In Using Peace to Promote Learning, we became aware of some benefits of reflection / silence / meditation inimprove learning.
Newton’s
Laws of Motion relates to absolutely rigid time. When travelling at an average
speed of 10 km/hr, we can expect to reach a destination 10 km away after one
hour.
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity relates
to time that is elastic. In his formula E = MC2 ,
Einstein relates how a small mass of matter is equivalent to an enormous amount
of energy. Our nuclear bombs derive their enormous energy in accordance to
this theory. The two relatively “primitive” atomic bombs that devastated Japan
and ended the Second World War are the practical proof of the power of energy.
The body is matter and hence conforms
to Newton’s Law. Only one activity can be performed at any one time. If, for
example, we have a conversation whilst eating, it will either take longer
to finish our meal or the quality of both activities will be reduced. Furthermore,
the body is constrained by time and space. Neither can it travel to the past
nor visit the future. All body activities are strictly on the NOW, the present.
The mind, on the other hand, is a
point of energy that conforms to Einstein’s Theory. Being energy, the mind
is not restricted by time and space and can be occupied on several activities
simultaneously. The mind is so powerful that it can generate as much as 30,000
thoughts daily whilst remembering past activities and making decisions based
upon its past, present and future thoughts and experiences.
In time management, an important
point to realise is that even though the mind can generate numerous thoughts
related to the past, present and future, the body is firmly maintained on
the present. This means that only one action can be performed at any one time,
no matter what and how many thoughts are generated in the mind to compel the
body to act.
Time management seeks to maximise
the amount of physical work performed within a specified time or rather, how
our physical bodies can be used to perform more physical tasks.
A person can be trained to work effectively
and even motivated to work harder but the condition of the body determines
whether intentions are practical. If the mind is focused on completing one
physical task, success is often guaranteed. But, if the mind is pre-occupied
on several tasks or distracted by worries and desires, failure is to be expected.
Hence effective time management is
really about self-development to focus the mind on the present. Only when
the mind is focused on present needs and circumstances can it successfully
address current situations for future peace and happiness.
The attainment at the Lathom School is the fruit of their efforts in self-development
to be more focused on the present. This is the aim of reflections / silence
/ meditation.