September/October 2002
Feature Articles
Holistic Health Q & A
by John DeCosmo, D.O.
Of genes and gene testing and evaluation.
What is... the Organic Movement?
by Robert Roman
Part two of a three-part article detailing
the author's personal experiences and the growth of the organic movement.
UnCommon Sense!
by David Findlay
War - Iraq - Should we remove Saddam
Hussein?
Articles on the theme "The Learning Process"
A Basket Weaver
by Lou Galgano
An example of how one artist learns
and teaches what he knows.
Getting "It"
by Lewis Fishman
Using "it" as an inspiration
to learn.
Learning Without Harm
by Barbara Bedingfiled
How intellectualism has negatively
influenced our education of the young - and how to counter this.
Music and Movement, and Learning
by Bob and Claire Franki
How the combination of music with movement
from age zero not only facilitates musicianship but increases coordination
and learning.
September 12
by Janet Kato
A moment when the learning process
became the healing process
Learning From Everything
by Patrick Plaskett
Learning from life - from both the
"good" and the "bad."
Learning From Other Cultures
by Dr. Jean Houston
The birth of the Planetary Human
The Relationship Learning Process
by Bob Murray, Ph.D.
How our problems stem from failed relationships;
how to make good ones.
Getting "It"
by Lewis Fishman
My number-one pet peeve has got to be not "getting it," whatever "it" is. "It" could be as down-to-earth as learning to play guitar or use a word processor, or as higher-focused as relating with others or advancing on a spiritual path.
Sometimes, the learning seems to drag and grind. Especially when others already know what I'm trying to learn. They make it seem effortless, so why can't I? What's so difficult about this anyway?
Maybe I know "it" but don't realize that I know "it." For instance, after having studied and worked towards my ordination, I'm ready to apply my knowledge and skills as a minister. I often mistakenly feel, though, that "I can never be as good as my teacher." Sound familiar?
In the past, not "getting it" has been an insult to my intelligence and a negation of my humanity. I now know this is pure deception, and I'm learning to see through it. I now realize that I can choose to view challenges as growth opportunities instead of reasons to wallow in anger and self-doubt (and thereby accomplish nothing).
Unfortunately, though, many people throw in the towel when they get frustrated by their lack of progress. What's worse, they treat lack of success in one area of life as potential failure in all areas of life. They turn away from new ideas, or shun new activities. They get stuck in a rut, which has been defined as "a grave with the ends kicked out."
I believe these feelings of inadequacy stem from impatience and ego-centeredness. Let's look at both.
Impatience stems from a lack of trust in Spirit's own good timing. With everything happening incredibly rapidly these days, we feel as though something is wrong if we don't learn instantly. The learning becomes superficial and our confidence becomes less certain. We forget that someone's seemingly instant success is usually built on a solid foundation of time, work, and love. These are universal principles. To disregard these is to disregard the wisdom of Spirit.
Often, our frustration is related to the heights and time frames of others' learning curves. We take pride in high I.Q. levels, great bowling scores, and diplomas. Some people zoom along the "fast track to success," but others drag upon the "road to nowhere." This habit of comparison comes from ego-centeredness. We dwell upon our separation from one another and classify ourselves into hierarchies and differences.
Regarding "getting it," we forget to ask ourselves important questions: "Relative to what standard? To whom? For what purpose?" As proud as I am of my children when they bring home good grades, I want them to set their own learning curves. I always ask them, "What have you learned today that you did not know before you went to school?"
The learning process doesn't need to be driven from outside ourselves, or apart from the Intelligence of the Universe. You're doing fine, right now, even as you continue to learn. The process of growth is the important thing.
In fact, perhaps we never fully arrive. Call it "inspirational dissatisfaction." Anthony Robbins calls it CANI! (Constant And Never-ending Improvement). It's important not only for each of us, but for our community, our nation, and our planet. There's always one more place to visit, one more canvas to paint, one more truth to discover. You will be the one to visit, paint, and discover. And more because you want to!
In the meantime, in the midst of our struggles, how do we keep inspired while learning? Here are some ideas:
1. Change your vocabulary when it comes to learning. I just called learning a "struggle." Must it be so? Let's reframe it as a "challenge," or "opportunity."
2. You've already come a long way! Isn't it true that you're more enlightened today than yesterday? (Yes, it is.) The good news is that tomorrow, you'll be enlightened further still!
3. Are you moving too fast to find the solution to your difficulty? It's often closer than you think. Take it easy on the road to learning (remember, it's a curve!)
4. Persist in your learning. Give yourself time to know the material at a gut level. Masters, according to author Dan Millman, seem to make little or no progress in the beginning stages of learning, but, in time, they achieve greater results. (That's why they're masters.)
5. Whenever you feel you don't "get it," remember to look for another, deeper lesson. What does your frustration reveal about you? Are you too anxious or fretful? Could you choose a different, more resourceful emotion, such as curiosity?
6. Don't wait for perfection. You'll only become perfect at waiting. Do your best, with what you have, right now.
7. Focus only upon your own growth. Do not compare yourself to others if that causes you to give up.
8. On the other hand, do not forsake the help of others when it becomes available. Perhaps you could use a mentor or coach. Is there a support group you can join? A class you can take?
9. Remember to form a partnership with Spirit. Pray and affirm for your rapid and thorough understanding. Meditation will help you access the Infinite Intelligence. Taking time to remain silent and listen to the Voice will, at the least, relax you and help the learning proceed more smoothly. And, perhaps, meditation will even provide the insight you seek.
You have the means to learn whatever you wish, to experience all the wonders of life. Now, go get "it." Lots of "it."
Rev. Lewis J. Fishman is a pharmacist. He is also a minister at the Temple of Mystic Light, next to Mystic Goddess, in Largo, FL. (727)-530-9994. AMysticFriend@aol.com.
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