I Love Discussion

I am currently enrolled in a ministerial program, through the Alliance of Divine Love.

The first half of the course was taught in a typical teacher-student type format with very little discussion. The second half has been taught through a facilitation of discussion.

I learn so much more through the discussion mode, that comparing the two modalities of instruction, for me, is akin to the apples to oranges analogy. My ability to absorb the material at hand is greatly enhanced through discussion.

I have been examining why I have such a greater probability of walking away satisfied and informed, when engaged in the discussion format, and I have discovered some things about myself.

1. Discussion is, by necessity, a give and take proposition. Not only do I receive     what others have to teach, but I am afforded the opportunity to share; thus allowing me to discover that which I have to offer. Since so many of us deal with questions of our own self worth, overcoming any fears of inadequacy and joining in a discussion can provide a major healing.

2. Having an interiority complex, I tend to spend incredible amounts of time, searching inside myself for answers to my questions. What I have noticed about discussions is that they teach me as much about myself as about the subject being discussed.

3. Not only do I have the benefit of hearing another persons view, but I get to notice myself in the discussion. I am gifted with the opportunity to see how I feel, when listening to you, when speaking my mind, when agreeing or disagreeing with what is said, etc. Learning about the subject is actually the second treasure I collect when involved in discussion groups. The first, and the most precious, is the wisdom I gather about myself, about my processes, about my own self worth and inner wisdom.

As typically happens for me, I was pondering this revelation, when I stumbled across this quote by J Krishnamurti:

Krishnamurti on Discussion:

"I think before we begin it should be made clear what we mean by discussion. To me it is a process of discovery through exposing oneself to the fact. That is, in discussion I discover myself, the habit of my thought, the way I proceed to think, my reactions, the way I reason, not only intellectually but inwardly. I feel that if we could be serious for an hour or so and really fathom, delve into, ourselves as much as we can, we should be able to release, not through any action of will, a certain sense of energy which is awake all the time, which is beyond thought." – In New Delhi, January 8th 1961.

Discussion helps me move closer to my source. It is a wonderful gift. I am so very grateful for each of you who share this gift with me.