Teaching is engagement with learners to enable their understanding and application of knowledge, (language, numbers, logic, analytical, conceptual and thinking) skills-tools, concepts, and processes. When we are on the path to – being responsible, organized, independent in work, collaborating, and taking proactive, self-regulated initiatives – we are learning. Teaching involves: working with knowledge, skills and dispositions. Individually, with others and in/with society. A teacher takes us to learning. A teacher creates a challenging but nurturing environment for the co-learners. A teacher learns together with learners. A teacher creates a learning community. A teacher is accessible and caring. A teacher sets high expectations and challenges. A teacher loves learning and learners. A teacher finds/creates leadership spaces for learners. A teacher is ‘alive’ and keeps shifting gears. A teacher lets co-learners take the lead. A teacher demonstrates high stamina, diligent homework, up-to-date general awareness of things going around while having a mastery of a specific learning area. A teacher is current, relevant, simple, participatory, and experiential. A teacher is human. A teacher takes the learners in the direction of the meta beyond fish, and fishing.
Teachers and Gurus made all the difference. Gurave namah. Krsnam vande Jagadgurum. Buddham vande Lokagurum. Most of our teachers who influenced us have transcended teaching to be Gurus. Guru points us a way towards essence, initiates and propels us to the road that takes us to essence, and wisdom. Guru makes us less ignorant. Guru enlightens us to possibilities. Guru takes us to struggle, discover and experience the means and ends. Guru challenges. Guru seeks inquiry. Guru shows pointer insights, processes, methods, skills, and tools. May not be a conclusion. May not be immediate answers and may not be endnotes. Guru’s attempt is to make more gurus. Teachers, mentors, leaders, and gurus are in the same continuum.
Rakhi. Raksha Bandhan.
IRMA has taken more than a year to make up its mind to start an IRMA Consulting. Now, should we wait? Can we not start a ‘Consulting IRMANS’? Can it be a multi-state collective? A division within an existing consulting company/LLP/firm? Can we have full-timers; freelancers on call, being in the pool; partners, advisers; and fully paid non-members? Can this be real in 2024? We have 116 days in 2023.
AP got the Jaivik India award. Vijay sir got Dr MS Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2023 for his outstanding contribution to the cause of environment protection. Natural farming movement is gaining momentum. Are we in third gear now? Is it still second gear?
How do we write proposals rightly? Are we within the scope of the proposal, for grant, loan, funding et al? Are we within the guidelines given? Have we read these guidelines in the first place? Is the format, and template right? Is the structure right? Are we eligible? Is it easy and simple to read? Is it brief? We cannot assume expertise or complete understanding of our work. Are we going through multiple and iterative checks? Including a reading by ‘unconnected’? Are we including the profiles, brief but templated CVs? Likely impacts, beyond the direct results? With possible evidence. Are we diverse, and inclusive? How is the budget, and detailed budget? Within the permissible heads and limits? Are we writing after intensive homework? Can we do it?
Are we missing the talent because we are not able to connect at transformational level? Can we stop missing?
Are we willing? To be seen truly, and authentically? To speak up to initiate change and inspire others? If opportunity comes up? To keep going? Despite all odds and resistance? To be open and listening in? Multiple and diverse voices? At the far-end, whispers into the ear, and intelligible/unsaid? To go even alone? If convinced? Are we at inner peace, with clear conscience? Reflecting on and watching our thoughts, words, deeds and plans daily? Thought to words, to actions, to habits, to character, to destiny. To realize our fullest potential? If figured out? Can we reflect and accelerate learning? Are we willing?
Yes, we can. If we coexist. If we live, learn, lead, and link. If we are open, bold in connecting life, and space intensely. If we reflect. If we flow in sync. The flow of N. For 7L.
Join us in the yoga of intense association for living fully in nature – guruyoga for 7L.
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