Educational Discourse

Not the last book I read but the last book that I read.

A few years back, I received a gift certificate from Coles book store from a friend of the family. I intended on using it during a visit to the city but when I went there was nothing that really caught my eye. Time passed and I either forgot it at home or, when I went, there was nothing that grabbed me. So, a few weeks ago while at meetings, I went book shopping taking the tattered certificate with me.

I had a pretty good list of books that I was interested in buying, gathered from the many blogs I’ve read and the various conversations I’ve overheard on Twitter. So, can you guess what I might have purchased? What might have been discussed that would get me to part with this certificate?

I bet none of you guessed The Secret edited by Rhonda Byrne . That’s right. Now, I heard about it from Alec Couros on Twitter and he mentioned a url that I checked out. It was definitely a well done website but it didn’t catch me. In fact, I think Alec referred to it as being rather cultish in nature and I kind of thought so myself. So, as I strolling through Coles’, I came across it on one of the shelves. Now, I did resist looking at it for a few passes. Finally, however, I gave in and began to puruse the book. Now to say it’s deeply intellectual would be a stretch. In fact, it’s very easy to read which is a great thing after going through some of the other books on my summer reading list. The message was simple and, really, it seemed to simple at first.

Now, I’m not sure that I’m suppose to give away the secret but it isn’t beyond the reach of every single person. I think that it is incredibly easy to do and, in a way, makes sense if you think about it. Do I believe it? Kinda. Am I joining the group? No. Am I dismissing it? Not really.  I think that it will help you improve yourself in some ways because it does make you look at things in a different light and reevaluate how you approach your life. I haven’t seen enough evidence to suggest that it is truly “The Secret” but it sure has affected how I look at things around me.

School started yesterday and from the start I knew it was going to be an awesome day. The day was like this - teachers did not get any of their photocopying done because the copier has been down for 2 weeks with no tech person showing up. Our computer system was down. We just gained access to the lab that afternoon. Our gym floor, that was replaced and was suppose to be finished last month is still not finished. Our new handicap access doors don’t work right because the motorized mechanism was too much for our old frame and the door is now a bit off center so it needs help opening and closing and it won’t be fixed for a few weeks. We have been invaded by crickets. Jimmy is driving all of crazy. But, despite all these things, it was a great day and I was eager to get back today. Not because I ignored the problems or because I was medicated but because I looked for solutions and then accepted what needed to be accepted. Nothing magical and nothing truly outlandish. Sometimes we need to be reminded that being positive is a state of being. It isn’t that you see the world through coloured glasses or ignore things. Instead, it’s an attitude that allows you to face challenges in a positive mindset which has proven to be very helpful these last few days.

If you want to know what “The Secret” really is, then you will have to buy the book or at least go to a store and read until you find it. It isn’t amazing or even “wow”ing. It’s rather a let down to think that it could really be that easy. For many of us in academia, we will be skeptical because it can really be done by anyone. And maybe that’s the point. Much of what is truly wonderful in life is accessible by anyone and the “other things” with which we surround ourselves just distract us from those things that are great. Looking at things from a different vantage point is refreshing and, I’m finding, reinvigorating. As I left school today, I thought “It’s been a great two days!” And it has, even my older daughters have mentioned it. There is something different and it’s good.

The old man beckoned for me to sit down. I slowly approached unsure of what was going to happen.

“I really did expect you to get here a bit sooner. Nothing can be done about that now but we’ll have to use your time wisely. I hope that, having waited so long, you’ve already learned some things.”

“What are talking about?”

“Yes. I’m sure you don’t know. You see, I tend the stream of emotion for you. As your emotions flow through you, I help to keep things smooth so that you remain as calm as possible during events. That is why, during some things, you are able to react without becoming emotional. I have been able to have the waters flowing smoothly for you at that time.”

“And when I react less than calmly?”

“Well, then my brother, Mr. Happy, has been able to create rapids and whirlpools that cause you to react in ways you normally wouldn’t if the waters were smooth.”

“So that was the other old man I saw. Mr. Happy?”

“Actually, neither of us has names but I call him Mr. Happy because he looks so happy all the time. I mean, he really enjoys making you upset.”

“And the pebbles he was tossing in the river that caused them to bubble?”

“Those come from the plane you walked across to get here. Each of those spots that looked burnt provide him with pebbles that he then tosses in the river. Each of those spots is created by an interaction between someone that didn’t go well and caused you to feel pain, sorrow, anger or something bad. Some of them still bother you today and that is why they are still smoldering. Don’t worry, everyone has them. Some just more than others.”

“So why did you expect me?”

