So President Obama will address the nation’s children and youth on Sept 8th at 12:00 EST. This announcement has caused all kinds of noise on the news networks and in classrooms, and I’m sure millions of viewers, young and old, will tune in to hear his message. One that stresses a need to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for learning.
worthwhile study and learning
As soon as I heard about this I thought “Hey, cool, Obama is teaching the kids the principle of Svadhyaya: worthwhile study & learning.”
WHAT! I can hear tons of people shouting. The president teaching yogic principles! So before you all freak out, let’s look at it for what it really is.
Svadhyayais one of five niyamas or observances and a tenant of yoga philosophy. Basically it means that study and contemplation are admirable. Engaging in lifelong learning and being open to new ideas and approaches is something we need to strive for.
The idea of worthwhile study and learning is nothing new. It’s as ancient as man inventing the wheel. The understanding of our innate quest to better ourselves and our mental, physical, emotional well being is standard human psychology. We know that as our basic needs are met, we search for more. Focusing this search on lifelong dreams, aspirations, and goals is what most adults try to teach children as a way to self fulfillment and happiness.
I think the idea of a video competition where 13+ yr olds can identify, explore, and be accountable for their educational goals and dreams is fantastic. I wish someone had gotten me to really think about who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do when I was in Jr High. I think at that point I was thinking of being a veterinarian until I learned how many years I’d have to be in school. (Kudos to all vets out there!)
So before we all accuse Obama and the Democrats of wanting to brain wash our children, let’s look at the content of the message. The words and the meaning of the message. Do you agree with it? I know of few parents and teachers who don’t want their kids to work hard, stay in school, and achieve their goals. So ya, Obama is teaching a yogic principle, one that resonates deeply within us all.
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Do I agree with it? Yes – I think it will be inspiring for me as a teacher as well as for students! He’s going to ask them to be accountable for themselves and to dream, two things I totally support.
I’ve heard some parents are pulling their kids out of school that day. Everyone has to be free to choose for themselves and do what they feel is right for their kids. I think Free Will is always the trump card (it must be a yogic principle too – not sure which one though).
This issue comes up with yoga too, when people think it is religious and don’t want it in schools. So I’ll be watching to see how he delivers the message in an open way. It may help me better deliver yoga in public places where I want to make it non-religious yet still inspiring and more than exercise.
Great article – and thanks for the links I had heard about this story and kept meaning to look it up, so you saved me the trouble.
- Aruna
Wonderful article. What an inspiring message and one that applies to all of us. I wish I had the time, money and energy to engage in all the learning programs I’ve identified. I’d want to take a cooking program to enhance protein and fibre creativity. I’d also want to take more painting courses (maybe in Paris…) Oh, the options….
I couldn’t agree more. I have had a tremendous interest in learning this past year. Whenever a friend asks me for a book recommendation, I have to admit that on my nightstand lie several self-improvement tities, such as psychology, yoga principles, blogging secrets, advice on organization, and my latest interest, freelance writing. I LOVE learning new things, and this year was special, as I learned more about myself than I ever have before.
Your words, “study and contemplation are admirable. Engaging in lifelong learning and being open to new ideas and approaches is something we need to strive for” resonate deeply with me, especially at this time in my life. I’ve learned, mostly through yoga, to have an open mind and welcome change as I am inspired to try something new. Many would probably call me flighty or unfocused. I see it as taking every opportunity I can to better myself through knowledge and experience.
Thanks Donna, and Mr. President!, for reminding us all that it’s the right thing to do for a happy and fulfilling life.