Yes I am in class. Yes the instructor is holding a discussion with the rest of the class. Yes I am off task. Almost. I am reading The Atlantic Monthly article about technology: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google
I am not finished with the article, but my need to share is greater then my need to understand. My ideas keep whizzing from classroom ramifications to my own reading process to standards.
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Tomorrow, on Thursday, I may have to make a major decision on the spot that will affect the lives of 2 very young children profoundly, and who will be in grade 4 in a few years.
I never could get the hang of Thursdays, ended up at this site, and went to the brief trouble of becoming a 'blogger' for the 1st time after reading "Your Thoughts Needed".
Having recently become a freelance writer, I have a new-found appreciation for the written word - it's one of my Professions now. Given that, I hope you don't mind me sharing my thoughts before another Thursday rears it's ugly head.
Focus is what this thread is all about.
If you have the ability to multi-task, that's great. So do a great many people these days! For many of them however, medication is needed to control this... gift.
I see this flourishing of 'gifted people' as a by-product of the 'information age' that started with the humble advent of television and radio but which has 'come to fruition' with the very recent spread of the internet.
Different, touched, gifted, slow, criminal-minded... people have had 'mental problems' (or have been labeled etc) since we, as a race, started noticing that:
a) we're actually Different from one another. Some of us are leaders, some of us are harmful to others, some of us are lazy, some of us are seers, etc
b) money could be made 'correcting' and 'integrating' these anomalous persons.
A lack of focus is easy to justify if you're somewhere else mentally during a discussion and the subject being covered, even if for a few seconds, enters into an area you have 'covered' so you can divert you attention elsewhere briefly.
Such diversion, while pleasurable perhaps, may 'cost you' in some measure or form if you cannot learn to Master the art of doing One Thing at a Time. This takes practice, discipline, and a clarity that can only be achieved when one 'Masters' thinking itself by Turning the Process Off entirely. At key moments (eg crises) and of course, during meditation, this is healthy and in some cases, crucial.
Musicians are good examples of people who can still learn to grow having 'Mastered' their discipline. They are required to learn the rules mentally (and physically) and then, in order to 'free' themselves of the burden of their 'knowledge of the rules', forget what they've learned when performing - ie, Stop Thinking and just let it happen.
Some of the 'mindless', slug-like people in government offices (Vogons in disguise) are therefore truly 'masters of thinking' without even knowing they've accomplished this feat. One, because they've never felt the need to do think, and two, since they run everything and answer to no-one, they don't need to.
Those who are in the very privileged position to Teach should therefore be mindful that their presentations be crisp and paced, that diversions and tangents be nipped in the bud early, and that, especially when addressing an individual comment with potentially no interest to the rest of the participants of the discussion, it is important to keep eye contact with each member of the class so that they aren't tempted to start multitasking and lose their focus.
Our children are the most important resource on this planet, so educate them responsibly and to the best of your ability - at all times.
Ford Beeblebrox
ps - If any of this makes sense, then perhaps I am indeed ready to take on the role of 'writer'. I look forward to your comments, and I have greatly enjoyed what I've read on this site!
Apparently one should run blogs through a word program prior to posting - please forgive the grammar errors above.
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