You'll only read poems about love and despair,
hurt and care,
failure and success,
All the opposites.
But you'll rarely ever hear about poems about what you have,
What you can do and all the things that aren't bad.
Sure, this world is a dark and lonely place,
But not if you find your little space.
Bombs and wars, fighting and chores.
It'll be wrong of me to say,
It'll all be okay.
Because perhaps it wont,
But we've put our hopes in things that would never happen for far too long.
Perhaps it's time for us to see,
Count our blessings and find the glee.
There must be something in our life, that perhaps we can find,
Something that makes one smile despite the tough times.
There are too many pessimistic things you can burden your mind with,
But only one you can free the mind with.
And that's to think of the things you have, the things you did and the things you will.
It's often just a fear,
Because we just want to find a place in the world,
And don't want hate coming through words,
Time passes by like the waves on a shore,
Leaving an impression on the sand, but not for too long.
We wish to be loved and cared,
Not shattered and scared
Forgetting that our hearts only open when you learn to give the love you seek.
To some, it feels meek,
But it is what it is,
Because that's when you learn to truly live.
Perhaps we fetch this love too far and wide,
We have it here in our heart all this time,
So lets not let hurt get the better of us,
And lets not let the loneliness ruin us,
Because to give is to take,
And to love others isn't futile and fake.
Bookshops are a small heaven of stories, poems, and the world's finest literature. Comfy sofas and the fragrance of a new shipment of books fill the air. With the pages turned yellow and the covers fading away, a bookshop is a timeless tale. Going to a bookshop, finding that one book that resonates with you among thousands on the shelf, and the joy of getting those small free bookmarks that come with the book of your choice—it's an experience that is now being forgotten. But now that treasure is fading away.
Bookshops don't seem crowded anymore—after all, Amazon exists. But online shopping will never, in a million years, replace what bookshops mean to me. Bookshops aren't just a business; they hold depth; they are spaces for people to discover their passions for reading and their intimate connection with books. I have often seen people going to bookshops, finding a book and then searching for the same book online to see if they can get it cheaper. For a mere price decrease of a few rupees, people would rather get books online than buy from a bookshop.
These books are treasures. People would rather watch TV shows and movies on those very books, but movies would never capture the beauty of words, the way the author twists the story, the way the story unfolds, and the intimate moments. A film can't capture it all.
No matter how "childish" the stories may seem, each book holds something for us. As we grow older, we forget what we were once taught in school and at home: "Be patient." "Think before you speak." These values are what we forget as time goes by, and sometimes, all we need are short stories for children that hold a moral in each.
These very bookshops carry books and stories of each genre, with something for everyone. They hold treasures worth more than anything else because these books may not be as expensive as gold or as vital as water, but they hold something far more valuable: knowledge. Even fictional stories, mysteries, and fairytales can be helpful; we just have to look closer to find them.
Of course, reading doesn't resonate with everyone. You can't force anyone into it; it unfolds itself. So, to the readers out there, let's keep this magic alive because it's something special, and we can't lose it.
In Chapter 2 of The Door-To-Door Bookstore, Carl is sceptical about the bookstore's ability to change lives, while Schascha believes in the power of books to connect people. Their contrasting views create tension and an opportunity for growth.
Reflection Questions-
1. How might Carl's and Schascha's perspectives on life influence their future actions in the story?
- Carl and Schascha have different outlooks on life. How do these differences shape their journey as the story progresses?
2. How does Schascha's attitude differ from Carl's?
- Reflect on Schascha's optimism and excitement. How does she see the bookstore's role differently from Carl?
3. What role do you think books play in Carl's life?
- Carl seems disconnected from the bookstore. What do books mean to him, and why might he distribute them?
4. What do you think Carl learns from Schascha's perspective on books and life, and how might that impact his view of the world?
Schascha is full of energy and belief in the bookstore. How can a positive attitude like hers influence how we see challenges in life?
Can you think of a situation where staying positive helped you overcome something difficult? How did it make a difference?
In chapter 20 of The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben, "Shame and Regret," the author delves into animals' emotional experiences, exploring how they might experience feelings of shame and regret. Wohlleben draws on scientific studies and observations to suggest that animals, much like humans, can feel embarrassed when they fail to meet certain expectations or make mistakes. This chapter challenges the common belief that animals only act based on instincts, showing that they can have complex emotions, too.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you believe animals can feel shame or regret? Why or why not?
