Reflection of the week - Sunday 7th July 2024

Listen to the Podcast on YouTube

- From My Guide Inside -   

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What would you call your My Guide Inside? 

3. How does your My Guide Inside help you? 

4. Share your thoughts and feelings. Show insight and connections to this quote from My Guide Inside (Book II) Chapter One:

    My guide inside of wisdom is "powerful knowledge." Wisdom will "grow with you and guide you."

- From Jataka Tales -     

1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?    

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why?     

3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

4. How do parents name their children?

5. Where is Takksila located? What is its significance?

6. What is righteousness?

7. Moral Integrity

8. How would you tackle the problem if you were in the Bodhisattva's place? 

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!     

You can email your reflections to - nk@learningforward.org.in

SUMMARY

The speakers emphasised the significance of education and self-discovery, sharing personal experiences and insights on inner wisdom, thought labelling, and the connection between thoughts and feelings. They discussed the intersection of Yoga and AI, the importance of personal experience and self-denial in storytelling and the path to enlightenment. The speakers highlighted the importance of embracing simplicity, compassion, and wisdom in making good choices and guiding us through life.

12.00 PM
We decided not to read the chapter from The Hidden Life of Trees and instead hosted an Open House to meet Ms Manish Khanna and discuss how we could better engage with Fellows and Interns. Kunal shared an update about the Impact Study, and we discussed how we could improve our program on Sunday and engage with a wider audience.

Refelctions & Questions - The Doon Girls School

Jataka Tales & The Hidden Life of Trees

How can trees create their own microclimate?

The author explains that trees create leafy humus that can store moisture, and their branches can slow winds and create calmer air within the forest. Over time, these conditions reduce evaporation and create moist soil with better water storage, allowing more trees to thrive.

 by (Sanskriti- VI)

In "The Peacock Wings," what I gather is that our life choices should prioritize goodness, embracing both the flaws and beauty of others.

by (Aadya- VI)

Woody Climate Control

When the annual leaffall of beech trees occurs, it creates an alkaline humus that has the capacity to store a significant amount of water.

by (Ibadat-VI)

People Should Value A Good Life - Shubhangi Kashyap

What is a good life?

It is more than just the accumulation of possessions or the attainment of fleeting pleasures, the good life is a tapestry woven from the threads of happiness, fulfilment and purpose. It’s about cherishing the simple joys that enrich our days and nourish our souls. 

The good life is not a destination, but a journey ...

A journey of discovery and growth…

“In life’s sweet dance, we find our song,

Each moment fleeting, yet ever strong,

Cherish the joy, embrace the strife,

For in the good life, we find true life…” 

 

Shubhangi Kashyap 

Grade- 9

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Jataka Tales 📹 - Parth Tulsyan

What are Jataka Tales?

Sunday School Reflections From Jataka Tales- 

1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

3. What learnings can we take from the story "The Guilty Dogs"?

4. Thinking calmly and not hastily

5. Being Humble

 

Reading For Pleasure and more from Sunbeam School Lahartara

READING FOR PLEASURE

We say that books are our best friends. to become their friends, we have to read them.

Reading gives us the opportunity to build ourselves; it helps us stand in front of people confidently.

People say that real life is not similar to books; it is all rubbish. Books prepare us for our lives. I also prefer to read books because they help me to be more creative, confident, and charismatic from within.

WE GET LITERATE BY STUDYING, AND WE GET EDUCATED BY READING.                        

VAIBHAV JAISWAL  9D

LEARNING CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF THE LEARNING ATMOSPHERE IS POSITIVE

Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of "suffering torch," which I have a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before passing it on to future generations.

I am also exploring as much as I can.

PRANVI CHANDRA IX D

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHERS IN OUR LIVES

Teachers are those who make children knowledgeable and cultured. A teacher is a beautiful gift given by God, as God is the creator of the whole world and a teacher is the creator of an entire nation. A teacher is such an important creature in the life of a student, who, through his knowledge, patience, and love, gives a strong shape to a student’s whole life. A teacher shares academic knowledge and ethical values and assimilates moral values that help us shape our personalities as better human beings. Teachers play a major role in shaping students' lives and futures.

