Episode 187 - The Spirit of Education
This episode of Living Myth begins with the old idea that a genuine education offers each student “roots and wings.” The roots can be seen as the rudiments of learning intended to provide the tools needed to become a part of everyday life. The wings however, must be imagined as the expansion of each student's inner spirit, the awakening of their core imagination, and the revelation of their unique way of being present in the world.
Michael Meade suggests that the current school crisis, albeit agonizing for parents, teachers and administrators, also presents an opportunity to reimagine the very spirit of education. If education continues to be seen at the root level of schooling, we may miss the deeper learning that is trying to happen at all levels of life right now.
In a world full of great uncertainty and radical change, the role of education must change to suit the times. Meade reframes learning as part of a “second adventure of life” that includes a greater sense of imagination, a deeper sense of resiliency and a genuine sense that each person has some genius quality to bring to life.
In times of collective crisis we either become bigger people and shape greater vessels for the flow of life, or else we shrink from life’s challenges, and make the world smaller for ourselves and our children.
Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast. You can hear Michael Meade live by joining his new live online series “The Soul of Genius” that begins on Friday, August 14. Register and learn more at mosaicvoices.org/events.
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On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you and your loved ones continued well-being, protection and deep community connection during this period of great challenge, change and transformation.