- Think about your own experiences with emotions like shame or regret. Do you think animals could similarly experience these feelings?
2. How does the idea that animals can feel emotions like shame challenge your previous understanding of animals?
- Have you ever considered that animals might experience emotions beyond basic instincts? How does this chapter change your view?
3. Why is it important to recognise that animals might experience emotions like shame and regret?
- How could understanding animals' emotions change the way we treat them or view their behaviour?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt regret or shame and how it affected you?
- Reflecting on your own experiences, how do these emotions influence your actions or decisions? Can you imagine animals having similar emotional experiences?
Key Takeaways:
Book Discussion: We discussed The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, focusing on the protagonist, Carl, and his passion for books and unique way of viewing the world. We explored themes of loneliness, routine, and meaning and discussed how literary references are woven into the narrative, mainly through Karl's interactions with 9-year-old Schascha.
Reading vs. Watching TV: We highlighted the cognitive benefits of reading over watching TV. Reading encourages imagination, enhances attention span, and fosters critical thinking. In contrast, TV viewing often leads to multitasking and shorter attention spans.
Animal Emotions and Cognition: We examined research that shows animals, including mice, pigs, and dogs, display complex emotions like empathy, fairness, and even regret. This challenges traditional assumptions about animal cognition and emotions. Mirror neurons in animals allow them to "feel" others' feelings, and early exposure to empathy strengthens these neural pathways.
Fairness and Regret in Animals: Experiments revealed that dogs, ravens, and rats show a strong sense of fairness, while rats exhibit regret-like behaviours when making poor choices. These findings challenge previous views on animal emotions and cognition.
Next Week's Session: Lina Ashar will host her second YES Workshop on education for the future. Please check out the video recording of her last session on February 23rd, 2025: https://youtu.be/RsKdSpxSCek?si=Z0bTE5TrJnIci7eZ.
Reading Progress: Jugjiv Sir will complete the current book chapter by next week.
Upcoming Retreat: We will read My Good School Where Passion Meets Education at the forthcoming Retreat and gift all participants one copy of the My Good School Record book.
I am looking forward to our continued discussions. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
We discussed the progress of the My Good School Retreat and the excitement among students, with Rajinder Pal Devgan noting the positive impact of recent visits to the Arthur Foot Academy. Jugjiv Singh introduced the book Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn, highlighting its themes of personal connections and the significance of book recommendations. The group explored naming in animals, noting that some animals, like ravens and pigs, recognise and respond to personal names. They also discussed the emotional lives of animals, particularly grief in red deer, and the importance of community and personal connections in learning and teaching. Updates on various educational initiatives were shared, including poetry, music, and art sessions.
About the Book- The Door-to-Door Bookstore
Everyone has a book meant just for them...
Carl, 72, may get old, but he still feels young. Every night, he walks around delivering books to his regular customers, always picking the right book for each one based on what they love.
One evening, a curious and lively nine-year-old named Schascha shows up. She insists on tagging along with Carl and even tries to teach him a few things about books.
When Carl's job at the bookstore is at risk, will he and the girl, with her yellow raincoat, be able to save his job and bring back the joy of reading to their little town?
The Door-to-Door Bookstore is a heartwarming story about the importance of friendship, the magic of books, and how reading can bring people together.
Reading the chapter "A Man for all Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
In this chapter, Carl, the protagonist, meets a man who embodies what many consider "success"—a wealthy, influential figure who seems to have everything. However, as the protagonist interacts with this man, he realises that despite outward success, he may be missing key elements of personal fulfillment, happiness, and genuine relationships. This causes the protagonist to reflect on his life and what true success means.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is the main lesson or message of this chapter?
Think about what the author is trying to teach or show through the events in this chapter.
2. What does the chapter say about the difference between wealth and happiness?
Reflect on what the book says about how money and success don't always bring happiness.
3. What emotions or ideas does this chapter make you think about?
Think about how the chapter makes you feel and what ideas or questions it raises.
4. How can we apply this chapter's lessons to our lives?
Think about how you can use the ideas from the chapter to be happier or more successful in your own way.
Reading the book The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Chapter What's in a Name?
"A name is much more than a label; it's a way of saying something is important."
1. How do you think names shape our understanding of the world around us?
2. Can you recall a time when a name changed the way you felt about something or someone?
3. In what ways do you think animals perceive their names, if at all?
4. Why might it be significant to recognise the importance of naming in the context of nature and animals?
Chapter "Grief" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben.
Theme: The emotional depth and grieving processes of animals.
