I am Aayush Kumar Singh from Sunbeam Ballia, studying in Class 10 A, and I would like to share my reflection on today’s session by Mr Jugjiv Singh Sir.
Carl, Schascha, and the Shifting Moods
We began by exploring how the weather affects our mood, just like it did for Carl and Schascha. It’s interesting how a gloomy day can really get under your skin, but then a simple pleasure—like the ice cream Carl and Schascha shared—can completely turn things around. It shows how even small moments of joy can lift our spirits.
The Simon Incident: A Puzzling Push
The incident where Simon pushed Schascha definitely sparked some conversation. We discussed various reasons why a boy might do something like that. Carl’s interpretation—that Simon might actually like Schascha—offered a sweet, if slightly mischievous, perspective. It makes you wonder if kids sometimes use playful teasing as a way to hide their true feelings.
A Quick Detour into English Spellings
Just when we were completely immersed in Carl and Schascha's world, we took a fascinating detour into the differences between American and British English spellings. It was a great reminder of how language has its own interesting variations, even within the same language.
At Sunbeam School, Lahartara, we believe that true learning begins when students pause to reflect. Reflection transforms experiences into insight, moments into meaning, and interactions into personal growth.
Our recent Meet and Greet session with Mr. Kartik Bajoria—a celebrated coach and mentor—was not just an event; it was a mirror held up to every student’s thoughts, expressions, and aspirations. His words didn’t merely inform—they inspired, provoked questions, and awakened self-awareness.
After the session, students took time to write, discuss, and share their reflections. This deliberate act of looking inward helped them: Recognise how communication shapes confidence. Acknowledge their own strengths and fears. Connect what they heard to who they are becoming.
Each reflection was a beam of light—unique, honest, and glowing with possibility.
At Sunbeam, we don’t just teach students what to think; we nurture how they think. And through reflection, they grow not just smarter—but wiser, kinder, and more self-aware.
Learning doesn't end when the lesson is over—it continues when we take a moment
to pause and reflect. At Sunbeam School, reflection has become a powerful tool
in helping us connect with what we've learned, how we've learned, and who we've
become through the process. By reflecting on our past experiences, successes, and
even failures, we gain clarity, insight, and direction for the future.
Reflection allows us to understand not just the what, but the why behind our
learning. It turns information into wisdom and routine into purpose. Whether
it's a class project, a group activity, or a personal challenge, reflecting
helps us recognise our growth and identify where we can improve. In doing so, we
become more mindful learners—more thoughtful, confident, and self-aware.
Screening of Episode 18 सुमेरू (चेतना): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels by Amardeep Singh
The Sunday School began with introductions and technical setup, followed by a presentation of a documentary series focusing on northern Pakistan and Tibet, exploring Guru Nanak's teachings and historical connections in the region. Discussions covered various geographical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the area, including Mount Kailash, Baltistan, and the India-Pakistan border region. The conversation ended with an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings, emphasizing the spiritual wisdom he documented rather than historical details of his journeys.
Next steps
Amardeep: Continue filming and production of the documentary series on Indic aims as mentioned in the discussion
Kunal: Write and share the impact study report about Guru Nanak allegory's influence on My Good School's growth with Amardeep
Amardeep: Schedule and conduct Episode 19 viewing session after July 15th due to travel commitments
Summary
Meeting Setup and Participant Introduction
Jugjiv opens the meeting and greets participants as they join. He confirms that he has host controls and discusses scheduling with Amardeep for future meetings. Jugjiv then asks participants to rename themselves with their names and schools for easier identification. As more people join, Jugjiv decides to start the meeting, noting that it will be a long session and others can join as they proceed.
Documentary on Pakistan-Tibet Border Regions
Amardeep introduces episode 18 of his documentary series, which focuses on the northern regions of Pakistan and Tibet. He highlights that these areas are less accessible to Indians due to political boundaries. The episode, which is over an hour long, begins with a message about the essence of Guru Nanak's teachings, emphasizing the importance of intent over rituals. Amardeep also touches on themes of religious commercialization, the power of creation, and the historical connections between regions now separated by political borders.
Historical Border Freedom and Diversity
Amardeep presents a video about the historical freedom of movement across borders in the region, particularly focusing on the now-extinct settlement of Boogie Kingdom at Saparag. The video, which is in a language other than English, appears to discuss cultural and religious diversity in the area, mentioning Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and British. Amardeep plans to end the episode after showing the extinct settlement and then move on to Kailash man server.
