Month: December 2017

Bored? Try Something New

There’s a magic involved with stepping out on a limb. The risk of attempting something previously uncharted makes a wonderful pathway in a  human’s brain. Personally, I have found that learning something completely different from anything I have ever pursued before spurs my creativity more than anything else could.

We were made to do some things on impulse. So look up that question you had, right away. Write down the ideas that fly into your brain. Learn something new.

Today, pursue something different; learn a fact you never had known before; experience life a new way. You’d be surprised to realize what kind of perspective it will give you! Who knows: you’re probably one idea away from changing the world!

Forward Tilt: One Year of Growth in a Podcast

I won’t forget the day I was researching alternative educational opportunities and I came across a recommendation for the podcast associated with the Praxis program, Forward Tilt. Being a go-getter and wanting to learn more about the mindset behind the program, I started the first episode. Several hours later, I had listened to all 10 episodes that had been created up to that point, and was bouncing on my toes waiting for the next episode release. (In other language, I was hooked.)

Continue reading Forward Tilt: One Year of Growth in a Podcast

Gifts vs. Giving

I love gifts. But those that mean the most are heartfelt presents: the ones that have specific intent or special symbolism. I don’t appreciate gifts based on the amount of money spent on them. Actually, getting a bargain on a present makes it extra special to me. And I will flip if I know the present was hand made. I LOVE presents crafted by the person who gives them to me.

Continue reading Gifts vs. Giving

Success Through Failure?

It was the end of a Mock Trial that I completed in my Sophomore year of high school. Both teams were waiting breathlessly for the judge to give the verdict and closing remarks. As defense attorney, I was extremely nervous, considering that my client, one of my close friends, was charged with murdering her husband. I recognized that it was a close battle, understood that we had made some major mistakes, but held on to the tiny chance I knew we had. Then the moment came. The verdict was spoken. Continue reading Success Through Failure?

Simple Ways to Heal the World

It doesn’t take much to make the world a better place.

Sometimes the obstructions that seem to hold us back from making a difference are all in our own head. In fact, the conscious decision to make a positive impact is enough to stop the chain of negativity that surrounds us and beautify the world around us. Continue reading Simple Ways to Heal the World

Recalled to Life? A Commentary on A Tale of Two Cities

What is life? Scientists define the four characteristics of life as the ability to reproduce, the presence of DNA, the strength to extract/ convert energy into a useful substance, and the capacity to sense and respond to changes in surroundings. Merriam-Webster maintains that life is”the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual”. Neither of these definitions encompass the full meaning of life when referring to the human being, a spiritual creature. Life is not simply physical existence. In fact, no human answer can fully define the word. Philosophers, scientists, all of humanity have tried in vain for years to put “life” in a box; to make it a tangible, understandable substance. Continue reading Recalled to Life? A Commentary on A Tale of Two Cities

Learning By Teaching: The Cycle of Education

Being raised in a large family, I am accustomed to the constant fuel of creativity, the continual exchange of new ideas. There is always a new project to compete in. The next breakthrough research is always just around the corner. The learning process never stops.

There is a key concept that naturally comes to life in a family of vast age differences: the best way to ingrain any piece of knowledge into your head is to pass on that information to another individual.

For hundreds of years, this was an expected cycle of learning. One learnt the information, reviewed it, formed his opinion of it, debated it, and taught another what he knew. (Socratic dialogue, anybody?)

It has only been in recent years that we have lost the concept of the cycle of learning. Teaching is reserved only for those who are so-called “experts” in a field. Everyone else keeps quiet and lets the experts do their thing, successfully cutting off the life of education by smothering conversation.

How would humanity change if each individual recognized the benefits of using the knowledge he has, no matter how small, to impact other people?

What if you sat down and wrote a short essay on every new concept you gained? Or if you found one person every day to question about an idea you have about the world? What if the cycle of learning could be refueled by those who are passionate about true education?

I challenge you: Teach someone something today. Build relationships. Pass on information. Create dialogue and healthy conversation. Encourage questions. Explore. Create. And watch the world begin to flourish around you. Life can only be complete when education flows through its intended cycle.