Beyond Conventional Wisdom

“Imagine” is one of the most popular songs of all time because it speaks to the heart of one of our most basic desires. When you allow John Lennon’s words and music to fill your heart, what does your heart tell you about your desire for peace? Not just living in a peaceful world but peace in all your communities, including your home, workplace and/or school?

Take a few minutes to READ or LISTEN TO “Imagine.”

Real peace is not what masquerades between nations or in families as a time between wars. It is living with a perpetual sense of serenity and security. Conventional thinking will never bring about that kind of peace. For real peace to become a possible dream a radical paradigm shift is required.

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My school memories are mostly unhappy. No one seemed to care about this very shy kid, who walked around feeling inadequate, wanting to hide in the shadows and remain anonymous. Classroom lectures were boring, and tests that required regurgitating facts were meaningless. Most of the time I felt lost, alienated and inadequate.

How would you characterize your school experience?

Being motivated to become a teacher, made graduate school a better experience. However, in my last class the professor delivered what he referred to as his most important lesson of caution. The poignant message and warning – “Don’t ever become personally involved in the lives of your students.”

Being older than most of my fellow classmates, I didn’t pay much attention to this message. I’ve often wondered how many prospective teachers are given, and follow, such a warning.

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