September at the ALC

What Can I Learn?

View email in a browser Back to School Students of all ages are returning to school this week. For many, it is a time of anticipation and excitement and for others, it can be a time of anxiety and fear. I remember as a young student that some of my anxiety was concern about whether or not I could live up to my parent's (or teacher's) expectations, but some of it was simply about the learning process itself.  To be a "learner" is to admit we don't know. One of my colleagues used to teach leadership to engineers. She said that the first week was always the hardest because everyone wanted to be seen as the smartest person in the room. Of course, engineers are not the only ones who feel this way. When we are anxious we want to show what we "know" and we forget to be learners. This can take the joy out of learning (and teaching) and dampen curiosity. For me, the best solution is to stay with the questions. What do I really care about? What do I really want to know? How can I become vulnerable to learning something new? What new knowledge or insight could change my perspective?  Living in the questions can also be scary, but it is ultimately more satisfying than living in the answers. As Suzuki Roshi wrote, "In the beginners mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few."  As we approach the next challenge, we can ask, "What can I learn?" instead of, "What do I know?" We might actually learn something! With Gratitude, Susan Skjei      Featured Leadership Content Registration Now Open Read the full article here Featured Program Authentic Leadership Program January 13 - May 8, 2020 | 16-Weeks Online + Two 5-Day Seminars Where leaders develop the self-awareness, skills and tools to navigate change with confidence and easy Early Bird Pricing Currently Available REGISTER TODAY LinkedIn with the ALC We invite you to like our new LinkedIn page... check it out here. Available Courses Authentic Leadership Mini Intro Course Learn more... Mindful at Work 7-Day Mini Course Learn more... Authentic Leadership Program 2020 Learn more... Give $500, Get $500 Give your friends or colleagues $500 off the Authentic Leadership Program, once they enroll, you will also receive a $500 reward.   START HERE FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN Become The Leader The World Needs Now Read the latest in Mindful Leadership. Visit our community blog We love hearing from you. Connect with us Want to change your emails options? Update your preferences or unsubscribe © 2019 Naropa University Authentic Leadership Center 2130 Arapahoe Ave Boulder, Co 80302 Add us to your address book You are receiving this email as you've attended a Naropa University event or visited eNaropa.org 47*DURvyzblz.72