Multilingual Meeting With Limited Context
The meeting transcript appears to be a mix of different languages and disjointed phrases, making it difficult to provide a coherent summary. The only clear segment is at the end where Jugjiv speaks in English, mentioning that participants can ask questions in the chat and starts to ask Amardeep a question. Without more context or coherent discussion, it's not possible to provide a meaningful summary of decisions, alignments, or action items from this transcript.
Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys
The discussion covers Guru Nanak's travels to Kailash Mansar over and Baltistan. Amardeep explains the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash as a gathering place for ascetics and its importance in feeding the Asian subcontinent's water systems. He highlights Guru Nanak's dialogue with Nath Jogis at Kailash, emphasizing the importance of respectful discussions in spiritual matters. The conversation then moves to Mansar over and Rakshastal lakes, representing wisdom and negativity respectively. Amardeep also discusses the challenges of filming in these high-altitude areas and the profound messages conveyed through Guru Nanak's travels in Ladakh and Baltistan.
Soham Mantra and Mount Kailash
Amardeep explains the meaning of the mantra "Soham," breaking it down to "So" (that) and "Hum" (me), emphasizing that the cosmic energy resides within oneself. He then attempts to play an audio or video clip about Mount Kailash, but encounters technical difficulties. The clip, once playing, describes Mount Kailash's geographical and spiritual significance, mentioning its height, surrounding rivers, and importance in various religious traditions.
Multilingual Meeting Summary
The transcript appears to be a mixture of Korean and Romanian languages without a clear topic or coherent conversation. Due to the lack of meaningful content and the language barrier, it is not possible to provide a summary that meets the given guidelines.
Baltistan: Borderland Cultures and Landscapes
Amardeep discusses various geographical and cultural aspects of the India-Pakistan border region, focusing on Baltistan. He mentions mountain ranges, glaciers, and the Line of Control that passes through the area. The conversation touches on religious diversity in the region, including Hindu and Muslim populations, as well as linguistic elements.
Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys Overview
Amardeep presents an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings. He explains that Guru Nanak did not write about his own life or travels, but left 928 verses of spiritual wisdom in scripture. The details of Guru Nanak's journeys come from hagiographies written by followers 60-150 years after his life, based on oral traditions. Amardeep emphasizes that Guru Nanak's focus was on documenting spiritual insights rather than historical details. He notes that Guru Nanak's verses demonstrate deep knowledge of various religious traditions he encountered in his travels, showing how travel broadened his wisdom.
A Recording Of The Session
Reflection questions that will help deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Thinking about your awareness What does "consciousness" mean to you, and how do you stay aware of your thoughts and actions in daily life?
Recalling a deeper moment Have you ever experienced a time when you felt truly connected to something bigger than yourself—nature, people, or a quiet inner feeling? What was that moment like?
Considering your daily interactions How can you become more mindful and present when you're talking, listening, or spending time with others?
Exploring the idea of unity Guru Nanak spoke of a universal consciousness that exists in everyone. How can understanding this help us become more empathetic and accepting of people from different backgrounds?
Reflecting on your inner world In what ways can taking time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings help you understand your values, goals, and purpose better?
Reflection helps us pause, understand ourselves better, and grow through our experiences. We invite you to share your takeaways or reflections as a post and send it tomk@learningforward.org.in.
At Sunbeam School Lahartara, every reflection is a step toward self-awareness and growth. As our students pause to look back on their experiences, they are not just recounting events—they are learning to understand themselves, their emotions, and their journey. With each thoughtful word, they demonstrate how reflection helps shape responsible, empathetic, and mindful individuals.
It is truly heart-warming to see how wonderfully our students have captured their thoughts, turning everyday moments into meaningful insights. Their reflections speak of curiosity, learning, challenges, and triumphs—woven together with sincerity and depth. This process of thinking, feeling, and expressing is not only helping them grow as learners but also as thoughtful human beings.
Artificial Intelligence 🤖 is transforming the world with its smart abilities, from self-driving cars 🚗 to virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri 🎙️. It learns from data 📊 and makes decisions just like humans, but without emotions. On the other hand, animals 🐾 have a rich inner life filled with emotions, communication, and intelligence. Elephants 🐘 mourn their lost ones, dolphins 🐬 recognize themselves in mirrors, and dogs 🐶 express love and loyalty. AI may be powerful, but it cannot feel the warmth of a mother bird 🕊️ feeding her chicks. As technology grows, we must respect both intelligence—artificial and natural—to create a balanced world 🌍.
