Epilogue To A Fine Class

SAT., JUNE 4, 1994, 7:04 AM
FARM, STUDY

It was only two weeks, but you helped mold 15 individuals into quite a loving, caring group. They wrote stories and letters. They communicated some of the ideas and concepts to another, and, in most cases, to an important other. The climax was a fine meal, with the final activity around the big table. It was a classic Russell class!

As I suggested you did “reveal yourself” as a minor mystic, and you added some good people to your Ruminations list. Kathy realized, finally, that she is one whom I’m sending to you, especially, so you can now be even more helpful to her, in her life and in her professional career. Be aware, however, that this “revealing” was to this class and in this context. With others you should continue to be careful… unless an individual takes the initiative. Oh, there are a few, faculty and students, that you should encourage, but, basically, you should remain about as you have been – known to be interested in the spiritual as a dimension of health, but not a weirdo. ( 7:26 / 7:28 )

Speaking of individuals, and not in the context of this class, your relationship with the Rev. Judith has not developed to a point that you should talk with her about this “gift” from Me. She may be ready to acknowledge this as a legitimate call, even if it isn’t in her experience. Give it a try, after you return from your time away.

Be sure that you file the folder for this class so that you can clearly see, when you look at it next year, what you did to encourage the human/spiritual interacting that was the process as well as the content of the course. For, yes, I would encourage you to offer this again next summer, if the summer opportunity is again available. This and the Death Education class complement one another quite well, so these allow you to have two definite spiritual experiences while “teaching classes,” for which you are well paid. Write the lesson plan for this final class also. You might otherwise forget how it went.

Actually the number in the class, 15, worked out perfectly for group work, but if you had talked with that cinema student on that first day he might have continued. You must realize more than you do how threatening the group may seem to an undergraduate, when the masters and doctoral students introduce themselves and seem to know each other. You know, in your maturity, how it feels to be an apparent outsider and not knowing whether or not you’ll finally be included. As the leader of this group you know how it will work out, but on that first day the “outsiders” don’t… and may miss the experience because of a “misperception.” But… in another sense it was a blessing to have the 15 that divided into 3’s so easily.

With this group you saw, once again, what you have been told and know… this Farm, which is a special place for you to live and be, is also a special place for classes, both outside and in the house. It is a unique experience for most students, the place itself. Bobaire was a fine help in having it look nicer than you could manage with your disability, so be sure and thank him when he returns. It is sad when a class is too large for the real experience. With this class coming up you must consider how you will plan for a stormy day, without losing this “Farm experience.” It won’t be as easy as this one, but consider alternatives.