1. How does the concept of grief in animals challenge our traditional understanding of their emotions?
2. Why do you think it's important to recognise and validate the grief of animals, and how might this change how we treat them?
3. In what ways does understanding animal grief deepen our empathy toward animals and our connection with nature?
Program Updates:
Thursday Sessions at 5:30 PM will include poetry and music for teachers, interns, fellows, and future educators, helping them explore creative ways to teach and engage students.
Friday Sessions at 5:30 PM, a blend of reading and art, provides a creative and interactive experience.
Good Schools of India: Our weekly newsletter has gained much more attention, with over 600 reads in recent weeks. It's great to see more people staying updated and engaged!
YouTube Channel: We've launched a YouTube channel (@mygoodschool) where you can access recorded sessions from the program. This allows easier access to our content for anyone who missed a session or would like to revisit a topic.
We're thrilled to announce new developments at the Arthur Foot Academy (AFA):
Community Learning Centre is actively seeking volunteers who can share their skills or teach subjects of interest. Whether it's math, art, or any other subject, we welcome those with knowledge to join us in making this initiative a success!
Collaboration with Experts: We collaborate with experts like Ms. Brinda Ghosh, Ms. Nonie Bagga, and Ms. Meenakshi Uberai to provide various learning experiences and ensure everyone involved has access to high-quality educational content.
We look forward to all the exciting developments in the program and invite you to get involved!
The Doon School Old Boys' Society is a member of the Good Schools Alliance.
Photo courtesy: Instagram handle @thedsobs
5 March 2025 The DSOBS delegation visited Arthur Foot Academy (AFA) to understand its educational endeavors and extend a hand to support the Good School Alliance (GSA) work as part of the Dosco Impact initiative.
An Aristocracy Of Service
The motto of the Doon School Old Boys' Society (DSOBS) is An Aristocracy of Service, borrowed from Arthur Foot's statement at the formal opening of the school on 27 October 1935: "Truly, we mean that the boys should leave the Doon School as members of an aristocracy, but it must be an aristocracy of service inspired by the ideals of unselfishness, not one of privilege, wealth or position.
In honour of Arthur Edward Foot's ideals, a dedicated Old Boys of The Doon School led by Asad Khan joined forces to create a lasting legacy for their first Headmaster, the Arthur Foot Academy. The academy is committed to providing a well-rounded education to the children of Bandarjhud, a small village near Dehradun.
As a member of the Good Schools Alliance, the academy is committed to nurturing each student's personal and social growth, focusing on service, skill, sport, and study. The school's mission is to prepare students to face the world confidently. #JoyOfLearning.
Culture of trust and learning
Exciting news! Learning Forward India Foundation has teamed up with the Arthur Foot Academy, backed by the incredible duo Asad Khan and Feroza Khan of the AFZAL KHAN FOUNDATION! Together, we are on a mission to equip the village's children to thrive in the world.
We are excited to announce our transformation of the Library into a vibrant Community Learning Centre equipped with WiFi and digital learning devices. This Centre is vital to the world. Each week, teachers, students, and local community members will gather for engaging Zoom sessions, discovering the joy of learning together.
We encourage you to join us in supporting the Arthur Foot Academy and helping create meaningful change. Your contribution goes beyond a donation; it is crucial in advancing our initiative. Together, we can positively impact the world. Your support is essential to our mission!
Summary of Episode 15: Suddh Uddesham from Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels:
In this episode, Guru Nanak emphasizes the importance of purity in intention and action. Suddh Uddesham (pure intention) refers to acting with a heart and mind free from selfish motives, aligning oneself with a higher spiritual purpose. Guru Nanak teaches that actions performed with pure intentions can lead to spiritual enlightenment and a deeper connection with the divine. This episode reflects Guru Nanak's teachings on how true purity is not just about external rituals but is rooted in the inner state of one's mind and heart.
Guru Nanak's travels in this episode highlight how pursuing a higher truth requires shedding personal desires and ego. It is not enough to follow external practices or customs; one must cultivate sincerity and a clear, unselfish purpose in all actions. The story encourages individuals to examine their intentions, emphasizing that purity in one's heart can lead to true spiritual fulfillment.
