The meaning of Ako
In te ao Māori, the concept of ako means both to teach and to learn. It recognises the knowledge that both teachers and learners bring to learning interactions, and it acknowledges how new knowledge and understandings can grow out of shared learning experiences. (1)
I love the idea that roles in the teaching – learning dynamic are interchangeable. At some point the teacher learns, and the learner teaches. I think that it’s particularly something that comes to the fore in adult learning, where every person in the room has deep, rich life experience.
It’s a reminder that whether we are actively learning something specific, or just living our life, we are all both teachers and students. It’s easy to forget how much wisdom sits in our lived experiences – and how worthy of sharing that wisdom is.
Life is so varied. There are so many paths we can take. There are so many experiences we can choose from. We all make different decisions and choices, and as a result, we live unique lives. And that means our wisdom and knowledge are unique, as well.
What is Mindful Creativity?
Hello, my name’s Jordan. Mindful Creativity is a great way to relax, unwind and enjoy creativity to enhance our sense of wellness. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your inner voice as you develop your own personal creative practice, it might be just the thing for you.
My Mindful Creativity blog, resources and tools provides ways for you to deepen into a more nourishing creative practice!
Celebrating the wisdom of my coaching client, Marianne.
Marianne and I have been sharing and enjoying creative adventures for a while now. After doing my online course 168 Days of Magic, Marianne has also engaged me for 1:1 coaching sessions this year, and we’ve been meeting online every month or two. I’ve love these sessions – partly because Marianne’s having a block-buster year and achieving wonderful goals in her art practice. I really enjoy being her ‘accountability partner’ and being able to celebrate the many milestones she is achieving.
But more than that, I love sitting in Marianne’s space of wisdom.
Last month, she reflected back to me two deeply wise insights, which I wrote down as soon as she said them, because I just LOVED them so much.
‘Creativity is a great teacher for exploring your own behavior and developing self-awareness,’ Marianne said. How very true.
Art-making offers never-ending opportunities – you can’t know where it will take you’, she said next. Also true – and quite fabulous, when you think about it. Art is an adventure and a journey and so much happens along the way. You can’t know where you’ll end up. That’s a huge part of the fun, particularly with intuitive and abstract art. Thank you Marianne, that wisdom made me so happy!
An invitation to share wisdom
I’d like to encourage you to think about your own knowledge and wisdom- and who might love to hear your words. Consider the week you’ve had.
- What’s been interesting?
- What have you done – have you made a decision based on instinct, or experience, and what happened when you made that experience?
- What has been the highlight of your week, and why?
Then, if you have a few moments, share your experience with a friend, or write it down in your journal to come back to – there might be a theme that you can build on over time, and you might find it relates to a backbone of your personal story that keeps coming up time and time again.
There will always be someone you can teach, and someone you can learn from. They might even be the same person! And, remember – knowledge can be found in the tiniest moment. Every insight, big or small, is beautiful and worth celebrating and sharing.
Sources
Check out some of Marianne’s gorgeous work on her website here.