Sharing our thoughts through reflection helps us connect with others and grow together 🤝. When we express our ideas, we not only learn more but also inspire those around us 🌟. Reflection allows us to look back, understand our experiences, and shape new perspectives 🧠. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful discussions 🗣️. Just like a mirror reflects our image, our words reflect our thoughts and emotions 🪞. By sharing reflections, we build a world where knowledge, understanding, and wisdom flow freely 🌍✨.
Reading is more than just deciphering words on a page; it’s an adventure for the mind and soul. 📖✨ It opens doors to new worlds, expands horizons, and enriches our understanding of life.
Why Read? ❓
Boosts Imagination 🎨
Books transport us to magical lands, historical events, and futuristic realms. Every word paints a picture in our minds.
Enhances Knowledge 📚
Whether it’s science, history, or art, reading is a treasure trove of information.
Improves Focus and Concentration 🔮
Reading requires undivided attention, training our minds to concentrate better.
Builds Empathy ❤️
By stepping into characters’ shoes, we learn to understand and share others’ feelings.
Strengthens Language Skills 🌍✌️
The more we read, the better our vocabulary and comprehension skills become.
Writing isn't what you do after you have an idea. It's how you develop an inkling into an insight. Turning thoughts into words sharpens reasoning. What's fuzzy in your head becomes clearer on the page. "I'm not a writer" shouldn't stop you from writing. Writing is a tool for thinking.
- Courtesy Adam Grant on Substack
Read more:
Thursday, 29 August 2024
Note-taking and Reflections - What is the difference?
Q: How did the idea of writing this book come to you, and what meaning does it hold in your life?
A: I’ve been involved with exponential technologies since around 2016-2017, particularly through following the work of Singularity University, which focuses on how technology is advancing rapidly while becoming more accessible. For instance, today’s smartphones have 10,000 times the power NASA had when they first put a man on the moon. This shift is transforming the world from scarcity to abundance.
Despite these advancements, there’s a paradox. While we live in the best times—with increased life expectancy and reduced poverty—media narratives often amplify fear and negativity, polarising societies. Technology like Zoom connected us during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet it also deepened anxiety and disconnection.
This led me to a crucial realisation: while technology accelerates external progress, we need something internal—resilience and balance—to keep up. That’s where Yoga comes in. It’s a counterintuitive yet fascinating connection between the exponential outer world of AI and the inner world of self-awareness.
Q: You mentioned self-discovery in your book. While writing, did you discover more about yourself?
A: Yes, writing this book deepened my self-discovery and clarified that it’s a lifelong journey. Knowledge of oneself isn’t a static achievement but a continuous flow.
One significant learning was the ability to let go—of ideas, attachments, and outcomes. For example, when we create something like a project or a book, we often become so attached to it that any criticism feels personal. Self-discovery helps detach from this and makes it easier to accept change or imperfection.
Q: When writing a book, there are challenges, like knowing when and how to end it. How was it for you?
A: This book was a work in progress. I started it during the pandemic, but as I explored, I realised that both yoga and AI are vast, ever-evolving topics. AI is advancing so rapidly that any placeholder I used became outdated quickly—like when ChatGPT emerged. Yoga, on the other hand, has 5,000 years of history and depth.
In mid-2023, I nearly abandoned the project. However, a conversation with Dr. Karan Singh changed my mind. He emphasised that the book wasn’t about providing definitive answers but raising questions to help readers start their own journeys. So, I decided to publish it, accepting that it would never feel “complete.”
Q: You mention the human quest for truth. What do you think is the best way to achieve it?
A: Yoga. Whether through science or spirituality, the ultimate goal is truth. Scientists seek it through evidence, while Yoga teaches us to transcend the mind and explore truths beyond language and intellect. Both paths, though different, aim at understanding reality at its core.
7. How do you think Cinnamon would feel if he met his birth parents
8. Between the head and the heart
- From The Hidden Life Of Trees –
1. Why is the chapter named "Not just a commodity?"
2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?
