Be responsible! Get motivated!
Daily, I am aware of the concern by many in the local, state and national community about how to promote “responsibility” and/or how to motivate individuals to be what is frequently called productive citizens. One of the questions which is asked directly or indirectly at community gatherings is, “How does one motivate young people to become responsible members of the community?” This question may seem to be the “responsible” question to ask and, yet, I suspect it is not a very helpful question. From an early age most of us were told that it was important to become responsible, motivated members of the community. Some of us might have asked “why” and were told some version of “it is the right thing to do” or “that is what grownups do.”
Many of the educators I know avoid the use of the words responsible and motivated. Instead they use words such as passion. I often think of the word or concept of passion. It seems to me that the fact that I have a passion for life, including the work I do, means I do have to remind myself to be motivated or responsible.
I am well aware that many factors seem to block others from experiencing passion the same way that I do. There are, I am sure, many reasons for this including:
· Some have a very narrow focus for their passion which may allow them to develop talents or make discoveries someone like me will never make.
· Some have a chemical imbalance resulting in an inability to experience connection with self, others or activities.
· Some have a lack of good nutrition, proper rest or other factors which allow the brain and, thus, the rest of the body to function will.
· Some have other medical conditions which prevent them from experiencing empathy or other connections.
· Some are programmed to follow a course set by others which is not consistent with their passions or their potential for passions.
· Some internalize oppression and never see themselves as able to have or follow dreams.
· Some are born into a dangerous, survival oriented environment without good nutrition, emotional support, or other pieces of health care.
· Some will attend school with teachers who have learned to be fearful of passion or to keep their focus on gaining the approval of the limited God of their understanding.
· Some “know” that their uniqueness means that they will be never be accepted by God, their families or the community.
Many of these conditions preventing the experience of passion or the acting on passion are treatable with medication, a kind, encouraging word or other tools to correct they messages they have internalized. A small group will never be able to feel connected and, thus, will not experience passion. They will need our support and assistance throughout their life.
Right or wrong teachers in our public and private schools have the job of working for/with this very diverse group of children. Many parents and other extended family members can help prepare the child. Some do not have the resources. I believe we must quit using generic words such as responsible and motivation and more “passionately” support teachers and other school staff in diagnosing and addressing the reasons individuals are not able to connect with/feel a part of the larger community. It is my contention that when any of us feel a part of and trust our passion we will assume our role in creating and maintaining an exciting, vibrant, healthy community.
Written December 8, 2017
Daily, I am aware of the concern by many in the local, state and national community about how to promote “responsibility” and/or how to motivate individuals to be what is frequently called productive citizens. One of the questions which is asked directly or indirectly at community gatherings is, “How does one motivate young people to become responsible members of the community?” This question may seem to be the “responsible” question to ask and, yet, I suspect it is not a very helpful question. From an early age most of us were told that it was important to become responsible, motivated members of the community. Some of us might have asked “why” and were told some version of “it is the right thing to do” or “that is what grownups do.”
Many of the educators I know avoid the use of the words responsible and motivated. Instead they use words such as passion. I often think of the word or concept of passion. It seems to me that the fact that I have a passion for life, including the work I do, means I do have to remind myself to be motivated or responsible.
I am well aware that many factors seem to block others from experiencing passion the same way that I do. There are, I am sure, many reasons for this including:
· Some have a very narrow focus for their passion which may allow them to develop talents or make discoveries someone like me will never make.
· Some have a chemical imbalance resulting in an inability to experience connection with self, others or activities.
· Some have a lack of good nutrition, proper rest or other factors which allow the brain and, thus, the rest of the body to function will.
· Some have other medical conditions which prevent them from experiencing empathy or other connections.
· Some are programmed to follow a course set by others which is not consistent with their passions or their potential for passions.
· Some internalize oppression and never see themselves as able to have or follow dreams.
· Some are born into a dangerous, survival oriented environment without good nutrition, emotional support, or other pieces of health care.
· Some will attend school with teachers who have learned to be fearful of passion or to keep their focus on gaining the approval of the limited God of their understanding.
· Some “know” that their uniqueness means that they will be never be accepted by God, their families or the community.
Many of these conditions preventing the experience of passion or the acting on passion are treatable with medication, a kind, encouraging word or other tools to correct they messages they have internalized. A small group will never be able to feel connected and, thus, will not experience passion. They will need our support and assistance throughout their life.
Right or wrong teachers in our public and private schools have the job of working for/with this very diverse group of children. Many parents and other extended family members can help prepare the child. Some do not have the resources. I believe we must quit using generic words such as responsible and motivation and more “passionately” support teachers and other school staff in diagnosing and addressing the reasons individuals are not able to connect with/feel a part of the larger community. It is my contention that when any of us feel a part of and trust our passion we will assume our role in creating and maintaining an exciting, vibrant, healthy community.
Written December 8, 2017
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