I admire the spirit of trees
& want to live learning from it.
I want to be one with the tree
But I do not want to be a tree…
For if every man becomes a tree
Who would be there to nurture & witness their beauty?
Trees need us and we need them. There is synergy dancing between us.
As we care to nourish the nature around us.
We are nourished back by nature.
We are born to live along with trees
They are lifes longings for itself
Like our sons and daughters
They are fragile and strong
And share untold wisdom within
And live sharing themselves.
They protect us with their shade
as much as they nourish us with their bearings.
In the strength of their interconnects we realise
The value in the interdependence.
They are because we are
We are because they are!
Every learning is a two-way process. There is the imparter of knowledge, skill & wisdom of truth who could be called a guru, teacher or a facilitator. Then there is the one who receives, assimilates, processes synthesizes & is then convinced about his or her interpretation of assimilation of truth enough to be called the student, shishya or disciple.
Now as learning is a never-ending process of growth and realization all the seekers of knowledge should have the channels of thoughts, words & deeds open for correction, improvement to be able to retain & sustain the available information to the best of their abilities.
The interpretation of knowledge may happen with respect to the personal state of mind and matter of the receiver, no matter whether he is the student or a teacher. Both are only human and are bound to the vagaries of human nature.
Poise & Composure
The sheer physical or mental magnetism a teacher or student exudes or otherwise must not undermine the purpose. So certain restraint in conduct, both in the physical emotional & mental sense must be in place for a mutually symbiotic relationship to take place. It’s very important for this realization to be clear and apparent enough between both of them before they can begin a journey of refinement that knowledge brings forth. In a situation of misplaced judgement, it is important for the other to coach and coax the unwilling and astray mule in the mind of the erring person, back on to the road, whoever they are, student or teacher. As learning is a two-way street. The learning will at times make the student a teacher and the teacher a student in the journey of realization.
Channelling the learning
Many times the temptation of thoughts will bring even the most dedicated of students or teachers to testing the real purpose of their efforts and practice. At this juncture, the control of mind and body actions must be exercised. This, if left unchecked could leave room for unnecessary situations which could harm the beautiful synthesis and symbiotic nature of the student-teacher relationship. The boundaries of mind are easily even more difficult to fathom and clarify.
It is simple and wise to let the mind be grounded, focused and steadfast in its purpose enough to be clear about the distinction and discernment while the learning relationship is taking place. As a single stray thought, or action could cause confusion enough to completely toss the relationship boundaries to levels which may be difficult to tilt back to states of equilibrium that needs to be maintained.
Steering the learning
The teacher must make it clear to himself or herself and to the students that he is there for the purpose of teaching and sharing the knowledge that he has been privy to, probably because of his own levels of ability, understanding, karma, dedication or steadfastness and discipline in acquiring the related skill. This act itself clears the ground for proper acceptance of a teacher’s education.
The thought and senses need to be checked before every movement such that there is respect enough for the student towards the teachers’ knowledge and in doing so the teacher manages to gain the required acceptance from the student and learning resumes.
Respect
But this is only one side of the coin the student too, has certain modes of conduct which needs to be observed and never crossed.
It is very important to understand first of all that neither a teachers time must not be taken for granted nor his teachings. They will be there for you as you need it and thus trust enough to understand that you cannot learn more or less of anything than what is required for you at that time.
Secondly, it is important that both accept and follow the principles of conduct in which learning is taking place which is ideally laid down by the form or subject to ensure that both do not stray beyond the boundaries and go off track.
The purpose of learning is absolutely free flowing & spills over to life and its situations and circumstances so this association of thought must not be confused with favoritism and partiality of any kind between both of them.
In some learning, the personal space both physical and mental greatly narrows down between the teacher and student putting them in a quandary especially if both are seeing a reflection of thoughts and actions in each other. This is definitely a situation to exercise caution enough to circumvent the spillover of knowledge beyond the cup of the mind.
Finally, there is the need to assimilate and interpret an information and only then act upon it, not get taken by impulse so much that you don’t give the other side the benefit of doubt.
The realization that experiences necessary for your learning and growth come to you will be clear but at the same time, you must keep in mind that no student or teacher can exercise and influence you to the degree that you do not want to be.
You learn what you can imbibe.. Not more not less!
Savvy
I wrote this article years ago but I was reminded of it today as in India it is Guru Poornima a day dedicated to the Teacher or Guru in and around us.
It is a day of celebration in respect & reverence for the exchange of knowledge and wisdom.
I addressed here the interplay of that which needs a mutual definition in understanding between both the students and the teacher as learnings begin to happen. It is always a work in progress for I believe learning is never ending and a continuous path of life and living.
Yet it is beautiful to pause & be grateful for the understanding that comes our way. Thus through the trials & tribulations of being a student & a teacher, life abounds in deep gratitude.