3. What did you learn from this book?
4. Do trees have a life of their own? How can humans learn to respect that?
5. Life from the eyes of trees
6. Taking care of trees and nature with dignity
7. We aren't a part of nature, we are nature
8. Lessons from this book
"I think writing a poem is oddly fulfilling and a unique art itself. Its unique how we're able to express our thoughts about something in a set of lines. I think it brings us to think deeper about what we're writing because we aren't just writing a paragraph but writing about our feelings and ideas about something in a few lines, choosing the right words at every step. And when you're done writing that poem, there's a sense of fulfillment when you read it again because it just opens a new perspective about it.
I don't write blogs that often now but when I'm bored at home, I take out a paper and pen and write poems because it truly is something that's so unique." - Rishona Chopra
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
You can email your reflections at -
mk@learningforward.org.in
My Good School 10th Nov 2024
Reading My Name Is Cinnamon - complete the chapter 8; and complete reading the book "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, as well as plan for an upcoming retreat and initiate an "Impact Study" project.
Key Takeaways
•Trees are highly interconnected through underground fungal networks, forming a "Wood-Wide Web" that allows them to communicate and support each other.
•Helping children like Cinnamon from the book deal with difficult emotions requires providing a supportive environment, encouraging reflection, and engaging them in enjoyable activities.
•The upcoming retreat will involve spending time in a forest, connecting with underprivileged children, and continuing the group reading experience.
•The "Impact Study" project aims to assess how the Teacher's Academy program is developing students' 21st century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
•Practices like writing poems, maintaining reading logs, and reflecting on readings can enhance personal growth and reading comprehension.
Topics
Reading and Discussing "The Hidden Life of Trees"
•The group continued reading and discussing chapters from the book, exploring how trees communicate and support each other through underground fungal networks.
•The discussion focused on understanding Cinnamon's emotional journey and ways to help him deal with his feelings in a healthy manner.
Upcoming Retreat
•The group discussed the plans for an upcoming retreat, where participants will spend time in a forest, connect with underprivileged children, and continue their group reading experience.
•The retreat will also involve a visit to the "My Good School" studio and a city tour.
"Impact Study" Project
•The group initiated an "Impact Study" project to assess the impact of the Teacher's Academy program on the development of students' 21st century skills.
•The project will involve gathering feedback from teachers and students, and analyzing data to understand the program's effectiveness.
Next Steps
•Gurdeep will connect with Kunal to obtain the data from the previous impact study and use it as a starting point for the new project.
•The group will work together to develop a set of questions to gather feedback from teachers and students on a monthly basis.
•The findings from the impact study will be shared and discussed in future meetings, and the next meeting will be on the 24th of November 2024.
- From My Name Is Cinnamon-
1. What was your takeaway from the session today?
2. What were the key points in the chapter?
3. Life In Kolkata
4. When have you ever "hidden" something from your elders? What are the things you don't tell them and why?
5. Importance of reflection and clear thoughts.
6. Write about Kolkata trams.
7. Why does the sun rise earlier in Kolkata?
8. What museums have you visited?
9. What does self-reflection mean to you?
- From The Hidden Life Of Trees –
1. Why is the world full of color?
2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?
3. How does every material absorb light?
4. Why do you feel relaxed and peaceful in forests and nature?
5. Mechanism of a "sunblock"
6. What would happen if the leaves of trees were black?
"The forest is transfused with a subdued green light that just happens to have a relaxing effect on the human psyche."
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
The
session began with the reading of selected books, aimed at
developing students' reading habits, and comprehension skills, and
fostering a love for literature. Students actively participated in the
discussion around the stories, highlighting important life lessons and
moral values.
This
activity helped students improve their critical thinking and
encouraged them to draw connections between the stories and their
personal experiences.
Discussion
on Note-Taking vs. Reflection:
A
significant part of the session was dedicated to explaining the
difference between note-taking and reflection:
Note-taking
was described as the process of jotting down important information
during a lesson or reading, capturing facts and key points.
Reflection
was presented as a deeper process where students look back at what they
have learned, think critically, and form personal insights. Reflection
helps in solidifying knowledge and fostering self-awareness.
Students
and teachers were encouraged to balance both practices, as note-taking
ensures accuracy, while reflection promotes meaningful learning.
Retreat
Plan and Registration:
The
session also covered important details regarding the upcoming Retreat
Plan. The retreat is designed to promote personal growth,
collaboration, and self-reflection for students and staff alike.
The
reasons for joining the retreat were discussed, emphasizing the
benefits of stepping outside the regular school routine to engage in fun,
educational activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and creative
problem-solving.
The
last date for retreat registration was announced as 30th
October, and students were reminded to complete the registration
process before the deadline.
