Lighting up on a learning curve.

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.

Aaron Rose

(1969)

Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(1749-1832)

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.

Mary Dunbar

(1906-1960)

By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn.

Latin Proverb

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.

Plutarch

(46-c.120)

I've just walked home having attended a workshop today as a participant rather than as a facilitator, which is my more usual (and dare I say, more comfortable?) role in these situations. I really value the opportunity to reflect upon and process my day as I walk and I'll often take a roundabout route home just to give myself some extra time to do this. Things have been steadily building up over the past few weeks and I'm full to the brim of stuff that needs to be mulled over this evening. I wish I could've kept walking a while longer but it's pitch dark out there now and my toes were starting to freeze so I came in and, as a result, I think this might be one of those rambly, meandering posts. A virtual reflective walk. So if you stick with it, please do be warned...

Few things give me a buzz greater than being involved in some way with learning, development, evolution, change, growth... whatever we choose to call it, whatever form it takes, and whether it is my own or that of another, if it involves curiously exploring potential and expanding within or beyond current boundaries of knowledge, skill and understanding, it thrills me to my toes.

The work I do is entirely motivated by wanting to provide opportunities for and facilitate this in others, encouraging them to discover, embrace and fulfill their potential. Issues with my current situation aside, I love what I do. It's a privilege and an honour that people entrust me with participating in their lives in this way, share this part of their journey, and I continue to learn and grow myself as a result. Part of my role involves inspiring people to be life-long learners, increasing their self-awareness, and identifying ways to build on their existing talents and strengths. I often think I act as a mirror to reflect back the very best of who someone is, and what their potential holds, so that they can fully realise it. Or a lantern to light their way for a bit, and from which they might light their own flame. There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a light come on in someone, and shine more and more brightly.

There's no denying that part of my love for what I do is based on how the journey that someone I work with takes, provides me with a chance to journey myself. It's a great spin-off of this kind of work and I think most people who teach, train, facilitate, coach, mentor (and I am fortunate enough to do a bit of all of these) would agree, regardless of the field they operate in or the individuals they work with. It's definitely a two-way flow. They grow, we grow. They learn, we learn. They shine, we shine.

It's been some time though since I've enjoyed an opportunity to undertake some formal professional development for myself, sponsored by the organisation I work for. Like many of its kind, it invests wonderfully in the development of its staff at all levels, in all departments, with the exception of those of us who work in the learning and development teams. This seems to be an almost universal phenomenon (although my experience is, granted, not universal) and I don't know why it is. I don't understand it. And it irks me. I invest in my ongoing development whenever I can in my own time and they are happy for me to apply this on their behalf and share with my team and the business whatever extra I can offer as a result. But I'd like to see it given more support and priority by the powers that be - recognition that it is as important for me to have space created to meet my professional aspirations as it is for anyone else in the organisation. A fortnight ago I was finally able to attend a session, which I requested and had agreed more than two years ago but that for one reason or another, was "reprioritised" for me a number of times... frustrating. Extremely frustrating.

Anyway, it happened at last. And I relished every moment of it. Even the challenging bits.

What I enjoyed most about the experience:

~ being able to adopt and fully immerse myself in the role of workshop participant and learner and hand the reigns of guidance over to someone else.

~ being encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone and not feeling overwhelmed by spending time there because the facilitator had created such an expansive and supportive environment.

~ engaging with like-minded colleagues from other organisations, sharing experiences and feeling professionally accepted and understood.

~ receiving positive feedback that validates what I do, why, and how I do it from people I respect and admire.

~ receiving constructive guidance that translates into space for personal growth.

~ being invited to support and provide input into this process for these same people and observing the light go on inside them too.

~ unearthing and being reminded of the passion I have for what I do, which I sometimes lose sight of in the whirlwind of daily detail and frustration with my current situation.

I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this but I think what's struck me as I've been thinking it all through is how important it is for me to experience the thrill of participation and stretch on my own behalf more. And how I need to focus some attention on ensuring I'm able to do this, securing the commitment to it happening more formally for myself, so that the energy it generates can be turned back into positive engagement with the people I support.

This will be something of a challenge but I need to find a way of making it clear (to those I feel should already know and understand this but clearly don't) that sometimes, in order to reflect best, even a mirror needs a little polishing of its own. And in order to shed a clear light, a lantern needs to be kept well-fueled.

And so on that determined note, the week ends and the weekend begins... may it be a good one!