Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Meet and Greet with Kartik Bajoria

Play on YouTube
My Good School, 16th June 2025
Karthik's Passion and Mental Wellness

The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about last week's activities. Karthik, a guest speaker, was introduced and shared his background, including his work in advertising, film, and television, as well as his transition to teaching and his mental wellness initiative, Driveway Devi. The group watched a TED Talk by Karthik from 2016, which discussed finding one's passion and following it. The session concluded with plans to engage in a Q&A session after the talk.

Embracing Uniqueness and True Passions

Kartik shared three pivotal moments in his life where he learned to embrace his uniqueness and passions. At boarding school, he initially felt out of place but found his true self through music, winning a competition and gaining the acceptance of his peers. He later realised his mismatch with a business-focused college course and switched to English honours, finding fulfilment in writing. Despite a successful career in media, he ultimately discovered his true calling in teaching and writing, moving back to Jaipur to pursue these passions.

Embracing Passions and Unique Paths

Jugjiv discussed the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and passions to lead a fulfilling life, urging others to acknowledge and take pride in their natural leanings. Kartik shared insights on pursuing passions despite parental concerns, highlighting the changing landscape of careers and the role of technology in democratising talent exposure. He advised seeking unbiased feedback and maintaining realistic expectations about one's goals. Rishona asked questions about the perception of stress among younger generations and how to cope with the fear of change, to which Kartik responded, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and resilience.

Developing Resilience and Discernment

Kartik discussed the importance of developing a thick skin. He shared personal experiences of being judged for his music choices, emphasising the need to be aware of one's tendency to be overbearing when offering support to someone experiencing mental health challenges. He advised tailoring the approach based on the individual's personality. Kartik also explained the difference between judgment and opinion, and highlighted the importance of discerning between normal sadness and depression by considering factors such as duration and intensity of symptoms.

Balancing Work and Smart Work

Kartik discussed the importance of combining hard work and smart thinking in today's world, using examples from his teaching experience. He explained how he initially encouraged students to use the internet for research but later banned devices due to the over-reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT, which he felt was not promoting genuine intellectual effort. Kartik emphasised the need for students to use technology wisely, combining it with their own critical thinking and personal insights. The session concluded with Kartik sharing tips on overcoming stage fright, such as knowing one's material well and taking a moment to centre oneself before speaking.

Animal Learning and Behaviour Insights

Brinda led a reading session on animal upbringing, sharing insights from "The Inner Life of Animals" about how animals, like humans, learn and adapt to their environments. She discussed her experience with a small herd of goats, highlighting how their behaviour improved after they had kids and learned from their mothers. Brinda also explained how insects, mice, and larger mammals, such as wolves and deer, learn survival skills from their elders, challenging the notion that animal behaviour is purely instinctive.

Animal Education vs Human Schooling

The discussion focused on comparing animal education and human schooling, with Brinda explaining that while animals don't attend formal schools, they are trained by their parents through natural instincts and discipline. The class discussed how animals, particularly mammals and birds, prepare their young for independence, with Brinda sharing personal experiences about goat rearing and how mothers gradually wean their offspring. The conversation concluded with Brinda suggesting that the class read Gerald Durrell's books for further insights into animal behaviour, particularly regarding how animals handle the transition of young ones leaving their parents.

Bees and Fawn Life Stories

Brinda discussed the life cycle of bees, focusing on the role of drones and the process of removing them from the hive as winter approaches. She also shared a story about a fawn that was mistakenly taken in by humans, highlighting the different ways mother love can be expressed among mammals and the potential dangers faced by fawns in modern times.

European Wildcat Conservation Discussion

Brinda discussed the European wildcat, highlighting its conservation success and distinguishing features, noting that positive identification requires genetic testing. She explained that while wildcats and domestic cats can interbreed, wildcats are generally more aggressive and unsuitable for domestication, leading to a discussion about the challenges of keeping wild animals as pets. The session concluded with Manisha requesting participants to share reflections about their pets and maintain respect for speakers in future sessions.

Next steps

  • Students: Practice staying muted during online sessions and raising hands before speaking
  • Students: Share pictures and stories about their pets and observations of pet behaviour before the next Sunday session
  • Manisha: Publish shared pet pictures and stories from students
  • Students: Submit reflections on the session through writing, doodling, or other creative ways
  • Brinda: Prepare Gerald Durrell's "My Family and Other Animals" for future reading sessions

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Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Setbacks: The guiding path towards success - Rishona Chopra


Sometimes the setbacks are exactly what we need, to rise higher than the rest. These setbacks push us back and let us down but to win a good race, you need to take a few steps back, so that you win with full force. 

