 |
 |
Dear Pete, Yaacub and Everyone, I find Jack's invitation energising because it invites us to integrate insights from inside out as well as outside in - in a seamless continuum that reflects how we learn. To focus on either perspective might be to miss 'the big picture' of coming to a concensus about standards of judgement. Is our intention to focus only on interactions between one another who regularly post here? I hope not. While such intra reflection is crucial to understandings I also have reservations about emails alone for communicating and doing justice to delicacies and sensitivities we individuals often exchange. I will try to explain by example. When I read Yaacub's postings I am moved by his eloquent, loving depiction of living within his extended family. When I see his photo and read his account of this oxalis that thrives on using its own resources as well as drawing on Yaacub's care I understand more about his living standards - look at how he describes this plant - a clear sense of admiration for a stalwart refusal to cede. He refuses to cultivate it? Yet without water its days are numbered!! I see admiration for independence, I see pushing that plant to the limit, yet giving 'sufficient' care. I could stop there trying to explain what I see as emerging standards of judgement in living theory but that's only a part of what I perceive and I want to explain the impact of Yaacub's photo on me. What do I learn about my living standards of judgement as I look at the stern gracefulness of this plant with its simple rosettes of petals held aloft origami -like leaves that echo the flowers' hue? What does it say about Yaacub and about me that we delight in the image of this thriving being? The plant is my catalyst to recall an experience of suddenly finding myself the Head of Spanish in an 13-18 school when I'd never taught Spanish in school and so concerned I'd let students down. They thrived despite me. I didn't thnk I nurtured them much though I must have given enough care because they passed GCSE and many went on to A level study, despite my (shaky) teaching! Part of me was delighted to see those students needing to exert a growing determination to 'Be' . I see in Yaacub's and my account a shared admiration for determination to live to the full, against the odds, with independence, valuing growth and with profound understanding of how to nurture. I see us pushing at the boundaries and searching for our identity in living our multiplicity. I am fascinated by Yaacub's choice of photo communicating mindfulness and mindlessness all at once with appreciaton of beauty as a standard of judgement and intense passion to share knowledge. Pete, am I coming anywhere near where you're suggesting we move in trying to reach concensus? If so I think we have been working on these lines for some time - drawing comparisons between our standards of judgement, seeking clarification and reflecting with delight in rich interactions. Warm regards, Sarah