I have been getting such beautiful and heartfelt feedback on my writing and art lately. Most has come in lovely letters from people subscribing to my almost daily journals. Though this week it has increased due to being at the exhibition and people telling me in person.
It is so lovely to hear people gush lyrically over my students gorgeous photography. I am so glad I have been there all week to talk to each visitor. Connections with people are so important.
Teaching has been such a huge part of my life. It has been a constant thread that held my diverse activities and experiences together. I feel blessed that I found it young. I think my first experiences were teaching other scouts knots. I picked up patterns very quickly and was able to teach in systems. I was probably twelve at the time.
In my final year at school I wrote to Derek Lucas at Chakola, asking if I could be considered as a rock climbing instructor. He invited me to join his staff training program where I blossomed as a facilitator. On my first paid job as a teacher, we had to run an abseiling session in the dark at four am. I was rostered on with Tony McGarn. Tony looked at me and said, “you know this well enough, you can run it and I will sit under that tree and watch.” He knew I could perform perfectly and safely with my eyes closed in that environment. And of course I did. I not only performed well, I blossomed with such beautiful nurturing and heartfelt support.
That was just another positive moment along the way. But one that changed my future I am certain. Changing the world by teaching one person at a time became my driving force. I didn’t look back and fell into outdoor education, corporate facilitation, environmental education and teacher training in one big step.
The key to teaching for me is giving people that nurturing and supportive environment. Where they can blossom. Yes, they need new knowledge, but it’s the confidence they pick up in that environment that really sorts out the technical instructors from the inspiring teachers.
This week’s exhibition has reminded me of this. Many of the artists had never printed, framed or hung their work. The smiles from them on opening night tells the same story well. It is a blossoming moment for them, one where someone believed in thier work and who they are.
Shirley Steel, at the opening, reminded me of earlier shows we had done with the masterclass. That she’s still exhibiting after learning how important it is. While Kay reminded me that her Focused Lens course missed out on exhibiting. Hmmm. So it must be time to organise something bigger with all of my past students. Give me some time to sort the details, but it will come soon.
If you are a teacher or facilitating a group or team, remember the power of encouragement, support and trust in thier abilities. You may just be the tipping point for someone to blossom.
It’s all about love really…
Seeing the beauty in people and what they do.
Dogwoods, photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2019