M.I.N.D. Project: Noetic SHIFT in Education
Having read THE 2007 SHIFT REPORT, I am moved at the remarkable and profound noetic and transformational SHIFTS occuring, particularly with regard to the increasing speed in which they are happening. To illustrate a SHIFT, let me share with you an example of how beautifully minds can change (pessimists beware) into 'real' committed action:
In 1997, as a participant at the State of the World Forum in San Franciscon, California, I offered the idea of pursuing what I dubbed a "M.I.N.D. Project" (Multimodal Integral Noetic Development Project), which was broadly envisioned as an underpinning model for the development and cross-disciplinary integration of epistemological (noetic) skills, and the anchoring of emerging educational program developments to weave together ecological, emotional, intra, and inter-personal learning into what would look like "multiple intelligence" learning communities... based in science (in the truest and most expansive use of the term), and secular principles... and woven throughout all grades of education.
The interesting point is that, just 10 years ago when this idea was offered, unfortunately, outside of philosophically positive communications with Wink Franklin (IONS) and a small handful of others present, MOST ...most of the people I discussed it with at this grand gathering did not think the idea was, as a viable model, practically feasible for further consideration in terms of funding, research and development... and that the idea had too many contaminations and risks pertaining to religiosity and belief systems... most people thought we would be a LONG way from introducing something like that! Emotional Intelligence...sure. Multiple intelligences applied to certain fields (curriculums), O.K.. But 'noetic development', involving personal integral development, skills in contemplative practices and related "attention" skills... sorry, politically speaking "no way" (literally what I heard a few times), not yet, and not for a long time! With many other interests going, I abandoned further pursuit of the idea within education and turned toward other noetic endeavors.
Now, in THE 2007 SHIFT REPORT, I was again moved at how truly marvelous and fast SHIFTS can be as I read in Section III on "Inward Pedagogy" of the Garrison Institute Report on Contemplation in Education and range of 'noetic' practices introduced in educational programs!! In just 10 years, which, in the historical scheme of 'shift' things can be considered pretty fast, we have come from "no way" to supported, viable, and pioneering educational program initiatives ...which can be seen as part of the many shifts occuring in answer to the greater transformational imperative upon us all... and those outlined in THE 2007 SHIFT REPORT.
M.I.N.D. shifts (Multimodal Integral Noetic Development) are occuring everywhere... all around us... and the pace is picking up. What interesting times we are privileged to live in!!
CKJ
