Reflection Sunday 17th November 2024

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Sunday School No. 163

Guru Nanak Docuseries-

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. What were the key points in the episode? 

3. Wisdom, Right Knowledge, and Intellect- How can you connect with these?

- From Hidden Life Of Animals -
1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
2. Find out about-
a. biological automatons
b. Leipzig and what it is famous for?
c. magnetic resonance imaging
3. What is instinct according to you?
4. How can we compare animal emotions with human emotions?
5. How are humans different from animals?

Key Takeaways

• The documentary series on Guru Nanak's travels highlights the interconnectedness of different philosophies and cultures across India.
• Recent school visits, especially to Doon School, provided valuable learning experiences for students and teachers from rural areas.
• There's an emphasis on regular reflections and sharing of learnings among the community members.
• The group uses various WhatsApp groups and online platforms to facilitate communication and learning.

Guru Nanak Documentary Discussion

• Explored Guru Nanak's travels through Assam, Nagaland, Bangladesh, and West Bengal.
• Highlighted similarities between Guru Nanak's philosophy and local traditions in these regions.
• Discussed the concept of oneness and the universality of emotions across species.

Recent The Doon School Visit

• Students from Arthur Foot Academy visited Doon School, marking their first trip to an urban area.
• The visit highlighted the disparity in exposure between rural and urban students.
• Emphasized the importance of such experiences in broadening students' perspectives.

Reflection Practices

• Encouraged regular reflections from all participants, including teachers and students.
• Discussed various platforms for sharing reflections, including WhatsApp groups and online diaries.
• Stressed the importance of consistent engagement and sharing of thoughts.

Community Structure and Communication

• Explained the purpose and use of different WhatsApp groups:
• My Good School: For general discussions and reflections
• Teachers Academy: For teacher-specific content
• Impact Team: For assessment and evaluation
• Joy of Giving: Focused on Arthur Foot Academy project

Book Discussion

• Reviewed chapters from a book discussing animal emotions and instincts.
• Drew parallels between animal and human behaviors, emphasizing the universality of emotions.

Next Steps

• Participants to send reflections on recent experiences, including the Doon School visit.
• Continue regular engagement in various WhatsApp groups and online platforms.
• Implement learnings from recent experiences in respective educational settings.
• Improve the technical setup for future online meetings based on today's experience with new equipment.

Action Items

• Create reflection piece with probing questions from The Doon School visit. Add to Joy of Learning Diaries. 
• Write/send reflection on The Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp. 
• Write/send reflection on Doon School visit to Manisha. Post in My Good School WhatsApp grp. 
• Post announcements for upcoming sessions in My Good School WhatsApp grp. 

Students and teacher may create a school newsletter incorporating Joy of Learning content.

These are some suggestions. We're looking forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in

In case you missed the session today, reply the video:

Reflections - My Good School Retreat 15th November 2024

My Good School Retreat 2024 - November 15

To conduct a My Good School retreat session focused on discussing animal behavior and emotions through the book "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben.

Key Takeaways

• The group explored the concept of animal emotions, particularly maternal love, through the first chapter of the book
• Participants learned about squirrel behavior, including their nesting habits, food caching, and interactions with other animals
• The discussion highlighted how human perceptions of animals are often influenced by emotions rather than objective observation
• The session emphasized that maternal love is not exclusive to humans and exists across species, though with variations in its expression and development

Topics

Book Introduction and Context

• The group is reading "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben
• The book explores animal emotions and behaviors, challenging assumptions about human uniqueness
• The author uses scientific research and personal observations to illustrate animal experiences

Squirrel Behavior and Survival

• Squirrels demonstrate maternal care by carrying babies on their necks
• They build nests (dreys) in trees, using soft materials for comfort
• Squirrels cache food for winter, but often forget locations, leading to natural tree planting
• Their survival strategies include spiral descent to avoid predators like hawks

Animal Emotions and Human Perceptions

• The group discussed how humans categorize animals based on appearance and perceived usefulness
• Squirrels were used as an example of how perceptions can shift (e.g., from cute to predatory)
• The discussion emphasized that animals act primarily for survival, not to be "good" or "bad"

Maternal Love Across Species

• The chapter explored whether maternal love is innate or learned
• Hormones like oxytocin play a role in bonding for both humans and animals
• Human capacity for learned love (e.g., adoption) was contrasted with more instinctive animal behaviors
• Examples of interspecies bonding were mentioned (e.g., cats caring for human infants)

Next Steps

• Participants encouraged to watch related movies/documentaries (e.g., Born Free, Lion King)
• Research Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees for further insights on animal behavior.
• Reconvene at 5:30 PM for the Teacher's Academy session to continue book discussion.
• Local retreat participants to engage in a treasure hunt during the break.

Think it over

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

2. Find out about- 

a. dreys

b. nests of animals

3. How do animals prepare their nest? Which material is required by the animals to make their nest?

4. Winter, however, is more devastating than any predator. Who does the writer refer to ?

5. What will happen if there will be no food chain?

6. What is selfless mother's love according to you?

Fireside Chat with Christa - 14th November 2024

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yvPxMmWfMh3MY4T68

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Follow the: VIEW RECORDING - 87 mins - courtesy FATHOM - AI generated E.&.O.E.

Meeting Purpose

To discuss the Three Principles framework and share insights on managing insecurity through a story-based approach.

Key Takeaways

• The Three Principles (Mind, Consciousness, Thought) work together to create our personal reality
• Understanding thought as the source of feelings allows us to choose more positive perspectives
• Recognizing separate realities fosters empathy and improves relationships
• Connecting with nature and inner wisdom can lead to valuable insights and personal growth

Topics

Introduction of Christa Campsall

• Teacher since 1977 with degrees in education and leadership
• Introduced to Sidney Banks' philosophy in her 20s, which transformed her understanding of thought and reality
• Co-authored story-based curriculum to share principles with children and teenagers

The Three Principles Framework

• Mind + Consciousness + Thought = Reality
• Mind: Universal source of intelligence
• Consciousness: Awareness of existence
• Thought: Guide through the world as free-thinking agents
• Understanding this framework allows for changing one's reality and managing insecurity

Story: "Many Faces of Insecurity"

• Protagonist Jay experiences insecurity during frequent moves and school changes
• Initially struggles with isolation after a move, then overcompensates with popularity
• Learns to recognize insecure thinking and make conscious choices about his behavior
• Realizes the power of inner wisdom and free will in steering his "car of life"

Masks of Insecurity

• Discussed various manifestations of insecurity (e.g., aggression, arrogance, procrastination)
• Emphasized these are not inherent traits but temporary states driven by thought

Understanding Thought and Separate Realities

• All feelings derive from the power of thought
• Negative thoughts lead to lower quality feelings, positive thoughts to higher quality feelings
• Each person has a unique reality, fostering respect for different perspectives

Practical Applications

• Letting go of unproductive thoughts rather than ruminating
• Using positive thinking and music to manage insecurity
• Recognizing the value of time spent in nature for clarity and connection

Next Steps

• Reflect on personal takeaways from the session
• Practice awareness of thought patterns and their impact on feelings
• Appreciate nature and take time for reflection to gain insights
• Apply understanding of separate realities to improve relationships and communication