WHAT IS LEARNING?
I am writing this in real time sort of – it is as close to real time as I can get given my current less than optimal physical state. This place gives me a lot of time for reflection, random thought, and the processing of much minutiae. Here’s one that fits all those categories – tis the season for graduations. Graduation all (at least the ones I have attended) begin with a procession of participants to the musical score of “Pomp and Circumstance March One.” The procession is a part of the ceremonial conclusion to what the graduate has lived through educationally for the last 12, 4 or perhaps 6 years depending upon the degree being granted. It represents the end of something and the beginning of something else.
Likewise, all that lives and thrives is in a procession. A baby conceived in utero, nine months later processes down the birth canal and graduates with a degree in infancy. There is no infancy after conception without the months of matriculation in the mother’s body. Growth from the collision of egg and sperm to the final processional down the birth canal is natural but it is not easy, and it is not taken without a tremendously supportive life-giving system.
All of life and every situation encountered is a process aided and abetted by others, both positive and negative.
My current physical state -VERTIGO -yes vertigo, is teaching a lesson about the procession of things. Take a moment to look for the situation in your life that is close to a ceremonial conclusion. Recall how it started, what happened in the middle and how you got to the end.
My vertigo started with a spike in blood pressure, or the vertigo caused the BP to spike, either way, vertigo and blood pressure awareness have ruled my world for the last four weeks. What have I learned during matriculation?
1) Those who love me come to my side. Ours is a journey that is shared. I am gifted with friends, acquaintances, family, and friends. As I have allowed them, they have made the discomfort and by discomfort, I mean dizziness, nausea, and anxiety easier to tolerate.
2) Compassion for others is beautiful. As I surrendered myself to being vulnerable and open about my needs, compassion found me through others, and it has been magical. Medical providers, family, friends, and strangers showed me that I was not alone, my concerns were not unheard, and encouraged just like a mom and dad does with a developing fetus. Isn’t this what parents and teachers and neighbors did for the 5-year-old who started kindergarten in 2010 and is graduating from high school this year?
3) It will get better. Physical therapy is the treatment of choice for vertigo. It has been hard, but I felt a little better after each session.
I will graduate from physical therapy, nausea, dizziness, and a general malaise. I have already picked out my processional song. You will graduate from your whatever too. Don’t give up or give in.
PONDER THIS THOUGHT—-“What is learning? You suddenly understand something you’ve understood all your life, but in a new way.” Doris Lessing
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