I Say Again, Spirit In Teaching

FRI., NOV. 15, 1985, 6:16 AM
FARM, STUDY

As you waited for My mystical indication of your theme for the morning you thought of playing and singing your rendition of Country Road for the Survival class next semester. And then you knew that this was but one example of emphasizing the spirit in your teaching, this quality that I keep urging on you. That is a worthy thought, and I encourage you to retain it… and take the chance. It shall be more appreciated than deprecated. This is the best you can expect.

So, I say again, increasingly put your attention to this important goal – increasing the flow of spirit through the teaching/learning process. You are a fairly well developed spirit, so it is relatively easy for you to do this, so I continue to urge you to be what you can be. The class last evening was a good one in that regard. Let’s review the reasons why.

You began by sharing the best of the comments written about John Baker. This is a wonderful way of letting the group know the quality and variety of thought – and spirit – that was generated by those around them. It doesn’t allow them to identify individual writers, but it says, in effect, “There are strong spirits here. I don’t know who they are… but they could be… anyone.” These expressions can be a spur to further expressions of spirit by those who can, but are reluctant.

The individual “conferences” you had yesterday are another effective, though “expensive” way to encourage spirit. In one you shared a portion of your life story, including My call to you to the work that you now do. This is spirit offered, and therefore encouraged. In the other you helped a young woman toward a more positive view of herself and shared the story of blessing your brew, which is yet another example of spirit, in both the content and the process.

From Maggie you received some confirmation that your lectures in Survival communicated that you cared about what you are doing. Accept that both as a compliment and as an urging to continue this caring and to improve your ways of showing it. The contribution to this large class is a small one, but I want you to continue to make it. In these large classes young people need to be assured that someone cares about them.

Of course I say again… have your students come to the Farm and have them share food, in all seasons. Keep the balance between your providing the food and their contributing. The group idea is a good one. The preparation of food together can be a real exercise in spirit. Continue to devise ways to include food and drink in the midst of class learning.

Spirit is the essence of life, and the teaching/learning process is one of the most important in human life… and in life eternal. To be a good teacher you must be a good learner. Let students know you are learning from them, and let students see that you are continuing to be interested in what your colleagues teach. Tell stories. Listen to, read, and comment more on stories students tell. You shall never be able to remember them all, but continue to reproduce some of the best and keep better track of these and use them in subsequent classes.