We live in emotionally and ethically challenging times. Particularly during political campaigns, it
is easy to forget one of the most fundamental realities of human psychology.
It is impossible to focus on what you hate and what you love
at the same time. Hatred has an
addictive effect, which steals one’s attention and focus from those we
love.
We must set aside time to learn, and make informed decisions
in order to have a functioning democracy.
But please set aside much of your day … much of your attention to the
beauty which surrounds us, those we love, and who love us.
I'll try to remember to follow my own advice. I know I'm not always the best example.
ReplyDeleteI've found genuine happiness as an adult male, caring for and teaching the little children. My Portland grandson Everett and his soon to be 'little brother', Eki, get me Two Days a Week!
ReplyDeleteI still substitute teach at the high school in which I taught for 36 years. The seniors were all in my sophmore US History course. A year long exploration into 'who we really are', as Americans. The last 20 years, I read from Howard Zinn's books, along with many primary source passages. Regarding the ratification of the Constitution, both sides, the federalists v anti-federalists. Same inquiry into both sides of the American civil war. I made them debate, using ONLY the sources the past people would of had access to.
Same inquiry and primary source 'Mock Trial', on 'should the united States have dropped two Atomic bombs on Japan, in August, 1945?'
7 primary source characters, from history, on each side!
The debates were fantastic.
In teaching, like coaching or parenting, 'you get from kids, what you expect from them!'
Underestimate them, they'll abandon your voice!
I've found genuine happiness as an adult male, caring for and teaching the little children. My Portland grandson Everett and his soon to be 'little brother', Eki, get me Two Days a Week!
ReplyDeleteI still substitute teach at the high school in which I taught for 36 years. The seniors were all in my sophmore US History course. A year long exploration into 'who we really are', as Americans. The last 20 years, I read from Howard Zinn's books, along with many primary source passages. Regarding the ratification of the Constitution, both sides, the federalists v anti-federalists. Same inquiry into both sides of the American civil war. I made them debate, using ONLY the sources the past people would of had access to.
Same inquiry and primary source 'Mock Trial', on 'should the united States have dropped two Atomic bombs on Japan, in August, 1945?'
7 primary source characters, from history, on each side!
The debates were fantastic.
In teaching, like coaching or parenting, 'you get from kids, what you expect from them!'
Underestimate them, they'll abandon your voice!