Bird Droppings August 18, 2012

I was wondering about pondering today?

 

My daughter in-law has lost two loved ones in the past few weeks and while I did not really know either of her relatives that well, it impacts me with her marriage to our son and with her daughter our granddaughter. I was wondering as I pondered and recalled back when my wife started her doctorate I was searching through my books for resources for a paper my wife was working on dealing with faith, science and nursing practice. It is at first an odd mix for some and others can see the realization that within nursing practice is both science and faith. In my piles of books I found several to help her and found old reads of my own that still have significance. Kent Nerburn with a Ph.D. in religion and in art brings a wonderful sort of freshness to my own philosophical ideas and thoughts about faith and about life as we know it. Many of his books deal with the Native American and the spiritual side that many never see or read about. I shared several books of Kent Nerburn with my wife as she worked on her paper. But as I look at many of the thoughts I had and borrowed today they apply to loved ones dealing with loss and with each of us trying daily to go on.

 

“Life is but a dream we renew each day. It is up to us to infuse this dream with light, and to cultivate, as best we are able, the ways and habits of love.” Kent Nerburn, Simple Truths

 

As I write daily for me sometimes it is effortless and other times tedious as I write on something that may or may not really appeal to me. As I read my wives reflection paper and how she was perceiving faith and its inter relations with science and her nursing practice I was intrigued as this was a side I have experienced but never heard her talk of or write about. I found a copy of one of Reinhold Niebuhr’s books and shared his serenity poem which many years ago was used in one of his sermons. His discussion of Paul Tillich and a definition of faith gave my wife some thoughts that faith is not just something in church on Sunday but truly an integral part of who we are and how we live our lives.

 

“Life is a battle between faith and reason in which each feeds upon the other, drawing sustenance from it and destroying it.” Reinhold Niebuhr

 

“Who would wish to take the mystery out of the experience of looking into newborn infants eyes? Who would not feel in violation of something great if we had knowledge of what has departed when we stare in to the face of one who has died? These are the events that make us human, that define the distance between us and the stars.” Kent Nerburn, Small Truths

 

            Sometimes it is hard not to be a teacher whether I am in school or helping one of my sons with a project as they came through high school and even in college. Although I find now often asking them for advice and help with various efforts as each has become expert in differing fields. I started reading several books recently all leaning toward a view of teaching and guidance that steps away from behaviorism and leans in the direction of choice. I have mentioned several times recently Dr. Garrett and Dr. Glasser both authors of numerous books and articles. One is the past chairman of the University of Florida Guidance Department and the other a medical doctor who writes about Choice Theory and education.

 

“Teaching is a hard job when students make an effort to learn. When they make no effort, it is an impossible one. This is a simple fact well known to teachers, is the reason so many students are learning so little in schools.”  Dr. William Glasser, Choice Theory in the Classroom

 

As I read Dr. Garrett’s words of wisdom as he addresses Native American philosophy and understanding of the world I find many similarities and comparisons to Glasser’s thoughts. Having a background in psychology and somewhat experienced in talking with kids and especially kids with problems I find Garrett’s ideas very potentially useful and powerful.

 

The idea of a talking circle permeates the traditions of Native Americans to this day. It symbolizes the entire approach to life and to the universe in which each being participates in the Circle and each one serves an important and necessary function that is valued no more or no less than any of the other being. Dr. Michael Garrett, Walking on the Wind

 

I start each day in my classes with journal writing and a semblance of a circle talking about issues at hand often joking throwing out Glasser’s idea of humor as an essential part of who we are but the talking among a group is a powerful piece of understanding and often brings to head issues that are bothering kids at the moment. Occasionally I pull out my talking stick and add a bit of Native American trivia to the morning start.

 

The commonest mistake made about freedom is, I think to identify it with freedom of movement, or with the physical side of activity. Now this external and physical side of activity cannot be separated from the internal side of activity; from freedom of thought, desire, and purpose. The limitation that was put upon outward action by the fixed arrangements of the typical traditional schoolroom, with its fixed rows of desks and its military regimen of pupils who were permitted to move only at certain fixed signals, put a great restriction upon intellectual and moral freedom. John Dewey, Experience and Education

 

            Leave it to John Dewey to discuss ideas a bit ahead of his time. Dewey knew students learned better when what they were learning was relevant and meant something to them. Learning occurred when students had context to the content.

 

“Wisdom is having more questions than answers. The one who has found all the answers to his or her questions has run out of questions. The one who has run out of questions has run out of learning. A person who ceases to learn has ceased to experience. And a person who has run out of experience ceases to be wise.” Dr. J. T. Garrett and Dr. Michael Garrett, The Cherokee Full Circle

 

I speak often when talking to teachers about the questions asked by four year olds. My classroom has been a field trip for our ECE class of little learners. In our high school we have a demonstration school of pre-schoolers about twenty four year olds who are taught by high school students wanting to go into the teaching field. My classroom is full of things and animals and more things many teachable moments and always there are questions from the four year olds. Sometimes the questions are so profound the high school students are in awe. As I thought about this phenomenon I found it appears we as teachers stifle the questioning. When little Johnny asks one too many times or ask the same question twice or three times we tend to say no more questions and soon little Johnny stops asking. Soon they cease to learn and soon wisdom has gone by the wayside.

            I was told the other day that writing is stupid and I always respond I write every day at some time be it night or morning. I find my writing clears my head and allows me to meditate and ponder on things far beyond what I am writing about at the moment.

 

“Writing can change your life. It can help you deepen your understanding of yourself as well as achieve the goals you set for yourself. It can help you make sense of the information that assaults you every day and present ideas so that others can take you seriously. And it can broaden your world by enabling you to communicate effectively with people you have never met.”  Robert Keith Miller, Motives for Writing

 

I have wandered in my wondering and pondering this afternoon and evening. During the night last night several times taking the dog out and seeing a sky encompassed with stars wanting to be seen. Sounds of the night that needed to be heard and as I write and wonder about students who while seemingly do not want to be there may truly want to learn. It is about finding the key to their wonderment. I will close with another thought form Kent Nerburn.

 

Education is one of the great joys and solaces of life. It gives us a framework for understanding the world around us and a way to reach across time and space to touch the thoughts and feelings of others.” Kent Nerburn, Small Truths

 

            So I close another days writing with a phrase I one day hope I can discontinue but until that time. Please keep all in harm’s way on your mind and in your hearts and to always give thanks namaste.

 

Wa de (Skee)

bird