Learning to Learn

The mind is a trap; it grabs and holds onto countless bits and pieces of information. The volume continues to grow with every experience we have as our mind identifies, classifies, organizes and synergizes every little tidbit of every aspect of them. This process is something we refer to as learning, which we describe as:

“Learning is the lifelong process of transforming information and experience into knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.” (1)

The above definition will suffice for this discussion. When I read it the first thought that occurred to me was “how do we do this?” Part of the answer is contained in the definition itself; that word being “transforming”. The idea of transformation is change, and change is learning.

Making A Difference

If you planted hope today, in any hopeless heart,

If someone’s burden is lighter because you did your part

If you caused a laugh that chased some tears away

If tonight you name is named when someone kneels to pray

Then your day has been well spent.

One Thought

We are,

And with our first breath

Have plunged out of the pure white

Into a kaleidoscope of perceptions

We are,

And with our first sensations

Almost overwhelming us

Our moments the only experiences

A Discussion of Ethics

I have had many interesting and challenging discussed over the years and been asked a variety of questions.  The ones that are among the most challenging to answer or even speak to are not the highly technical or mystical and deep, they are those pertaining to ethics. Any discussion of ethics involves morality and includes such notions as good and evil or right and wrong. This is sufficient to add layers of complexity to any situation. Questions of right and wrong are problematic by nature; I examine ideas such in the essay “A Consideration of Opposites”.

Ethics are important to anyone on a personal or spiritual growth path, not so much as a measure of accomplishment rather as a way to gauge where you are or even what needs to be improved. They are important because without them progress is limited. Hence, the purpose of this essay is to make you aware of ethics as they pertain to daily life and not to have you judge yourself for the ethical challenges you may have. We all have ethical challenges; if we did not have them, we likely would not need to be here.