Learning from Others: It's Just What We Do
By Chris Dunmire
When I graduated from high school, I thought that I was done with
learning. I really thought I knew all that I needed to know about life to move
on into adulthood and become the person I was supposed to be.
(waits for laughter to stop)
No, it's okay, really. I know that I'm not the only one who thought that way.
I think many 18-year-olds are ready to move on into more serious matters in
their lives, but some mistakenly think that they have it all figured
out before life experience takes them around for a few loops. Well, at least
that was true in my case.
Now in my early 30s, I view my 18-year-old self quite differently. And yes,
I can say with great confidence that when I'm in my 40s I'll feel differently
about today's "me." In fact, if I live to be 100, each decade will
produce similar results for the former one. For certainty, life teaches us
that the more we learn, the less we realize we knew.
Today's "me" has come to understand life to be one continual learning
process. This learning includes not only secular education, but personal learning
through
our own (and other's) experiences, trials, and triumphs.
Open to New Things
I believe the key to lifelong learning is having a student mindset. This
mindset allows life to teach us at any given opportunity while we are open
to new ideas and possibilities. Yes, lessons are waiting for us just about
everywhere we take notice.
In the same vein, much of what we've come to know and understand has
been communicated to us by someone else. Granted, we learn much from our own
experiences, but think about how much others have taught you — "others" being
teachers, family, friends, books, and media.
To illustrate how much we glean from other people, here are a few of my own
examples:
- I learned how to tie my shoes from my big sister (age 4).
- I learned how to check the oil and other fluids in my car from my dad
(age 16).
- I learned the value of using credit cards wisely and saving money
from my husband (age 23).
- I learned how important it was to live life to the fullest from
my older brother (age 24).
- I learned about the fascinating lives of Alexander Calder
and Keith Haring from my art appreciation professor
in
college (age 29).
Student of Life
Now that I see life as a great teacher, I've come
to view the entire world and its inhabitants as a huge resource for learning
and
great
collaboration
of knowledge and experience that I can partake of. I am excited
that anywhere I go, and every person that I come across, has the potential
to expand my
perspective and add to my knowledge bank in some way.
Viewing
life that way really changes
your outlook on things, doesn't it? •
© Chris
Dunmire 2004. All rights reserved.
Please respect the creator's copyright by not duplicating this material on your Web site, blog, or print publication without the author's permission.
 About the Author | More by Chris Dunmire
Chris Dunmire is an artist, humorist, workshop facilitator, and the driving force behind the Creativity Portal Web site. Chris trained as a creativity coach with Eric Maisel, Ph.D. and inspires people of all ages with her Web sites and printable playbooks — including the world-famous Dollar Bill Origami Money Plant.
|