“Well, you’ve been walking towards discovery of who you are for quite some time and I just figured you’d reach this point sooner. You see, the only way you can get rid of the emotional roller-coaster ride you seem to take is if you can build up you awareness of who you are and what is truly important in your life. Until that time arrives, you will continue to strive but continue to run into disappointment and resentment that lead you to the times of conflict. Lately, it has become apparent that you have reached that but you still didn’t want to acknowledge it. That isn’t unusual. In fact, some people reach the stage but never take this trip. They don’t get to see how time has affected them and how their emotions have become muddied and unclear because of all the pebbles being tossed in. The more pebbles available, the more I have to work and the longer it takes me to smooth out a section of the river. Lately, you’ve been making it easier for me to smooth out the river which in turn has helped you be more positive and given you strength in your relationships.

“So exactly what are you saying?”

“Well, I guess you’ve come to accept who you are, what you are doing and know want to determine how to be positive and move forward in one direction.”

“So I like myself and am a really happy guy?”

“Ha. Well not exactly. You are more aware of your strengths and weaknesses and, instead of being overbearing with your strengths, you are looking for ways that your weaknesses allow you to connect with other people and you are using your strengths to build up what is around you, finding positives in what is happening. Why do you think the whole problems at school aren’t causing you trouble? You’ve learned to accept things and look for positive solutions while not being drawn into negative battles with others. If you hadn’t learned all this, there would be no way I’d be able to sit down and talk with you like this. We’d be standing on the riverbank and I’d be sifting out pebbles as fast as I could. Now, you’ve let me catch up and given my brother less and less with which to work.”

“So now what? What does all this mean?”

“Mean? I don’t know. I’m just telling you that you are moving forward. How you use this information is like all things, up to you.”

“So ….?”

“So ….. keep on learning. Keep on trying. Don’t give in to letting others affect how you see things. And if you fall do, learn to see it and seek out ways to counter these moments. I’ve heard yoga, meditation, exercise and, well, bonding with other humans are great ways to do this.

I looked into my hands. Had I really come this far? Looking up, I was going to ask another question but the old man had moved to the edge of the river. He turned back, waved and then wasn’t there. I sat, quiet, wondering what to do next. Slowly I got up and turned around, expecting to see the plain stretch in front of me. Instead, I saw this cabin. The fire was out and the candles burned low but I wasn’t cold or anything. I got up and wandered over to the window. Looking outside, it was dark with a few stars in the skies. I caught my reflection and saw that I had a smile on my face. I was content. It felt good and that’s why I invited you over. I hope that, someday, you’ll get to make the same journey I did. Life really is a series of choices and you’re the one making the decisions.

So what have I learned? Well, I’m not really sure. I use to be worried about the image I saw in the mirror. To me, the guy looking back was getting old and wasn’t where he wanted to be. During this summer, I realized that I was exactly where I wanted to be. That there was a need for me to be in the community in which I live. There was a place for me in the school and the school division and I didn’t need to be pushing the edge all the time. Ultimately, it allowed me to leave school at school this summer. I didn’t stop learning. In fact, I learned a whole lot this summer but it wasn’t the usual learning I do. It helped me appreciate the abilities of others and the need for everyone to accept where they are and use their strengths in order for synergy to really take hold.

I also learned that, for most people, technology means something else and the internet and world-wide communication isn’t even on the radar. In fact, I am farther ahead than most people and I’ll have to really work with them to coax them along. The key will be to “work with them” and not tell them. I’ll have to be a teacher at a different level as I work with staff and parents to get them to understand the complexity of the world in which many of our youth live and the growing complexity that will be our future. I look forward to the challenge.

Through it all, I’ve learned that I am responsible for me. Something I’ve said many times but finally come to understand more fully.

Why this story?

Well, I’ve spent the summer making up stories for my boys about animals, numbers, the alphabet and such. I’m not very good but it keeps them quiet and allows them to help as they give me the ideas for the stories. I thought it might be a different way to say my peace and just might entertain someone. Finally, life is a story not a script. Nothings happens like it is portrayed on tv and the world isn’t even close to flat but is really a series of spikes with areas of planes all over. I’ve also learned that I have to be happy with who I am and what I do. And it is a choice.

So, my school year began on a great note despite several things that could have given me reason to be grumpy. Instead, I’m looking for positives and finding ways to get solutions for the problems instead of complaining about them.  To all who read this, have a great school year. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Creeaakkk!

Slowly the aged door stumbled open, catching on bits of debris that had blown up against it by wind that had eluded the wall-planks. Entering the room, the dark shape began a slow dance, eventually shedding the large hump that had adorned its body.

Skitch - light burst to life on the end of the stick and the figure, creases highlighted by the glow, slowly shuffled across the floor and, lighting the first candle, began to move around the room adding more and more until a false warm glow settled over the room.

Hours later, after gathering wood and creating a fire in the hearth, the figure sat gazing into the light, waiting patiently for someone to come along who would help him break the silence of the unending dark that had settled over the land.

