Classroom Space

·        Is it the environment free of technology, save a few computers?
·        Is it the dynamic of many familiar faces, friends, even housemates, which contribute to an engaging and inspirational environment?
·        Is it the topic of discussion, the pursuit of sacred place and communication with the sacred which I find intriguing personally?
·        Is it the class as a supplement to my personal walk with God, and the discovery of new information and revelation in class as it relates to my individual spiritual life?
·        It is a combination of all the above which make this class one that I don’t like to miss. I can’t pinpoint any one of these reasons as the explanation for the motivation I have from the 4:30-5:45 time frame on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is something unique about the inspiration that I find: to write, to draw, to journal, to find sacred spaces in my everyday life, and search for the beautiful things in my everyday encounters. It is a period of time in which I feel not just comfortable enough, but encouraged, to sit back and just listen. To jot down the ideas that resonate with me outright and explore them on my own, but mostly to take it all in. To gather the skillset and the head knowledge in a lecture, that, when applied, actually requires letting go of all the logic, the textbook mindset, and a regurgitation of information. This material, as opposed to most classes, involves a personal emotional connection, a kenosis and askesis, a surrender to the flow, such as that found on the Appalachian Trail.

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