ANIMESH KASHYAP-VIII-B

My Golden Journey With My Good School and more from Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

My Golden Journey With My Good School

At first, I wasn't interested in reading. I thought that it was only a waste of time. Still, at the age of 12, my grandfather recommended a book. He said that if you like to study political science and history, you should read "Why I Assassinated Mahatma Gandhi" by "Nathuram Godse." I gave it a try, and I loved it. After that, I read more and more books, but when I joined My Good School, I felt that this was the place for me. Like we say, 'Birds with the same feather flock together'. For readers, My Good School is a paradise from my perspective. A famous quote by Fran Lebowitz that I carry in my mind is, "Think before you speak and read before you think." Every Sunday, I learn a new perspective to go with. A huge thanks to My Good School for this because the school teaches me values to live by.

Shaurya Chaturvedi VIIIB

How Learning Can Happen

Learning happens when we start experiencing. The learning process begins when we start experiencing things in our surroundings. Whether through reading or listening. When we read it, it is the biggest weapon to win all the battles of life. Listening to TED talks and podcasts increases our learning, and we learn new words.

Learning always makes a change in oneself, so never stop reading, writing, and listening.

"Learning is never done without mistakes and passion".

Diyanshu Agarwal IX-D

 

No one has achieved success in the past or present and has not done any hard work. Also, they had yet to achieve success on their first attempt. Success comes to those who find out their mistakes and improve on them. They take the time and opportunities to come; they create the opportunities and manage the time to do so. This is the best and easiest way to achieve good things in their lives. 

Anmol Kashyap VIII-B

Be true to yourself - Tulsi Karki

Picture Courtesy: https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/true-self-finding-your-spiritual/

Being true to yourself means thinking and acting in ways that align with your values and feelings rather than the values of others. 

If you are living true to yourself, you feel confident in your identity and you are pursuing goals that you know will lead to your happiness. 

It is really important to be true to yourself it will be your guide to living a life for yourself. A life that is fulfilling and filled with all of the things that make you joyful and allow you to live a life of purpose, whatever that looks like for you. 

Hence, the only way to live your life happily is to be who you are, not caring what other people might think or say about it. 

People are going to judge you anyway, so you might as well forget society and be like others. But keep one thing in mind you have to be true to yourself at every moment of your life. 

Tulsi Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

"All people have equal value" - Nishan Karki

                                 

Reflection from Sunday School

 

All lives have equal value. And so you say, 'Why do poor children die when other children don't? Why do some people have enough nutrition or reasonable toilets and other people don't?' So those basic needs that, through innovation, actually it's very affordable to bring them...to everyone.

~Bill Gates

Everyone in the world possesses many values. We, people, are the most intelligent beings created by God. God created us as social beings who can communicate, think, walk, eat, play and work by ourselves. God has provided us with many qualities like humanity, loyalty, kindness, honesty, compassion etc. We can look out for ourselves, do our work independently and do many more things. These qualities that we possess, make us unique, unlike animals and other creatures. They may possess some qualities, but not as many as we possess. Despite differences in region, birthplace, class, financial position, gender, age, caste, language and custom, people have equal values.

We may be rich, middle class or poor, but the value we possess are the same. We should use and show our values at the right time, place and situation. I have an example for this context- "There is a homeless guy, sitting on the side of a street. Two men were walking down the street, one poor and one wealthy. Despite being a wealthy man, he is rude and hard-hearted, unlike the poor, who is kind and generous. The rich man did not give attention to the homeless and walked away. But the poor man, in an instant, saw him and decided to help him. He went to a nearby shop and bought some food. He gave him food and a little money and spent time with him. The homeless guy thanked him. His eyes were all filled with tears."

This example shows that the poor guy has shown his value as a person and helped the homeless guy with some food and money. Thus we should use our values at the right time, place and situation. We should not hesitate to help someone in distress and difficulties because even a small help can change someone's life.

I believe that all lives have equal value. That all men and women are created equal. That everyone belongs. That everyone has rights, and everyone has the right to flourish. I believe that when people who are bound by the rules have no role in shaping the rules, moral blind spots become law, and the powerless bear the burden. ... I believe that entrenched social norms that shift society’s benefits to the powerful and its burdens to the powerless not only hurt the people pushed out but also always hurt the whole.

~Melinda Gates

 

Nishan Karki

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India

"APPRECIATION" - Geetankshi Tamta

https://goodschoolsalliance.godaddysites.com/my-good-school

Small word, huh? Sure is, but it holds a tremendous meaning.

Appreciation- A feeling or expression of admiration or gratitude. 

Is that it? I don't think so. 

We often describe 'appreciation' as a core value. When in reality, it's a habit.

Yup! You read it right. Appreciation is not a value. It's a habit which you have to practice daily. 

Now You must be wondering why you should practice appreciation? Shouldn't it come from the heart?

