Day 4 - Order, self-discipline and compassion

Today in class we discussed order which is one the four direct aims of practical life the other three include: concentration, coordination, order and independence. Some prior knowledge that helps me connect to order is how Montessori discussed that a child first has an absorbent mind and how they just absorb information like a sponge. Comparably, in 2010, Dr. Itzhak Fried, from The UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences along with Roy Mukamel, a Postdoctoral researcher studied mirror neurons/mirror cells replicate. Mirror cells/ Mirror neurons replicate another person’s action.

If  a child has the ability to follow, absorb and learn something, what causes a child to have inner-motivation and react to his or her environment in a meaningful way? We found that through following the child and careful observation one can find a child’s interest. Then through the child interest, they will motivated internally and will naturally focus. This will bring about concentration which then leads to order and normalization.

In sanskrit the word “Shraddha” mean faith but in english its more closely translated to having loving awareness. Order for me means also the internal environment and what we put into our minds. For example, Peter Walsh a professional organizer discusses how one must get rid of clutter but not only does he talk about physical clutter but of emotional clutter. What emotional clutter no longer serves you? Pondering and quickly releasing these thoughts can help one stay present in enjoy life and concentrate and working towards having shraddha in all thoughts and actions. This requires self-discipline and through constant repetition it will become second nature.

 Another thing we discussed today was culture. Culture is part of ones country's beliefs and values. The NAEYC standards encourage educators to have the understanding of cultural backgrounds. From this cultural viewpoint we teach our lessons.

For example, here in Hawai’i the awareness that everything is connected is a very present reality. Ones ancestors, the environment, the relationship with others, with nature and oneself are the every day moments that are the embodiment of spirit. Thus cultivating owns culture and language is an integral part of creating curriculum in Hawai’i.

Today, Kumu Kaipoi discussed how nature provided answers. He discussed how stars are the reference points to both, ancestors and all other generations. We discussed about celestial navigation along with the coconut fiber and how through those fibers, rope was created. I found the rope fibers to represent unity and along with its physical purpose for serving all those at sea. Another thing I felt connected to was a deeper meaning of how also the rope represents the umbilical cord of a child to its mother. In the womb everything is provided. Now at present day this still hold true for us but we need to work towards  restoring and  come back to harmony with nature.

---

Affirmation of the day- I live my life in awareness and all my thoughts, words and actions are surrendered for my highest good and the highest good of the world.