It’s so often in life that we don’t get what we wished for, but that’s okay right? At that point, we may not always spot the silver lining but just like every cloud has a silver lining, every disappointment has a profound positive aspect to it that seems invisible but it’s always there, we just need to look deeper and find it.  

It sounds so cliche and shallow when people say that everything happens for a reason. When you’re down in the dumps, the last thing you want someone to tell you is that it all happened for a good reason. It doesn’t feel true at that time. But maybe, they’re right. Maybe everything does happen in life for a reason and perhaps setbacks and challenges are exactly what we need for a brighter future. How can one ever face life if they’ve never truly felt how disappointment feels? How can someone reach for the stars if they’ve never really faced any challenge in life? 

Time is precious. Each second is a blessing. Why spend that time wondering what could have been? It’s easier said than done ofcourse, but nevertheless it's the truth. The cold truth is, we don’t always get what we deserve, we don’t always get what we want, but life doesn’t wait for that. What matters more than the unchosen path is the one you’re on right now. 

Challenges make us stronger. I’ve heard that plenty of times but today I feel it. If you’ve never failed an exam, you’ll never know how important it truly is to pass. If a bird never leaves its nest, despite knowing it could fall, how would it ever sail through the clouds? It feels right now as if life couldn’t be worse, it feels disappointing. It feels as if your heart could break into a million pieces. But it won’t. It won’t because you and I, we know the secret of life. That the only way to move forward is to take a step back.

Rishona Chopra 
Grade IX 
Gyanshree School

Sunday, 13 April 2025

More Than Survival - Oshi Singh

Image found on pinterest.com by Oshi
What can a man do for passion?
What can a man do with the fire that drives him? He can do wonders. There’s nothing a passionate man wouldn’t do. Passion—for love, for what you love, for that little flame in your heart. But what if someone extinguishes that fire? Passion is what drives us. Yet, when a man loses the very thing he’s alive for, he might continue living, but something inside him dies. He may die at a certain age, but in truth, he died the moment he did something he didn’t have any passion for. Without passion, life becomes a hollow routine. You exist, but you don’t truly live. Passion is what gives us purpose, what makes us reach for something more than mere survival. Without it, we are but shadows of who we were meant to be. Oshi Singh Grade XI Gyanshree School

Friday, 15 November 2024

Reflections - My Good School Retreat 15th November 2024

My Good School Retreat 2024 - November 15

To conduct a My Good School retreat session focused on discussing animal behavior and emotions through the book "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben.

Key Takeaways

  • The group explored the concept of animal emotions, particularly maternal love, through the first chapter of the book
  • Participants learned about squirrel behavior, including their nesting habits, food caching, and interactions with other animals
  • The discussion highlighted how human perceptions of animals are often influenced by emotions rather than objective observation
  • The session emphasized that maternal love is not exclusive to humans and exists across species, though with variations in its expression and development

Topics

Book Introduction and Context

  • The group is reading "The Inner Life of Animals" by Peter Wohlleben
  • The book explores animal emotions and behaviors, challenging assumptions about human uniqueness
  • The author uses scientific research and personal observations to illustrate animal experiences

Squirrel Behavior and Survival

  • Squirrels demonstrate maternal care by carrying babies on their necks
  • They build nests (dreys) in trees, using soft materials for comfort
  • Squirrels cache food for winter, but often forget locations, leading to natural tree planting
  • Their survival strategies include spiral descent to avoid predators like hawks

Animal Emotions and Human Perceptions

  • The group discussed how humans categorize animals based on appearance and perceived usefulness
  • Squirrels were used as an example of how perceptions can shift (e.g., from cute to predatory)
  • The discussion emphasized that animals act primarily for survival, not to be "good" or "bad"

Maternal Love Across Species

  • The chapter explored whether maternal love is innate or learned
  • Hormones like oxytocin play a role in bonding for both humans and animals
  • Human capacity for learned love (e.g., adoption) was contrasted with more instinctive animal behaviors
  • Examples of interspecies bonding were mentioned (e.g., cats caring for human infants)

Next Steps

  • Participants encouraged to watch related movies/documentaries (e.g., Born Free, Lion King)
  • Research Jane Goodall's work with chimpanzees for further insights on animal behavior.
  • Reconvene at 5:30 PM for the Teacher's Academy session to continue book discussion.
  • Local retreat participants to engage in a treasure hunt during the break.