Well, yes, my wonderful readers, you are right. It should come from the heart. But for that too, you must be conscious enough to realize the good things happening around you. In a world full of negativity, consciously and willingly choosing to look at the bright side of everything is what makes appreciation a habit.  

To appreciate something, you should take the time and patience to realize its value, whether it's an opportunity, a thing, or even a person. You can't appreciate a three-course meal you get each day unless you stop complaining about the taste of the food or about how much you hate potatoes. And take time to realize how blessed you are to receive that meal. You won't be able to appreciate your friend's efforts if you won't stop complaining about their bad jokes or loud laugh. Take time and appreciate them for their companionship and support. Instead of being upset with your mother for not buying you that colour box, try appreciating her for her kindness and love for you.

The world can be a whole different place if everyone starts appreciating each other for all the good things they do instead of complaining about their faults; we have to be conscious of actions to make appreciation a habit.

And as Mahatma Gandhi said- 

Your beliefs become your thoughts,

Your thoughts become your words,

Your words become your actions,

Your actions become your habits,

Your habits become your values,

Your values become your destiny. 

So, let's start it today. From now on, each day take a few minutes from your day to sit alone. And with a deep breath, think of all the amazing things and people you can appreciate in your life. Trust me. It will make a huge difference [in a wonderful way]. 

P.S.- It is my first-ever blog.

Written by-

Geetankshi Tamta

(Brand, PR & Marketing Agent at My Good School)

People are more important than things - Tenzin Jambey

Reflection from Sunday School

Some people will choose expensive things, luxury items and valuable commodities over human beings, and some will give more importance to humans than any other things, even over the bag of gold and diamond. We all know very well that everyone is not the same. And therefore, one person can not change or bring goodness to others. First, we should be one to improvise our mindset, and we should be the ones to bring a good change in ourselves.

It is so true that people who have been close to death always give importance to other humans. These people respect all classes of people- from young to old and from poor to rich. I still remember the tragedy of my uncle, who once almost lost his life after being stuck under a rock while working. Nowadays, he is earning his life by serving as a driver. He has a very kind heart. He respects everyone. And sometimes he gives a free ride to the labours and workers as he has also been a labour and he knows their conditions of working and the level of physical hard work they do. 

If we are kind to others, then goodness comes to us through 'Karma'. When we give others love, care and importance, we get it all back from others. Having a great affection towards earthly things like gold and diamond would make your heart much like coal. But if you give importance and are affectionate towards humans, your work and contribution will always be remembered and told. It is not only the humans to whom we should give importance but also the animals, plants and our mother Earth, as in this world, everything is interconnected to each other in some way or the other.

At last, I want to bring up a powerful thought to acknowledgement- "When we were born the world rejoiced while we cried. Therefore, do a work that the world will cry when you die with rejoicing and happiness”.

Written by-

Tenzin Jambey

Pestalozzi Children's Village, India.

Appreciation - Nishan Karki

 "When you don't come from struggle, gaining appreciation is a difficult quality." ― Shania Twain.

Appreciation means expressing our gratitude to others or praising, admiring and complimenting others. We appreciate people by saying phrases such as You have a friendly personality, you are very respectful, etc. Appreciation is one of the great values which we possess. Appreciating others also shows our respect for them. We take and give Appreciation to many people such as our parents, teachers, elders, juniors, seniors, relatives, youngers, neighbours, etc. If we appreciate people positively, we, in return, will also get a positive response like thank you. We will get adverse reactions if we disrespect or say wrong about people. It means that Appreciation is one of our positive values.

At Pestalozzi, we all respect and appreciate every staff including Cheme Ma'am, office staff, housemothers, cooks, drivers, guards, cleaners, and our friends. We understand the work which they are doing for us. Pestalozzi provides us with every best thing possible such as education, food, clothes, entertainment, etc. Its main motive is to provide us with good education to improve our future. Pestalozzi encourages, helps and supports us to exceed our potential. It prepares us to face the world, its challenges and difficulties. Pestalozzi doing all these things for us, deserve respect and appreciation for their work.

Nishan Karki
Pestalozzi Children's Village India

A cause that is dear to me - Veda Varshita Marrivada

Reading the book with Jugjiv Sir

There can be many causes that can be important to us. A cause is a reason which affects an action. Everything in this world has a cause which can be good or bad. Especially humans have one or more causes in life. Grounds are compelling because they give us the power to question something and change our way of life.

