September 2005 ~ Learning
I remember a moment when a woman, who was attending a class I was teaching, said, “I’m so tired of the way you Unity people call everything in life a ‘lesson!’ Why does everything have to be about learning? Why can’t we call it something that sounds like more fun?” As I recall, I encouraged her to call it by whatever name she liked, refraining from reminding her that “a rose by any other name…”
Learning is a good word. It is especially good for this “jotting” since September has traditionally been “back to school” month. Learning, however, does not require a formal teacher or a classroom. Many of us have discovered that Life is our finest teacher, as well as our best classroom.
When Michelangelo said, “I am always learning,” he was not talking about going back to school. He was talking about the learning that comes from living life consciously and creatively. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “All of life is a constant education.”
Education is another good word. Coming from the Latin root “educare,” it means to “draw forth” or “lead out.” This, as opposed to the long held idea that education was about “filling empty heads with information.” When the Fillmores began the work that became the Unity movement, they saw it as a work of spiritual education. A drawing forth of the “hidden splendor” that Robert Browning wrote about so beautifully in his poem “Paracelsus:”
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… for, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20,21
The values of learning are many, not the least of which is expressed so well by Henry Ford. He said: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The important thing is to keep your mind young.” There are many ways to do this, but there is one way that, in my opinion, lies at the heart of all learning. This one way is to keep your mind open to new ideas.
From time to time I meet a person who has already made up their mind about everything! Anything outside the structure of their own opinions is immediately dismissed. A new idea cannot find a crack to wiggle through!
Having an open mind does not mean being gullible or without convictions. It does mean being willing to entertain fresh ideas and information as you might entertain a guest, with attention and grace and with a willingness to become friends!
Entertaining new ideas implies the presence of new ideas in our lives! Many of us meet new ideas by reading, attending church, classes and workshops, engaging in interesting conversation, or listening to tapes. Another way is by choosing television channels that offer new ideas… for example: the Discovery channel, the History channel, the Wisdom channel, and yes, even the Cooking channel! There are book reviews, news interviews, home decorating and arts and crafts… all at the touch of a button. And, of course, for those who are “computerized,” the offerings of the Internet are endless!
Happily, there is a way to freshen our ideas that does not require anything outside of ourselves. It is the simplest and at the same time the most profound learning method of all. The Fillmores called it “the Silence.” Mostly, we call it prayer and meditation. Turning within, to the place of the hidden splendor, the Christ Mind, is turning to the source of all ideas. It is here that we find what is real and true, what will never change and at the same time, will always be ever new, ever creative, ever refreshing!
It’s September! Let’s affirm with Michelangelo: I am always learning!
jbm
Learning is a good word. It is especially good for this “jotting” since September has traditionally been “back to school” month. Learning, however, does not require a formal teacher or a classroom. Many of us have discovered that Life is our finest teacher, as well as our best classroom.
When Michelangelo said, “I am always learning,” he was not talking about going back to school. He was talking about the learning that comes from living life consciously and creatively. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “All of life is a constant education.”
Education is another good word. Coming from the Latin root “educare,” it means to “draw forth” or “lead out.” This, as opposed to the long held idea that education was about “filling empty heads with information.” When the Fillmores began the work that became the Unity movement, they saw it as a work of spiritual education. A drawing forth of the “hidden splendor” that Robert Browning wrote about so beautifully in his poem “Paracelsus:”
Truth is within ourselves; it takes no rise
From outward things, whate’er you may believe.
There is an inmost center in us all,
Where truth abides in fullness; and around,
Wall upon wall, the gross flesh hems it in,
This perfect, clear perception ~ which is truth.
A baffling and perverting carnal mesh
Binds it, and makes all error; and to know
Rather consists in opening out a way
Whence the imprisoned splendor may escape,
Than in effecting entry for a light
Supposed to be without.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… for, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20,21
The values of learning are many, not the least of which is expressed so well by Henry Ford. He said: “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The important thing is to keep your mind young.” There are many ways to do this, but there is one way that, in my opinion, lies at the heart of all learning. This one way is to keep your mind open to new ideas.
From time to time I meet a person who has already made up their mind about everything! Anything outside the structure of their own opinions is immediately dismissed. A new idea cannot find a crack to wiggle through!
Having an open mind does not mean being gullible or without convictions. It does mean being willing to entertain fresh ideas and information as you might entertain a guest, with attention and grace and with a willingness to become friends!
Entertaining new ideas implies the presence of new ideas in our lives! Many of us meet new ideas by reading, attending church, classes and workshops, engaging in interesting conversation, or listening to tapes. Another way is by choosing television channels that offer new ideas… for example: the Discovery channel, the History channel, the Wisdom channel, and yes, even the Cooking channel! There are book reviews, news interviews, home decorating and arts and crafts… all at the touch of a button. And, of course, for those who are “computerized,” the offerings of the Internet are endless!
Happily, there is a way to freshen our ideas that does not require anything outside of ourselves. It is the simplest and at the same time the most profound learning method of all. The Fillmores called it “the Silence.” Mostly, we call it prayer and meditation. Turning within, to the place of the hidden splendor, the Christ Mind, is turning to the source of all ideas. It is here that we find what is real and true, what will never change and at the same time, will always be ever new, ever creative, ever refreshing!
It’s September! Let’s affirm with Michelangelo: I am always learning!
jbm
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