We Heard...Did We Listen?

Contemplate –verb (used with object)

1. to look at or view with continued attention; observe or study thoughtfully: to contemplate the stars.

2. to consider thoroughly; think fully or deeply about: to contemplate a difficult problem.

3. to have as a purpose; intend.

Contemplating is kind of a crazy thought nowadays in schools….to slow down and create deep meaning. I am afraid what would happen if I did. Would I remember to apply what we’ve learned once I get back to Lapwai? Would I be able to get the test scores I need? Would my principal approve? Would my colleagues give their blessing? Do I really give a damn? à Sadly, I do. I do care if others feel my approach to teaching is not correct. I feel that I am so ingrained in what the system requires that any dramatic change would be difficult to maintain. I believe that is why the Wright Fellowship has had such a great impact on my life. I have found others that feel the same way I do in regards to teaching. I have found professors that are teaching us to be thoughtful and become better at what we do. Here with you all I feel in-the-groove.

Do you care what others think of you? Would you be willing to do your own thing? Could you apply parts of contemplative pedagogy to your practice? I think that slowing down, being thoughtful, or allowing our students to think fully and deeply; and then connecting class concepts to their entire being, is much more difficult than we let on.

Follow me here if you think you’ve got no problem with deeper application of ideas we have been discussing in contemplative practice.

Cohort 11 gave super presentations today. The last one was especially awesome…right?...right? Anyways, conversations were being had …hard work was being shared…work that had incredible time invested in it. Cohort 11 (and next year 12 will) wanted to express themselves and share all the excitement with professors and others in our classes. The presentations were not simply sharing but also for guiding the next group on their journey. Lastly, the presentations were a chance to have all of those that influenced us, in one room for thank yous from the heart.

We had just left Matt’s class—we are evolved contemplative beings, remember? After all, we read a book. Remember, we were exuding love and happiness for ourselves and others. We were ready to slow down and listen—listen like a grandpa, listen like a cow. Many of us have even blogged about it. Why did we become slaves to the clock then? I don’t mean, why did we decide on shorter presentations, ‘cause you all know I am always in favor for a shorter assignment. I mean, why didn’t we offer more time to those that needed to go over a bit? Did we listen intently to what people were saying, or only to the clock tick?

This has been really bugging me. Heidi, specifically, could have gone longer. I could see it in her face. She has had trouble turning in her finished work because it means so much to her. She had to rush, using auctioneer style speech, rattling on the board like a machine gun to progress through her slides. Who said, “Take your time, girl.” Who gathered themselves in lotus position and said, “Now I am ready to listen to you.” Not me. Probably not you either…at least, I didn’t hear anyone.

It wouldn’t have been such a noticeable thing if we had not just been discussing contemplation in Matt’s class. I suppose we need to be mindful about being mindful. From the blogs I can see we haven’t forgotten the lessons, only that we need to apply them for good to happen in our worlds.