The Art of Learning
Thursday, 1 Jul 2010
It seems there has never been a time quite like now, where, at our fingertips we have an ever-growing array of unique opportunities for learning new skills. In Australia, the television show Masterchef (which fast-tracks wannabe chefs in an accelerated learning environment) has taken the country by storm. Amateur home cooks are tapping into the Masterchef process and extending their culinary skills. Office speak has graduated from the latest soap drama to the storm you've cooked up from the latest masterclass.
In my own house we have also been inspired. Just two weeks ago, our daughter Olivia left home, embarking on a journey to fulfil one of her dreams – travelling solo to attend photography summer school in Paris and then touring parts of Europe. Travel has been on her goal board since she turned fifteen, when she began working and saving her pennies. The idea to attend classes came a little later – with just a little encouragement from Maman et Papa. Our only criteria for Olivia to have a gap year and travel was to incorporate study or contribution as part of her journey.
For some people, the very idea of learning sounds alarm bells. Learning pushes us out of our comfort zone and often we create self-defeating beliefs: that we might lack the ability or be unable to keep up. Yet gaining knowledge or acquiring a new skill has so much to offer that overcoming those fears is worth the effort. Neuroscience has shown us that the very act of learning and practice engages and changes the brain by building new neural connections. The personal satisfaction that comes from learning a skill or acquiring knowledge builds confidence and improves our self-worth. The feeling of achievement builds inner strength and character. Learning adds value – to yourself and also to the people around you.
Learning is also catching. Olivia's study vacation has inspired two of our Intrinsic designers in their own pursuits. Sandra has added to her goals a French cooking school to learn how to slice, dice and flambé and Emma is exploring creative opportunities in far flung places. I've also got the bug and am really putting myself outside of the comfort zone in seeking instruction in the Latin art of the Tango.
So this month as you slow down, think about what skills or knowledge you might like to acquire. Whether it's learning to juggle, to stitch a runway outfit or to sing an aria, allow yourself a real gift by filling your cup with new skills, extra intelligence and a splash of artistry.
You never know where it may take you.....
Live, Love and Learn,
Adèle
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