Let’s pay tribute to life as the ultimate teacher

 

From Bhavani Krishna Iyer

We often think of teaching and learning as activities confined to formal settings, defined by conventional roles like that of a teacher in a classroom. However, teaching and learning extend far beyond these boundaries.

In the spirit of lifelong learning, we recognise that everything and everyone can teach us valuable lessons. I recall a moment with my then 12-year-old younger son, who taught me that one does not necessarily need to know everything after I reprimanded him for failing to answer a simple examination question. His tongue-in-cheek response served as a gentle rebuke and a powerful lesson.

Similarly, I have vivid memories of a lesson from my older son when he was also 12. We were at an outdoor recreational fair in Gold Coast, Australia, experiencing rides that were not available in Malaysia at the time.

While I enthusiastically took on every ride, my son chose to sit out. Despite my efforts to coax him, he firmly responded, questioning the wisdom of paying for a risk he deemed too great.

Over time, as he grew more confident, he eventually faced these daredevil rides on his own terms. This taught me the importance of respecting individual comfort zones and the idea that readiness comes in its own time.

My late mother, too, was an influential teacher in my life. She consistently emphasised that crying was a shameful act that solved nothing.

Instead, she urged me to confront challenges and overcome them with determination. Her lessons in resilience have fortified me throughout life’s trials.

Her relentless pursuit of perfection in household chores often tested my patience, as I regarded these tasks as trivial. Yet, she consistently emphasised that perfection was not just about the task at hand but a trait one cultivates over time. She believed that once perfected, this trait of meticulousness would seamlessly weave itself into every facet of our lives, transforming even the mundane into a testament of character.

On my first overwhelming day at a new job in 2001, I found myself questioning my decision as I stayed late into the night, drowning in work. My boss, sensing my distress, offered a perspective that redefined my view. He reminded me that there was no right or wrong time for something. Instead, they should be viewed as challenging times that would eventually pass.

His advice helped me adjust and thrive in my new role, demonstrating that our teachers can also be those who guide us through professional landscapes.

Another lesson came from a close friend who advised me against always insisting on paying the bill during our lunch and dinner dates. She suggested that giving others the satisfaction of paying was not only a gesture of kindness but also an opportunity to express gratitude. Besides, it would give the others a chance to be gratuitous.

Additionally, my spiritual gurus have consistently provided me with daily and occasional nuggets of advice and quotes that inspire me to improve as a person. Their wisdom is a constant reminder of the growth that thoughtful guidance can foster.

Most recently, I watched a video on Facebook where a Buddhist monk shared his perspective on Buddhism. He explained that the essence of Buddhism was not about becoming a better Buddhist per se but about becoming a better person overall. This insight emphasised the transformative power of spiritual learning. So, how can we overlook the role of social media channels which, when used judiciously, serve as a bridge between the familiar and the unknown?

These examples demonstrate the various ways in which our interactions with the world teach us. From the wisdom of children to the guidance of mentors and the insights of spiritual leaders, every encounter has the potential to educate us. If we are keen learners, every day will be full of opportunities for lessons.

Thus, life itself is the ultimate teacher.

This Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate not just the formal educators but the broader spectrum of experiences and individuals that shape our understanding and growth. Here’s to life, and to every teacher we meet along this incredible journey of learning.

Happy Teachers’ Day to life and everyone and everything around us. - FMT

Bhavani Krishna Iyer is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.