Think it over

1. Did the story connect with you today, and why?  

2. Find out about- 

a. dreys

b. nests of animals

3. How do animals prepare their nest? Which material is required by the animals to make their nest?

4. Winter, however, is more devastating than any predator. Who does the writer refer to ?

5. What will happen if there will be no food chain?

6. What is selfless mother's love according to you?


Sunday, 10 November 2024

Reflection Sunday 10th November 2024


Reflection of the week 


-From My Name Is Cinnamon- 

1. What was your takeaway from the session today?  

2. What were the key points in the chapter? 

3. Journey of self-discovery

4. Being honest with ourselves

5. Importance of reflection and clear thought 

6. When you write a poem how do you feel? 

7. How do you think Cinnamon would feel if he met his birth parents

8. Between the head and the heart


- From The Hidden Life Of Trees –  

1. Why is the chapter named "Not just a commodity?"

2. What is your takeaway from today’s session? 

3. What did you learn from this book?

4. Do trees have a life of their own? How can humans learn to respect that? 

5. Life from the eyes of trees

6. Taking care of trees and nature with dignity

7. We aren't a part of nature, we are nature

8. Lessons from this book


"I think writing a poem is oddly fulfilling and a unique art itself. Its unique how we're able to express our thoughts about something in a set of lines. I think it brings us to think deeper about what we're writing because we aren't just writing a paragraph but writing about our feelings and ideas about something in a few lines, choosing the right words at every step. And when you're done writing that poem, there's a sense of fulfillment when you read it again because it just opens a new perspective about it. 

I don't write blogs that often now but when I'm bored at home, I take out a paper and pen and write poems because it truly is something that's so unique." - Rishona Chopra


These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!      

      

You can email your reflections at -      

mk@learningforward.org.in


My Good School 10th Nov 2024

Reading My Name Is Cinnamon - complete the chapter 8; and complete reading the book "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben, as well as plan for an upcoming retreat and initiate an "Impact Study" project.


Key Takeaways

Trees are highly interconnected through underground fungal networks, forming a "Wood-Wide Web" that allows them to communicate and support each other. 

Helping children like Cinnamon from the book deal with difficult emotions requires providing a supportive environment, encouraging reflection, and engaging them in enjoyable activities. 

The upcoming retreat will involve spending time in a forest, connecting with underprivileged children, and continuing the group reading experience. 

The "Impact Study" project aims to assess how the Teacher's Academy program is developing students' 21st century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. 

Practices like writing poems, maintaining reading logs, and reflecting on readings can enhance personal growth and reading comprehension. 


Topics

Reading and Discussing "The Hidden Life of Trees"

The group continued reading and discussing chapters from the book, exploring how trees communicate and support each other through underground fungal networks. 

The discussion focused on understanding Cinnamon's emotional journey and ways to help him deal with his feelings in a healthy manner. 


Upcoming Retreat

The group discussed the plans for an upcoming retreat, where participants will spend time in a forest, connect with underprivileged children, and continue their group reading experience. 

The retreat will also involve a visit to the "My Good School" studio and a city tour. 


"Impact Study" Project

The group initiated an "Impact Study" project to assess the impact of the Teacher's Academy program on the development of students' 21st century skills. 

The project will involve gathering feedback from teachers and students, and analyzing data to understand the program's effectiveness.

 

Next Steps

Gurdeep will connect with Kunal to obtain the data from the previous impact study and use it as a starting point for the new project. 

The group will work together to develop a set of questions to gather feedback from teachers and students on a monthly basis. 

The findings from the impact study will be shared and discussed in future meetings, and the next meeting will be on the 24th of November 2024.