“Come in, come in. How are you this evening? Well I hope. Here, pull up a chair as the fire is warm and I have some hearty mead that I’m sure you will enjoy.”

“No? But I’m sure it will do you good. Strengthens you, you know.”

“No. Okay, maybe later. I suppose you’ve come to find out what it is that I have learned. Well, I don’t mind sharing it with you but are you sure you want to hear my tale?”

“Really. As you remember, I had told you of a voyage I had undertaken that had showed me some interesting things about myself.”

The story really begins after my initial walk through the plain. I came upon a river full of emotions and decided to follow it. In some places, the water boiled and raged while in others it swirled and tossed like it didn’t quite know where to go or it flowed so swiftly that all that came into contact were swept beneath and disappeared. There were a few times when it slowed and was so calm that the river was like glass and reflected upon it were images of faces and places which were obviously places of calm. Unfortunately, these seemed to be few and far between. I walked first in one direction and the other but there seemed to be no end and no way to cross although it was hard to tell what was on the other side because of the mist that hung on the bank. Finally, after walking for some time, I came around a bend to find an old man sitting near the edge of the bank tossing pebbles into a rather calm part of the river. Each time one hit, the water would begin to bubble and move. In a few places, the calmness was replaced by small bubbling, boiling areas.

“What are you doing?”

The old man did not respond.

“I said, what are you doing to the river? Why is it boiling like that?”

No reponse.

I moved to grasp the shoulder of the old man. Just as my fingers went to grasp the bony shoulder - nothing. Gone. I stood blinking, then frantically looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of the old man. Nothing. Had I imagined it?

I began to trudge along the river, still unsure if what had just happened was, in fact, real. Ha! How real was this whole thing, really. I don’t know how long I walked trying to make sense of the old man, the pebbles and the river. For some reason I stopped and looked up. There, not 5 meters away was another old man doing something to the river.

This man was quite different. In fact, he was almost the opposite. As the other one had been wrinkled, thin and looking as if he had no friends or home, this man looked strong, well kept and his face shone with brightness. He noticed me and waved a hello then beckoned me to come over.

“Hello”, he said in a rather sing-song type of voice. “It’s about time you made it here. I’ve been waiting for you to show up. Regardless, you’re here now. Come over. Sit. We have much to talk about.”

“Look at  the time. I’m so sorry for keeping you this long. Well, I’ll be staying here awhile so drop back tomorrow and I’ll finish my story for you.”

“Good night.   Please close the door as you leave, wouldn’t want it to get any colder in here. “

People often joke about the “addictions” that they have and make light of the time they spend doing certain things. I know that I have often done the same thing with the time I was spending on my computer, rationalizing that I was learning new things and exploring new ideas. So, when I ran across this quiz on the blog of Blue Skunk, I figured I’d see how I faired. In truth, I was surprised at the high score given that I haven’t been blogging regularly in the past few weeks. Now that I’m getting back to routine and not trying to squeeze the most work out of every minute (one tends to do this when trying to get renovations completed during holidays), I’m hoping that my blogging will again become regular. The thing is, I don’t want it to become an addiction!

Addictions - They’re everywhere!

I subscribe to a popular men’s health magazine and a few issues ago one of the articles was discussing this whole area of addictions. As I read the article, I began to realize that besides many obviously unhealthy addictions that we find around us, many people have addictions that aren’t as obvious but are still unhealthy. Any time we take something beyond moderation, we run the risk of it becoming an addiction or we pursue activities that put ourselves at risk in order to obtain a “high”, we could be suffering from an addiction.

For years I was a smoker. Although I told myself and others I could quit anytime, that was a lie. I was addicted. In fact, it took many tries to break the addiction and even today, I still get the craving every so often. I’ve had other addictions, like work. I’m not sure that there is a difference between someone who is a workaholic and a work addict. I would put in more time at work than was really necessary and it caused other parts of my life to suffer.

In this light, I’m not sure I was a full blown blog addict as much as I was a techno addict. I would often sit at my computer into the wee hours of the morning looking at new tools, trying them out to see how they worked and generally just trying to stay abreast of all that was going on. At one time I must have had 10 to 12 “To Do Lists” as I tried out all the different types. I had 8 blogs as I was trying out all the different types of hosting available. I have used 4 different types of online desktops and have tried a variety of different online documents and notebooks. I was so caught up in exploring the technology and trying all the different types out that I became unproductive and unorganized instead of the opposite. I would sit for hours just moving things from one notebook to another just to see how they looked and functioned. I would check things hourly seeing how many visitors I’d had or if anyone had commented. As I look back, I was an addict. I enjoyed the high of using new tools and trying new things.