I have many causes in life. It can relate to my family, work, academics, and being a good human. But there are three primary reasons in my life to live. They are:

1. My family
It is because of them that I am living. They make great sacrifices for us and help us in complicated situations. They guide us correctly and are ready to do anything for our happiness. They sometimes scold us, which makes us upset, but it's for our own good.
 
2. My work
I get easily engaged once it comes to work. It allows me to acquire loads of knowledge and increase my creativity. Also, it gives me peace of mind and the feeling that I am a busy adult.
 
3. To know "THE VALUE OF LIFE"
If we don't understand the value of life, we spend our entire life never enjoying and being happy. If we once experience life as a whole and understand the importance of life, we can spend it wisely and happily.

These were my causes to live, but a human will have a cause/reason for everything.

In conclusion, we should find causes, analyse, think, and act on them daily. We shall indeed observe a change. Therefore, think of reasons every day. 

Veda Varishta Marrivada
Grade 5 Hyderabad Public School Begumpet

Please listen to my blog post.

Letter from Bhairavi Jani with ❤️

Dear Leaders and Members of My Good School, 

My school’s motto was: “Youth Shall Rebuild the World.” Our entire education process and curriculum was centered around the thought that learning is a life-long activity and schools must prepare students to be life-long learners. Understandably, the teachers too would teach with a method that nudged curiosity in us and inspired action. Often, the learning was done outside the classroom with well curated,long or short excursions. We had our own student parliament, elected by the students, every year. We fought elections with much fervor and the elected student government was given significant empowerment to decide on school rules, holidays, academics and student festivals and activities. 

 

When at school, India was not some distant idea for us, she was a person, fully present in our lives. We understood our relationship with our country from experiences both academic and otherwise. I think our founder’s vision was to prepare the young to act constructively for society, nation and the world, whenever and however the opportunity presented itself.

 

What I learnt at school became my talisman in life. I looked at each opportunity professionally or personally to unlearn and learn constantly. Life has now become my school. Therefore in 2014, when I decided to drive across India for 51 days with three friends, there was not much hesitation in my mind and heart. I had done this kind of learning for several years, through travel and meeting people everywhere. What I discovered in those 51 days and also from my travels for over two decades form the beating heart of my first book: “Highway to Swades – Rediscovering India’s Superpowers.”

What Highway to Swades expedition taught me was that our country is full of amazing people and their wonderful stories. Stories of love, harmony, peace, enterprise, nature, creativity, knowledge, commitment, inclusion, heritage, culture, assimilation, individualization, community, wellness, beauty, sacrifice, rituals, food and the arts. I call them India’s superpowers and the book tells stories of Indians from across the country and all walks of life who live and strive for these superpowers. 

 

What writing this book taught me was that we each have our own superpowers and we can call them to action for ourselves, our loved ones and for society at large. One of my superpowers is to listen and the other is to write and therefore I continue to engage with Indians everywhere and of all ages to understand more about who they, what they do, why they do it, what are their aspirations and dreams etc. This gives me immense hope as I think as a people we may be content but at the same time we are ambitious for our future as individuals and as a nation.

 

It is with this thought, that I want to engage with all of you, to listen more, to have meaningful dialogues and to see if individual or collective action is possible for what we care deeply about.

 

Looking forward!

 

Love,

Bhairavi

Find it all in this journey across 🇮🇳 

The River of Dreams

Power of Enterprise

Power of Nature

Power of Heritage

Power of Creativity

Power of Knowledge

Power of Food

Power of Beauty

Power of Wellness

Power of Assimilation

Power of Inclusion

Power of Individual

Power of Community

Call to Action

More when we meet Bhairavi at My Good School 

What do I Value the most ? - Anvesha Rana

  Joyful Days and Fun chimes, 

With our loved ones are the best times,

Laughter surrounds us, and smiles spread, 

As family and friends meet.

We may always want to be there, 

With our family and friends,

But Alas! Not how our life wishes. 

But the cycle continues. 

And being the captain hurts,

For wasting time, we can’t afford

And to be lost amid not a good record. 

Time continues, 

Living never stops, 

It does not wait for you,

It goes on. 

But as time passes, 

We ameliorate and improve, 

Unlike stagnant water, we always groove

For we become better with every move. 

I value my loved ones for being with me, 

I love my time, for it is precious, 

I love my Improvements as I move forward, 

I love my life the most. 

Anvesha Rana, 

Grade 10-B, 

Gyanshree School

2022 in My Good School - Rishona Chopra

 
My Good School taught me many things,

 It opened up new swings.

