrating the wisdom of art, nature, and aesthetics to support well-being and human flourishing. I deeply believe that each of us holds the innate power to imagine and create. When we nurture our curiosity and sense of play, we open up new possibilities for how we live and relate to the world. Through my practice, I invite people into a more holistic and aesthetic way of living, one that connects us to what brings joy and moves us emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. By tuning into this inner spark, we can access a deeper sense of presence, resilience, and fulfilment in the flow of life.
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Master of Arts in Business Psychology
Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft
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Master of Arts with Honours in Psychology
The University of Edinburgh
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Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator
Expressive Arts Coaching & Consulting
The Expressive Arts Institute Berlin
The European Graduate School
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Certified Yoga Instructor
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NEO-PI-3 Accreditation
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Performing Art Trainings & Practices
Michael R. Spicher, PhD
Philosopher & Consultant
Michael R. Spicher, PhD, is a philosopher and strategic advisor who helps organizations and leaders harness the power of aesthetics to shape more meaningful products, environments, and cultures. He speaks and consults widely on topics like beauty, taste, digital fashion, and the lived experience of design—making philosophical insights both accessible and actionable.
In 2016, he founded the Aesthetics Research Lab to bridge the gap between theory and practice across industries such as fashion, architecture, and consumer goods. He regularly advises executives, creative teams, and decision-makers on how aesthetic thinking can drive clarity, creativity, and competitive edge.
Michael’s writing appears in both academic and public forums. He’s a contributing writer for BeautyMatter, a leading voice in the beauty industry, and his forthcoming book, Is Your Business Beautiful?, explores how beauty operates across product, place, and person to influence how we work, lead, and live.
In addition to teaching at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Boston Architectural College, Michael offers philosophical counseling for individuals—especially leaders—seeking deeper clarity, purpose, and engagement in their lives and work. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or one-on-one, he invites people to see beauty not as decoration but as a force for transformation.
“Aesthetics can be something subtle but extraordinary at the same time, helping us shift our awareness to a state of equilibrium, peace, and joy.”
- Bella Zhang
Who This Course Is For
This course is for anyone who feels drawn to beauty, reflection, and a more creative way of being, whether you're curious know more about aesthetics or simply seeking more aliveness in daily life.
You don’t need to be an artist. You just need a sense of wonder and a desire to explore something deeper.
All experiences and backgrounds are welcome.
This course is especially supportive if you:
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Long to express yourself more beautifully and creatively
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Wish to bring more presence and artistry into your everyday routines
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Want to have some quiet moments to feel grounded and rejuvenated
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Seek meaningful connections with a like-minded global community
Words From Past Participants
“Aesthetic Paths to Flourishing is a beautifully designed experience that invites you to engage with beauty not as decoration, but as a vital dimension of a flourishing life. Michael and Bella create a thoughtful and reflective space that lingers long after the sessions end.”
- Tony. M
"Various exercises and sharing in breakout rooms created a safe space to explore. Interesting lectures, thoughtful planning, and attention to the details of the course. This course will refine your tastebuds in everyday experiences of beauty!"
- Lisa. E
“This course reminded me of using all senses and discovering that I can make art of my sensory experiences in 5 minutes. If you want to explore and strengthen your creativity strength by looking for the beautiful things around you, jump on!”
- Maria C.H
“Rather than something superficial, aesthetics helps us remain grounded in an increasingly digital world, strengthening our happiness and wholeness.”
- Michael Spicher
Reserve Your Place
This is a small-group offering designed to facilitate authentic conversations and meaningful engagement.
We warmly invite you to join us in this shared space for reflection, creation, and beauty!
General Admission - 950 SEK ($100, €85)
EarlyBird - 790 SEK ($82, €70, valid until 30th August 2025)
* The above prices include VAT for private individuals; VAT will be added for businesses within Sweden.
Pricing Notice:
The prices listed are primarily in Swedish Krona (SEK). For your reference, approximate prices in US Dollars ($) and Euros (€) are also provided. Please note that these reference prices are based on the general international exchange rate. The actual prices in SEK may vary according to the real-time exchange rate at the time of purchase. For the most accurate pricing, please refer to the current exchange rate applicable at the moment of your transaction.
Check the price in your Currency.
Limited spots are available, reserve your place today.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we aim to offer flexibility where possible. Please read the following cancellation and refund policy carefully:
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Free Cancellation: You can cancel your registration at no cost before 20th September 2025. We appreciate your early notice if your plans change.
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50% Refund: For cancellations made between 20th to 27th September 2025, we offer a 50% refund. We understand that unexpected situations can arise, and we want to help during this time.
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No Refund: After 27th September 2025, we cannot offer refunds as we have committed resources and preparations for the program.
Alternative Options
If you are unable to attend the course but wish to retain the value of your registration, we offer the following options:
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Seat Transfer: You are welcome to transfer your spot to another individual at no additional cost. Please notify us of the replacement participant's details as soon as possible.
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Future Credits: Alternatively, you can exchange your registration fee for credits that can be used towards future programs or services offered by us.
*Note: The course must meet the minimum participant requirement. If this requirement is not met, the course will regrettably be canceled. In such an event, we will inform you on 20th September 2025.
If you have any questions about registration, payment, or anything else, feel free to reach out to us, we’re happy to help. We’re looking forward to the possibility of having you with us on this journey!