Withdrawal - it isn’t easy

I often wonder if anyone who figures someone can just “quit” a habit has ever done so. I don’t know how many times I tried to quit smoking and, really, it was not me trying to quit that got me to quit. I had a horrible cold and didn’t want to go outside so I just stopped. The cold, one of the worst I’ve ever experienced, lasted almost 3 weeks. I figured that I had suffered the withdrawal symptoms and it was probably the best time to quit. Surprisingly, once I made that decision, the cravings started and it wasn’t easy by any means. But I stuck it out and was successful.

The same thing happened with a few other “addictions” that I had. It wasn’t necessarily me trying to quit but rather something that prompted me to stop the addictive behaviour. This was definitely true of my techno habit. I didn’t consciously decide to cut back or anything but the summer work I was doing prevented me from accessing my computer as I had been doing and, I realized after a few weeks, that I had been addicted. I could actually go days without checking email and twitter and I didn’t need to update my Facebook every hour. My blogging was reduced and I didn’t feel “guilty” at all.

Where to go?

I’m back at the blogging and using my computer again daily. I’ve realized that I need to be very careful about getting caught up in the technology and again letting myself become addicted. I’ve realized that, although I need to use the technology, I don’t have to spend nearly the amount of time at it as I was doing. I have to find that balance which will allow me to use the technology to be productive, teach better and be a better leader without it be such a dominating thing. I think that I will be able to do this because I am becoming better at realizing when I’m not using something to help me save time or improve myself. This doesn’t mean that I won’t allow myself some time to play around but it does mean that I’ll be very conscience of how I use my time. I have also become much more comfortable with not being completely on the “technology” edge. As a principal, I spend enough time on a ledge that I can afford to forgo a few! It’s not that I don’t want to know what is going on but I don’t need to see how it works or begin tinkering with all the new tools. As I need them, I’ll try them.

Are we creating a society of techno addicts? Are we aware of the consequences of an addiction and how it can affect our lives? The whole debate on banning the use of cellphones in vehicles might be more about addiction that about connectedness. Are we prepared to seriously look at the use of technology in a way that might suggest that it has become an addiction for some and it is affecting their social and physical well being. Can the obesity discussion be one of the results of a society that is suffering in technology addiction en masse? Have we become societies of extremes where “addictions” are seen as being part and parcel of being successful? Are you addicted?

Ahhh! This looks like a familiar place. It seems I’ve been here before although it has been a long time and I do feel somewhat of a stranger to this place. I know that, like riding a unicycle, it will take some time to regain my balance and sense of place but once I do, I’ll be able to get back to my usual writing.  Oh, welcome visitor. You are a very persistent one aren’t you. I wasn’t sure that anyone would be able to find the place with all this dust and spider webs, concealed here in a corner of blogosphere.

Welcome.

Come. Sit. I’ll try not to bore you with meaningless tales of what I’ve been doing with my time or such things (although I have been doing some amazing things, completely changing the environment in which I live!) That’s for another time. Why I’ve returned to this special space is to recount a discovery I’ve made that I think might be somewhat helpful for some others. Before I start, are you comfortable? Need a drink or a small snack? Ah, well. Probably better, I’m not sure that you’d want to eat or drink any of what I’ve left here anyway. (Although that wine and ale might have aged just nicely. Again, for another time!)

You see, I’ve made an interesting discovery about myself and, maybe, just maybe,  some of you might just be able to take something away from this.

You see, as I was crossing the plains of my mind, just examining the various experiences and interesting implications of these, I began to notice a very noticeable pattern of battle scars that pocked the surface. Around these battle areas, each one with a black flag that showed the person(s) with whom I was battling, were dead grass areas probably a result of the awful toxins that resulted from these battles. Now, some of them seemed to still be raw and sore, like there were still festering even though the person(s) were no longer in my life. I was confused because, unlike other events or emotions that had left their marks on the plain, many of these were evenly spaced, with a similar  growth pattern between them.

The growth between them was amazing, consisting of wonderful memory flowers of great colours and variety. The flowers increase in intensity until about halfway between the two was an incredibly brilliant growth. As I approached, I could feel the joy and calmness radiating from them, like an oasis in the dessert. Each one also had a flag that identified the event and the people involved. As I wandered from one to the other, I noticed that those which involved my wife and children were of the greatest intensity, followed by those with my family and friends.

As I scanned the landscape, I began to see the pattern emerge.

What? You need to go. Okay.

I’ll finish at another time - but please come back to visit. I enjoy your company. And, if I’m out, leave me a message to let me know you were here. Since returning, I realize I have neglected visiting many of my dear friends around the blogosphere and I plan to do some of that in the near future. I ‘ll check in daily and reply to your messages.

I know not when I’ll be able to finish the tale and divulge to the world my discovery that, I believe, is going to assist me to become a much better person and, hopefully, a much better teacher and leader.

No, sorry, no time for the ale or wine. But come back and we’ll share one on your next visit and I’ll let you know what I’ve discovered.