fun and fantasy

Taking yourself too seriously? Get ready for a curve ball being thrown in your direction! A little bit of "bizarre" will help you work through what you need to work through. -Coyote

I saw a coyote yesterday at dusk and looked up the symbolism. Animals that cross our paths have messages for us. Well I'm definitely ready for a curve ball these days, something to shake things up. Which might sound surprising considering the current state of things seems to be one curve ball after another. I think what I'm really ready for is an "inner curve ball," something to help shift my way of seeing and relating to the circumstances at hand.

In a conversation with a friend I commented a bit on this and the need to find ways to redirect current energy going into well worn grooves of habit (mostly thought habits right now). I can see energy going in certain directions and instead of trying to simply STOP that from happening, I'd like to find ways to apply or direct that energy in more positive and helpful ways. I added the comment "Not unlike we do with the students." 

Her response was great. She said "Yes, when it comes to the students when we see a behavior or a habit that could really cause trouble long term we're always curious, looking for ways to help shift the energy. We're willing to do anything, even things that seem irrational at times. We're open and looking for opportunities and possibilities. When it comes to ourselves though we immediately have all these opinions about what we should do and what will work and won't work." 

So true! We stop ourselves before we can begin sometimes. It seem so much easier to see and hold the highest potential of my students even in the midst of difficult behaviors and somehow much harder to do that for myself. There are so many little subconscious patterns and beliefs that hold us back even when we are earnestly seeking solutions. So how can we get creative with ourselves and our own growth? 

In that same conversation we discussed plans for our annual Education for Life conference that happens each summer and the topic of fun and fantasy came up. In his book J. Donald Walter (Swami Kriyananda) mentions, quite a few times, the importance of fun and fantasy in making the educational process more human and experiential. 

Never underestimate the importance of fun to the over-all teaching process. It is often during the moments of lightness, when the mind is diverted, that the most fundamental lessons are absorbed.

 

I think this is the key, the "curve ball" that my mind is needing right now. How can I bring fun into the process of learning and growth that I'm experiencing right now? I'll keep you posted on any insights as things unfold!