The Noble Role of Teachers:

Transforming Ourselves to Change the World

 

“People mistakenly assume that their thinking is done by their heads; it is actually done by the heart which first dictates the conclusion, then commands the head to provide the reasoning that will defend it.”
— Anthony de Mello (1931 – 1987)

“Today neither students nor teachers understand the true meaning of education. Education should foster morality, righteousness and character. The tremendous amount of knowledge that man has acquired in the field of science and technology contributes only to the superficial civilisation. What man requires today is internal beauty of the heart. This springs from inner culture. It is not enough if man is transformed into a mere human; he has to be transformed into an ideal man.“

— Sathya Sai Baba (1926 – 2011)

We all know, both from our childhood memories and from observing ourself in our adult years engaged in challenging intellectual pursuits, that we learn better when we are happy. Anecdotal reports from teachers confirm that the unhappy child is seldom able to pay attention and concentrate well.

The aim of this Study Session is to become familiar with some of the more recent research studies examining the dynamic connection between the heart and the brain, and the effect of optimizing this mutual feedback loop on concentration, memory, wellbeing, sociability and other human factors, particularly in the school setting.

The Exercise – Step 1

On the internet, search for: Heart-Brain Archives – HeartMath Institute

The Exercise – Step 2

Under the blue picture of heartbeats on the Home page there is a heading, Heart-Brain Interactions. Click on Continue reading and make notes as you reflect on the information provided as to what might be relevant for teacher and student wellbeing and values education. Record your more important notes in your Journal.

    The Exercise – Step 3

    Continuing on from Step 2, at the end of the section on Heart-Brain Interactions, click on the last four words in the final paragraph (in blue), Science of the Heart. This will take you to Science of the Heart: Vol 1 (1993 – 2001).

    The Exercise – Step 4

    Continuing on from Step 3, at the end of the section on Science of the Heart Vol 1 you can go on to read the new book by HeartMath Institute: Science of the Heart. Volume 2. (1993 t0 2016).

    By clicking on each chapter in turn (or downloading), you can read and learn as much as you wish about the research conducted over the past 15 years by HeartMath Institute concerning the heart-brain connection. Again, reflect and record your more pertinent thoughts in your Journal.

    If you have come this far, you will have a good understanding of this important topic.

    “As we learn to tap into our heart’s intelligence, it increases our vitality, our resilience and especially our health and happiness.”

    — Rollin McCraty (2011)

    Power of the Heart at www.heartmath.com

    “One should not act on the impulse of the moment immediately when a thought occurs. The rights and wrongs of an idea should be examined and only when the heart approves of a certain course should action follow. This is the process of cultivating values. What the mind (head) thinks, should be examined critically by the heart and the right decision carried out by the hand. This should be the primary product of the educational process.“

    — Sathya Sai Baba (1926 – 2011)