Stress and Learning: Crash Landing or Soaring?

A paper airplane against a blue background.
Image courtesy Ivan Petrov

Recently, I was both inspired and humbled when an 89 year old woman stopped at my booth at the Surrey Wellness Fair. "I need to learn how to live a better life," were the first words she said to me as she gracefully sat down. (You did catch her age, right?)

Although we've finished working together, this woman continues to uplift me and hopefully, in the re-telling, you as well. Her thirst for knowledge was evident right from the beginning. I'm certain that this is what is keeping her young at heart. Although the wrapping may be a little wrinkled, it doesn't matter; the gift lies on the inside.

Inspiration, support and lessons are all around us, if we are willing to notice and ask, learn and practise. Notice and ask...

One of my greatest joys has been developing new connections through Twitter. Steve Finikiotis (@Finikiotis) recently passed on these wise words of wisdom:

"Osprey was launched in '02 and the transition was easy except for some bumps which were valuable learning experiences. I'm grateful for the bumps as well as the triumphs, as I'm sure you are."

Steve's great attitude is exemplifying what I believe to be one of man's reasons for life: to find our purpose through learning, then change and grow as a result of our gratitude for those learnings.

When we are able to appreciate the bumps we actually learn a great deal and often move more quickly through the turbulence.

Are you like an osprey? This is a bird which has an amazing ability to adapt, making its home in unlikely places and being comfortable enough to not only survive, but to thrive. (Thanks @ConHake for that phrase.)

Remember that learning is a process. Sometimes we "get it" quickly, other times it takes practise and yet more practise.

Why not give yourself an advantage and have tools and techniques in place to assist you with your learnings? How marvelous would it be to have a tail-wind for your flight? Energy consumption decreases and the time it takes to arrive at your destination is often reduced. The passengers are also much happier! And, that's a good thing, as Martha is fond of saying!

For you to consider:

  1. When have you done your best learning?
  2. What were your emotional, mental and physical states?
  3. Are you afraid of making mistakes?
  4. How could you change your perceptions about learning?
  5. What do you need to do if you wish to overcome the non-resourceful behaviours?

3 Replies to “Stress and Learning: Crash Landing or Soaring?”

  1. 1. Best learning seems to be in reflection after intense activity.

    2. Calm and alert for best learning.

    3. Not very fearful of mistakes.

    4. I am contually modifying not just what I know, but how to learn the next piece with each learning pass.

    5. Overcome non-resourceful behaviors? Learn to be stressed less easily and to not respond to frustrations with anger. Like they say, “Life is what happens while you are planning something else.” I may as well get used to it. 🙂

  2. 1. When have you done your best learning?

    Not yet done with it. It is ongoing.
    2. What were your emotional, mental & physical states?

    Normal.
    3. Are you afraid of making mistakes?

    No.
    4. How could you change your perceptions about learning?

    I do not think that there is any need to.
    5. What do you need to do if you wish to overcome the non-resourceful behaviours?

    I do not think that there is any need here too.

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