In the face of uncertainty, the ability to adapt is an outstanding survival skill.
With the world in lockdown adapting skills like interpersonal, creative problem solving, organisational and for those in isolation with others – teamwork can make this time heaven-sent or hellish. If we fall short of any of these skills then its never too late to learn – we are in lockdown, we have the technology and we have time.
The first step is to open the mind to learning.
“The mind is like a parachute… It only works if we keep it open.” Albert Einstein
Many moons ago (1993) I was given a copy of this exceptional presentation by a principle at Tintern Grammar in Melbourne Australia given to his pupils. I have tried to source this on the net without avail with no luck yet the wisdom lives on especially in these trying times and we can all benefit from this message.
What is a Good Learner?
To be a good learner we must be a constant learner.
Good learners have confidence in their ability to learn. If they fail, they are not incapacitated.
Good learners trust their judgment but they are not afraid of being wrong. They can listen, learn and understand and they are willing to change their minds.
Good learners are not always fast answerers: they may delay judgment until they are better informed.
Good learners are flexible: they will change their viewpoints and have another look.
Good learners understand that answers are relative. What is true now may not be true later. They respect the facts, but they know that facts sometimes change.
Good learners are skilled in inquiry: they question assumptions and test definitions.
Good learners continue to try to verify their beliefs. They are good observers and understand that language can obscure differences as well as control perception.
Good learners do not demand an absolute final solution; “I don’t know” does not depress them, it stimulates them.
Good learners know that having taken a leap of faith, they can move mountains. They know that faith, hope and love abide forever and that the greatest of these is love.
Let us hope that we all can be good learners in the future.
Extract from a speech made by the Principal of Tintern GGS 1993
So while we are embarking on learning new skills on how to listen better, be more thoughtful, laugh more, scowl less.. consider also how we can increase our skills of adaptation from the outset with opening our mind.
Which one thing, from the 10 suggestions of ‘how to be a good learner’ in the quote above, would you like to improve on to become an even better learner?
How do you see this helping you with your life?
How do you see this, or another point from the quote, helping you successfully live through and maybe even thrive during this lockdown period?
What one action can you take to help yourself improve in this area?
May every day be a personal evolutionary step for each of us.
Adapted from the ‘LIVE Well’ course by Alannah Dore / Holistic Living Training Institute http://www.adorholisticliving.com.au