What Is The Learning Style That Works For You?
I was raised as a Roman Catholic. From as far back as I can remember, my Dad would take my siblings and me to church every Sunday. Even after Dad passed away, when I was in my early twenties, I kept attending regularly, and frankly have continued to this day. (I am presently in my sixties in terms of age). And, while I learned the basics of my faith long ago, in recent years I have looked to take advantage of opportunities to enhance that knowledge, particularly in relation to its application in the current world.
The period between Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday is known to Catholics as Lent. During that period as a community of faith we are asked to do something out of the ordinary for us. It could be to give up a certain favorite item we enjoy in the spirit of sacrifice, to attend mass more, pray more, etc. For me, I had the opportunity to be part of two different video series on my Catholic faith and how it applies both to me and the world of today. One series was daily, (and it was supplemented by a daily reading I would do), and the other was weekly, and involved seeing a 30 minute video and then discussing it with others who had seen the video. I have found both series have provided me additional clarity in terms of my faith, and also introduced me to concepts of it, that I had not previously either known or considered.
We all have different styles of learning. For me it was through my sensory skills of reading/viewing and discussing. For others it may be a more hands on approach. The Lenten period was for my wife a time to pray a rosary more often than she might during the course of the calendar year. She combined it with a radio show that allowed her to pray it along with others, and listen to the intentions they called into for the show.
Others may learn best in a classroom setting. In recent years many have taken the travel out of learning by sitting quietly in their home, at their computer and taking online certification courses or college training. Still others learn in the pure art of conversation with others. They may take a natural born curiosity and ask questions of one more knowledgeable, pick up on their expertise and apply it to their own life.
I think the only real tragedy is when one is not open to learning. And, unfortunately there are those who live their life that way. They feel they know best for themselves. They are not interested in hearing other viewpoints. Even when one is an expert on a topic, another may have tips and guidance that can be helpful. Professional athletes, who are often tops in their field, will hire others to be their coaches. The coach may not be able to execute that physical sport act anywhere as well as the pupil. But, the coach is able to instruct on the mechanics, see different flaws in the execution of the athlete, or make a suggestion that is lost on the athlete in the actual execution of their task at hand.
What is it that is currently puzzling you in your life or something you want to learn more about? Do you feel that you don’t have the discipline or desire to receive formal instruction in it? Well if so, what are other ways you may learn more on that topic? What are the ways when you stop to think about it, that you find that you learn items best?
As I said for me, it turned out to be video observation, reading and discussion with others. I am sure there is a way that works for you, as long as you are open to making it a part of your life.