Conclusion: The Sunday School Reading Session was a successful blend of
reading, critical discussion, and important announcements. By engaging in book
reading and understanding the importance of both note-taking and reflection,
students are better equipped to process and retain information in a meaningful
way. The session also served as an excellent platform to brief parents and
students on the upcoming retreat and its potential benefits. Next Steps:
Students
were reminded to complete the retreat registration by 30th October.
Students
are encouraged to continue practicing both note-taking and reflective
learning in their day-to-day studies.
3. Wisdom, Right Knowledge, and Intellect- How can you connect with these?
4. What could be the true meaning of worship and religion?
5. Importance of reflection and clear thought
6. According to you what is the real meaning of the "essence"?
7. What is the real purpose of a "pilgrim"?
8. Would you learn the Gurumukhi script to better understand Guru Nanak's teachings?
9. What importance does Guru Nanak's "message of oneness" hold?
10. Have the boundaries divided us or made us even stronger?
11. How did Dakha get its name?
Rishona added: What's evident in the series is, first, the feeling of oneness and the true belief in oneness. Today, it isn't the physical boundaries that divide us but the emotional boundaries we make and the beliefs that we make that may divide us. This sense of oneness is essential in today’s world. Second, the fact that Guru Nanak goes beyond religion. The true meaning and accurate understanding of it. That belief that religion is beyond prayers and names is lovely. Reflect on this.
- From The Hidden Life Of Trees –
1. Why is the forest known as the epitome of healthy air?
2. What is your takeaway from today’s session?
3. What happens when a thicker coat is formed on leaves?
4. How does a tree breathe?
5. How do trees survive?
6. What would happen if tree roots don't breathe?
7. Role of algae activity in the ocean
8. Do trees sleep and how?
Thanks to Rishona Chopra for the valuable inupts.
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
You can email your reflections to -
mk@learningforward.org.in
My Good School Sunday 13-10-2024
Key Takeaways
Explored Episode 10 of Guru Nanak documentary, covering his travels from Bihar to Bangladesh and Assam
Discussed key themes: oneness, women's empowerment, breaking religious boundaries, self-reflection
Read chapter on "Healthy Forest Air" from "The Hidden Life of Trees", examining trees' role in air purification and oxygen production
Promoted upcoming retreat at My Good School from Nov 13-16, featuring forest immersion and book discussions
Topics
Guru Nanak Documentary Discussion
Amardeep Singh provided context on Episode 10, covering Guru Nanak's journey from Bihar to Bangladesh and Assam
Highlighted Guru Nanak's teachings on:
Oneness and universal brotherhood, transcending religious boundaries
Women's empowerment, advocating for gender equality 500 years ago
Self-reflection and wisdom as tools for spiritual growth
Discussed lasting impact of Guru Nanak's philosophy, with followers still present in Bangladesh today
Explored metaphorical interpretations of stories, e.g. Bhai Mardana's "transformation" representing loss of rational thinking
The Hidden Life of Trees - Forest Air Chapter
Trees act as natural air filters, trapping 20,000 tons of particles per square mile annually
Forests produce 29 tons of oxygen per square mile daily during summer
Trees need rest and are negatively impacted by constant artificial light
Discussed importance of allowing indoor plants to rest at night and have access to natural light
Explored how trees "breathe" through leaf stomata and roots
My Good School Retreat
Upcoming retreat from Nov 13-16 at Khan Farm, Dehradun
Features forest immersion, book discussions on "The Inner Life of Animals" and "The Hidden Life of Trees"
Cost: 15,000 rupees per person, all-inclusive for 4 days/3 nights
Fireside chat with Krista from Canada on Children's Day (Nov 14)
Limited to 50 delegates; open to principals, teachers, and students
Next Steps
Participants to reflect on self-reflection techniques and importance of oneness
Research phytoncides and their effects on human health
Consider registering for the My Wood School retreat (Nov 13-16)
Read posts on Joy of Learning Diaries, including Rishona's reflection on oneness
Manisha to compile reflections from participants for blog post
Action Items
Write & submit reflection on women's empowerment message from Guru Nanak documentary to Manisha for blog post
Write reflection on self-reflection concept from Guru Nanak documentary for Joy of Learning blog
Research & add info to reflection post on how Dhaka got its name (beyond what was mentioned in documentary).
Compile reflection post for Joy of Learning blog - include Rishona's quote on oneness, add prompts from Sandeep Dutt's telegram msg.
