It is good to discuss a beginner’s mind, but being in a completely foreign place makes the pilgrimage of learning come alive.   reminded me.  The cultural gaffes, the re-reading in the evenings, and the endless questions and conversations were all centred around learning because everything was new.  I was a beginner.

I sat between the pansy and the poinsettia, the in and the out, the glossy and the rustic and I was unsure.

Reflections on Learning

To be a leaner is to sit with vulnerability in our hands.  Learning is humble and admits we don’t know everything.  Not knowing everything makes us imperfect and our humanity frightens us.  What will we do in that ?

A learner knows she is learning.  It isn’t a mystery.  It is a practice.  She wakes up each day looking for wispy ways to grow her understanding.  She sets intentions in Chinese hotel rooms to be and become in her service to others.  She knows it is a sacrifice, a self-sacrifice, since in order for something new to be born, something also has to die.

A learner also knows he is courageous.  He walks boldly into a classroom and takes on new knowledge skills and competencies like a lion on the prowl with curiosity in his mouth.  His pride is with him; the pride of ‘belonging.’  Learning is his birthright and he is unafraid.

Children live in this paradox.  They hold learning as a practice and a birthright.  Their curiosity sometimes steps tentatively and sometimes sure-footed.  As they dance through the halls called “growth,” we can remind them we are all learners.  Parents and teachers are learners too.  What reassurance, to know we aren’t alone in the liminal space.

Learning at the Table

Growth and risk-taking are at the centre of the partnership .  Teachers, Parents, and Students are all at the Table.  It doesn’t have to be bathed in perfection, it has to be bathed in authenticity because sometimes we feel afraid and sometimes we feel confident.  What we know for sure is, we’re better together.  I’m welcoming you to dine with me at the Learn Forward table.

For the sake of the children,
Karine

PS Don’t miss the ideas for learning at home this winter.  Get your free parent pdf at Learn Forward this month only.