Guru Nanak's message of oneness and interconnectedness was key in integrating diverse saints' teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib. Amardeep explained that Guru Nanak traveled across the Indian subcontinent and engaged in dialogues with spiritualists from different traditions. He emphasized the concept of Ek Niranjan, the belief that the creator and creation are one, transcending religious boundaries. This philosophy allowed Guru Nanak to recognize the common threads in the teachings of saints like Bhagat Namdev, Bhagat Trilochan, and others and incorporate their verses into the Sikh scripture. The Guru Granth Sahib became a unifying text that celebrated the diversity of spiritual thought while highlighting the underlying unity.
In summary, Suddh Uddesham is about transforming one's internal state to reflect divine qualities through genuine, selfless action.
Reflection Question - Reflect on when aligning your actions with a deeper purpose brought clarity or transformation to your path.
Chapter 1: A Man for all seasons from The Door to Door Bookstore:
1. The Power of Books
Question: What does the character's fascination with books tell us about the importance of reading in their life?
2. Personal Connections
Question: How do the interactions between the main character and the people they meet in the bookstore reveal the significance of human connections?
Question: In this Chapter, what changes or discoveries does the protagonist experience, and how might these shape the story's progression?
4. Finding Purpose
Question: How does the main character seem to be searching for something more in life, and how might the bookstore be a part of that journey?
5. Mystery and Curiosity
Question: What elements of mystery or curiosity are introduced in the first chapter, and how do they make you want to keep reading?
Reflection questions based on Chapter 1: "A Man for All Seasons" from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
First Impressions: What do you learn about Carl from the first chapter? What kind of person does he seem to be?
Carl's Routine: Carl has a routine for delivering books. Why do you think routines are important in life? Do you have any daily habits or routines?
Bookstore & Books: The bookstore is important to Carl's life. What is your favorite place to find or read books? Why do you like it?
Character's Mood: Carl seems content but also a little lonely. Have you ever felt lonely even when doing something you love? What helped you feel better?
Curiosity & Change: The chapter hints at changes in Carl's life. How do you feel when something unexpected happens? Do you like surprises, or do you prefer to plan everything?
Reflection questions based on the chapter "Just for Fun" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben:
Playful Animals: The chapter talks about animals playing just for fun. Have you ever seen an animal playing? What was it doing?
Why Play Matters: Why do you think animals like to play? Does it help them in some way?
Your Own Fun: What do you do for fun without a goal or reason? How does it make you feel?
Animal Games: If you could play a game with any animal, which one would it be, and what game would you play?
Surprising Behavior: Did anything in this chapter surprise you about how animals have fun? Which part did you like the most?
The My Good School retreat is scheduled from April 11th to 14th. Art and music sessions are under consideration for the week, focusing on engaging a broader audience. Finally, plans for the Art and Music Sessions on Monday and Tuesday respectively, with Wednesday as a weekly off.
Meeting Purpose: Discussed The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben and began reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn.
Key Takeaways: Animals experience emotions, play, and form social bonds like humans. Reading offers healing and new perspectives, sometimes in unexpected ways. Technology and individualism are reshaping human interactions and behaviors. Bookstores are evolving by diversifying products to attract customers.
Topics Covered:
Animal Emotions & Behaviors: Crows engage in playful activities like sliding down roofs. Animals form cross-species friendships, challenging instinct-based assumptions. Mating behaviors involve complex emotions and hormonal responses. Ravens form lifelong partnerships.
The Power of Reading: Books provide healing and personal insights. All types of literature contribute to reader development. Strategic book placement can encourage reluctant readers. Karl, a bookstore employee, strongly believes in books' transformative power.
Societal Changes: Shift from outdoor to indoor activities due to technology. Transition from joint to nuclear family structures. The growth of senior care homes in India is less common than in the West. Increasing individualism affects social bonds and family dynamics.
Bookstore Operations: City Gate Bookstore diversifies with CDs, stationery, and chocolate. Karl carefully wraps and delivers books to customers. Running a bookstore is challenging in the digital era due to lower demand.
Next Steps: Continue reading The Door-to-Door Bookstore in future sessions. Participants will share personal experiences of how reading has influenced them. Review upcoming My Good School events. Interested participants to register for the retreat at Arthur Foot Academy (April 11-14).
The sessions at hosted at 5:30 PM on Thursdays our universal evening #JoyOfLearning time! Ms. Brinda Ghosh curates the poetry session, in which we discuss the importance of sharing personal compositions and exploring different poetic forms.
If you wish to join us, please join the GSI Jounal Group in the GSA Whatsapp Community. For assistance, kind send a WhatsApp Message to +91 9811133900 and quote #ThoughfulThursdays