From Totto-Chan

To Swami and Friends

From Art Of Focus

To Wise and otherwise

This journey has been one of a kind.

Reading, Writing,

Speaking and Creating.

Sometimes I just look at the paper,

Not knowing what to write.

I feel my mind has gone blank,

Nothing more left to write.

Should I search for a topic?

Should I ask someone?

I finally started to notice that all writings,

Come from something I have learnt.

It is in my heart and in my mind.

The answer is in my heart.

That tells me what to write.

My Writing, in the end,

Comes from A unique book.

That perhaps why I read,

At My Good  School.

Rishona Chopra
Grade VI
Gyanshree School

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging - Shilpika Pandey

It is definitely a tiny world inside our homes, like we say, and the moment one steps out, the circumference magnifies. The realization hits us that now, we depend on our social behaviour to make the outer world OURS.

And here enter the vital aspects of social life, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, and BELONGING, that teach us 'how' to interact and align everyone from diverse backgrounds, include them in our learning journey and help them in the belongingness of the same.

We must appreciate the incredible Diversity around us that helps us grow socially into an enriched and better person that finds joy in knowing people from everywhere, absorbing their learnings, communicating, and exchanging opinions, while training to be globally concerned individuals.

When we have a group that is diverse and different, we gain a bank of multiple values, ethics, cultures, and working styles, which becomes a strength of a dependable team, leading to brilliant productivity and effectiveness!

The lesson of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is the crucial ingredient of a Good School.

- Shilpika is a Happy Teacher at My Good School

The Art of Focus - Anvesha Rana

The Art of focus is a piece of advice, 

for life and for the next generational resize, 

It can be passed on because we might change, 

but our values will nevertheless be the same. 

We need focus in our lives, not for success, 

but for a family, for happiness and for building a fortress, 

Without focus, we are inhumane and uncertain, 

like a play without a curtain. 

Stories can be your guide into another world, 

They can make you believe what you thought you never would, 

You'll find your moments and live up to them, 

You'll find your gratitude and treat it as a hem. 

Focusing on the present will make you someone new, 

for neither the past nor the future will be now pursued, 

We'll learn to be better and better till we can then share it with others, 

for what is life without a teacher who isn't like a brother. 

Let's dive into finding our focus for it might be deep down, 

or it might be on the top which just needs a little jerk, 

If we have focus we will not want to be the winner on the field, 

but we will want to be the winner in life. 

Anvesha Rana, 

Grade 10-B, 

Gyanshree School

Shinrin Yoku - Rishona Chopra

Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese art of forest bathing. To simply be in the forest, to take its many gifts and allow it to suffuse us with its healing properties, is - Shinrin Yoku.

This reminds us of our timeless connections to the natural world and the vital importance of rediscovering those ties through touch, smell and mindful presence in the here and now. 

Being with nature awakens a new self in us.  

Nothing in nature is perfect; the trees are not shaped up, and the flowers wither, but either way, nature is beautiful just the way it is. Spirit is finely interconnected. When it rains, the flowers blossoms; when the wind comes, the trees sway to the wind's beat, and when it's a storm, the trees are sad and break down. These little lessons that we learn from nature help us a lot.

Let aside the lessons, being with nature, in a forest, hearing the birds chirping gives such a wonderful feeling.

This is also why most spiritual leaders like Buddha sit under a tree because it helps calm their minds.

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VI 
Gyanshree School

The 22 Values - Rishona Chopra

Joy Of Learning (JOL) is based on The Little Book of Values: Educating Children to Become Thinking, Responsible and Caring Citizens. Learning happens through these values.

The future of education will be built on these values alone: 

Appreciation, Caring, Cooperation, Courage, Freedom, Friendship, Happiness, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Love, Patience, Peace, Quality, Respect, Responsibility, Simplicity, Thoughtfulness, Tolerance, Trust, Understanding & Unity.

These values make up our life. We don't have to do anything significant to master these. Just opening a door for someone, bringing a smile to someone's face, making friends with someone, trusting someone, understanding someone, and other little acts can do it all.

Why don't we promise ourselves that we will try our best to inculcate these values?

Rishona Chopra 
Grade VI 
Gyanshree School

My Good School Song - Rishona Chopra

We are here at My Good School, Here things are so cool! Together we learn, Here no teacher is stern!

We learn all the values needed,
After going to My Good School, we all succeeded!
There are several things you can do,
Each thing is new!

We can read and write,
We are bright!
We can design and create,
After all, My Good School is great!

Rishona Chopra Grade VI Gyanshree School