It is always difficult to understand the other person. Even if we overcome the difficultly of understanding, it isn’t easy to trust. Understanding one’s own self, trusting one’s ability, having faith in one’s action also requires a bit of effort.
The habit of self-introspection is best inculcated when a person is in his/her growing phase. I teach students at the undergraduate level and whenever the girls don’t turn up in full number, I take some time out for a classroom activity.
One such activity recently was “Self Introspection”. I teach in a government college and many students come from rural background. Today I wish to share my classroom experience which was certainly a learning and memorable one for me.
I started the classroom activity by writing “Self Introspection” on the board. I asked the class its meaning. A few came forward and helped the rest understand it.
I asked how many of them take time to introspect their life, action on regular basis. There wasn’t anyone in the class who could understand why it was essential.
I did not explain the need and moved on to the activity. I divided the class into teams. Each row consisting of 4 girls was one team, this way there were 8 teams, all set to be the part of the activity.
After which I told them I will be asking a question which they can answer by discussing it with their team members. They were all ready with the sheet eagerly waiting to listen to the question.
I asked them to write a few qualities of their friends they do not like. I added that they aren’t suppose to mention any name or refer to anyone in particular.
Within no time the class was engaged in the activity. I gave them five minutes and they were free to write as many qualities as they want.
After 5 minutes I collected all the sheets. Before reading it aloud, I checked if they have referred to anyone, which they didn’t. I started reading it and I felt a sense of happiness to be a part of this activity.
Of the 8 pages that I read, a few points mentioned took me closer to their thinking. Few of them cited their unwillingness to bunk and how they are forced to, in order to maintain their friendship. Many found a few arrogant. The rest did not like being judged based on marks.
I read it all and I helped them build a perspective. I told them, “It is unfair to comment on someone’s attitude without knowing them. Few people are reserve by nature, they might appear arrogant but did you make an effort to talk to them?” The girls were silent for some time. We had a healthy discussion about a lot of aspects that trouble them.
I realized how the unsaid is misunderstood at times and the importance of communicating. We often tend to shut the doors within and stop our mind from thinking about someone/something. This approach wouldn’t help us in long run. Instead, it is better to clear the head. Better to feel the free flowing air. Better to sense clarity within and outside…
So, what about you? How often do you introspect yourself?
*Thanks for reading!~
~$/\M~*