Monday, 16 September 2024

The Inner Life Of Animals

Reading for The Retreat 2024

Hi, Iสผm reading this book and wanted to share this quote with you. "Our dog Barry was a little wimp. As I have mentioned, before he came to us, he had already been passed along by a number of different owners. For the rest of his life he was scared of being abandoned, and he always got extremely worked up when he was taken along while we visited friends. If you are a dog, how are you supposed to know whether you’re going to be handed away yet again? He showed his nervousness by panting non-stop, so we finally gave up, leaving the distressed animal alone in the house for a couple of hours instead. When we got back, it was easy to see that Barry was relaxed. He became deaf in his old age and couldn’t hear us arrive, sleeping soundly until he blinked up at us when he felt the wooden floorboards vibrate under our feet. So Barry is an example of an animal that lacks courage, but we want to take a look at the opposite trait, and to do that, let’s step out into the woods." (from "The Inner Life of Animals: Surprising Observations of a Hidden World" by Peter Wohlleben) 


Start reading it for free: https://read.amazon.in/kp/kshare?asin=B01N9YNANU&id=7hayxowfs5a65ereaqlapm6sje 

-------------- 


Read on the go for free - download Kindle for Android, iOS, PC, Mac, and more http://amzn.to/1r0LubW


Sunday, 4 August 2024

Reflections for the week - Sunday 4th August 2024

GSA Members are attending the Global Ed Fest

- From My Guide Inside- 

1. What was your takeaway from the session today? 

2. Life is a figment of your imagination

3. I used to believe; now I am...

4. Reflect on this quote: "You have the gift of thought to use as you choose. Imagine that!"

      -Describe something you remember making up. Use these sentence starters: 

5. I used to believe… But, now I understand…

Note: MGI Online is a school well-being curriculum which aligns with, for example, Life Skills classes

- From Jataka Tales -     

1. Find out about Jetavana.

2. What are the three calamities of your life? How will you help yourself?

3. Which dream of yours did not let you sleep?

4. What lessons can we take away from the story today?  

5. What does it feel like when your dreams come true?

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees – 

1. Find out about anemones.

2. What is your takeaway from today's session?

3. Why is there a battle for every light of sunshine in the forest?

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!     

You can email your reflections to - mk@learningforward.org.in
Feel free to call Ma'am Manisha Khanna for help, you fill find the number on the top right of the page.

Sunday, 28 July 2024

Reflection of the week – Sunday, 28th July 2024

- From Jataka Tales - 

1. Significance of Guru Purnima

2. Why do you believe having relationships gives you security in life?

3. Research on Silk cotton Trees.

4. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

5. What does it feel like to be covered and protected?

6. What is the value of a brother in one's life?


- From Hidden Life Of Trees -     

1. What do you understand by "The Sick Tree"?

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why?     

3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

4. Find out about- Phytoncides

5. Where is Leningrad? 

6. How can Lametta be useful during Christmas?

7. Who are comrades in the chapter, and how do comrades help you? 

These are some suggestions. We look forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Think it over
Based on the discussion, we must answer the question, " Why do children disrupt classes?"

Smart Summary

The conversation revolved around various themes, including the importance of brotherhood, navigating the digital age, inner strength, and three defence mechanisms. 

Speakers emphasized the need for respect, order, and education in society and the importance of utilizing digital power responsibly and ethically. 

We discussed trees' resilience and vulnerability to environmental changes and injuries, highlighting their adaptability and potential to heal sicknesses.

The conversation covered various topics and perspectives, focusing on the importance of inner strength, education, and responsible technology use.

12.00 pm
Interns Meeting: Form groups to work on four projects - Blogs, Podcasts, newsletters and Fundraising.


From the Jatakas discussed, we can take the following key lessons:

  • The value of brotherhood and relationships, as seen in the woman's choice to save her brother over her husband or son

  • The importance of compassion and treating all beings, even animals, with respect, as demonstrated by the Bodhisattva who saved the prince, snake, rat, and parrot

  • The dangers of ingratitude and selfishness, as shown by the ungrateful prince who plotted against his benefactor

  • The need to balance growth and defence, as trees must do to maintain their health and longevity

We can cultivate a more harmonious and just society by applying these lessons of brotherhood, compassion, and respect for all life.

Food For Thought

To continue encouraging thoughtful reflection and knowledge sharing in future sessions, we can:

  • Provide more opportunities for participants to share their personal reflections and insights on the stories and lessons discussed

  • Encourage participants to make connections between the stories and their own lives or experiences

  • Facilitate discussions that allow participants to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding

  • Incorporate more interactive activities like group discussions or creative projects to engage participants and foster collaborative learning

  • Invite participants to bring their books, poems, or other materials to share with the group.

  • Emphasize the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue to create a safe and inclusive knowledge-sharing environment

By focusing on these strategies, we can continue cultivating a culture of thoughtful reflection and meaningful knowledge exchange in future sessions. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@mygoodschool