When in friendships two is company and three a crowd…
A small story.
Recently my young cousin shifted to my city to work. She had found a suitable job and her first step into settling herself was to find a place to stay on her own.
Although she stayed with us initially, being independent by nature we knew soon that she would be keen on finding her own place.
Understanding her need for an independent living we helped her scout one hostel which seemed all fine except the time and cost of a commute as it was a little distant from her place of work.
Soon she realised she was wasting money and time. She started networking with her colleagues and she landed an offer from one.
The girl in question was staying in a tiny non-descript place barely enough for two but pretty much close to her office. She asked her to move in with her and share her rent and other expenses. Realising the convenience of proximity to her place of work as she could simply walk to the office and the fact that the rent was truly affordable my cousin agreed to shift in.
Being a very careful spender my cousin was all excited. Moreover, she was elated in fact that she happily shared how good it would be, to not have to spend so much time travelling as well.
We too were glad she found a place near her workplace and decided to help her shift on a suitable day which happened to be yesterday.
Now life is known to be unpredictable.
Between the then and now many things can change. Such is the nature of life and living.
But a young girl coming away from home and hearth with a suitcase full of dreams in her heart would hardly be the one to realise the vagaries of life and living.
It so happened, that after all the eagerness of finally making it to the new home, a rude shock awaited her. The girl who had offered her to share the flat brought in one more colleague to stay. But it wasn’t never discussed mutually between. This gave rise to a lot of tension between them. My cousin felt cheated that there was no transparency in the dealing. Moreover, there was no space for the third person in an already cramped room.
Now my cousin was braving tears trying to tell me the whole incident this morning. Although I don’t suspect her tenacity to tackle the situation one bit and find a solution to her problem I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. My heart reaches out to her as I write this. I wish her God speed in finding the right home for herself in this city.
A few reflections on Life and living
So much about trust issues here
To trust another is about believing
But a belief that must be valued by the one you place your trust one.
Think twice to read the signs and place your trust in people carefully.
(My cousin decided to vacate her hostel even before the actual date of vacating to save her travel expenses).Sometimes not doing things on an impulse but waiting it out by observing the developing situation and then taking move helps.
Life can be challenging moment to moment. So much for erratic development and behaviour changes in a person. But people are different by default and sooner one acknowledge this the better it is.
A great lesson in being careful. So before taking things and people for granted no matter how close it makes sense to set certain things straight on record.
Living independently at a young age can certainly be challenging but the wisdom is to sense the challenges as they come and be strengthened by it.
When I shared this story, there were three new perspectives.
Firstly the introduction as the centre line becomes a connecting line that gives shape to the 2 semicircles.
Secondly, while 2 dots can only make a line the 3rd one can give it varied forms.
Thirdly any duel cannot be judged without a 3rd referee.
The entry of a 3rd person ( child) makes the family complete.
All is truly in a shift of perspectives. The 3rd is a PowerPoint. It can balance or tilt the whole to one side.
As for my cousin, it is a valuable lesson learnt for a lifetime in hindsight. And I believe she is only stronger by it. Wishing her the best of luck!
Have you had any experience where the third person has changed the course of your friendship?
Writing is an expressive experience. The one that has many benefits in itself. From the psychological point of view where it makes you think and communicate better to the emotional aspects of bettering your ability to deal with your own emotions. It helps you work with your pain and process the thoughts in a rethink. It helps you stay motivated as you can record your progression as well. It helps sort out your own thoughts.
A significant aspect worth considering is when you focus on the positive and write with an attitude of gratitude for life itself there are much more health benefits than writing with grudges.
Most importantly as you write you are able to let go of worries and stresses that you may accumulate in the course of time through the physical act of writing.
Personally speaking, having studied a bit of Graphology, I have always felt that the very act of writing your thoughts on paper is healing through the movement itself An act fast disappearing in today’s changing times. Children today write much lesser physically with a pen on paper.
The truth is writing is a greater healer in itself.
And to share your writing is to learn some more.
Every writer has many or no reasons about what, when and why they write …what is yours? Care to share?
Every one of us has the ability to create the strength of the circle within us and it can start with movements in grace of connectedness to the powers within.
Every thought can be chosen to reflect a flow of hope and goodwill . Every deed that follows then will someway reflect that very thought and that would be the strength of the circle amplified.
When there is harmony in our thoughts and the core intention within…Peace and Goodwill reigns in our hearts .
Movements are energy in action.And movements in a dance can heal and transform lives for the better.
How?
The physicality of a series of rhythmic or structured movement like in a dance creates a chemistry of changes to integrate the body mind and soul in a flow gradually towards health and vitality.
A few pointers to those who wish to dance to bring wellbeing into their lives .
When you dance …
Dance sensing the joy of movement. Feel the energy in the action
Savvy Raj 
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