I have found that observing the present moment with clear, non-judging attention gives the space to explore the mind’s natural balance and discernment which have been there waiting to unfold. In life, where learning cannot be separated from the environment, connecting all life experiences with curiosity could transform this curiosity into insightful creative learning experiences, in which one might find something unique to contribute to the world.
Newsletter
Reflection on Adolescent Symposium
For two weeks in late November, a “Symposium” – a gathering of learned scholars, assembled around the relatively contemporary phenomenon of adolescence. Skillfully and heartfully guided by TIES faculty Steven Arnold and Julie Haagenson, two hundred registered...
Adolescents and The Natural World
(A post by TIES alumna Kasey Errico) I recently returned from a fall overnight experience with 17 adolescent learners. On our way from our campsite to the morning harvest, with the students in front of me, descending the hill toward the garden house of the Community...
Empathy, Compassion and Healing Our Planet
Empathy, Compassion and Healing Our Planet As a teacher for 23 years, I have learned that one's capacity for empathy and compassion provides a platform for love, life and making a difference in our fragile world. When guiding students to fall in love with the Earth, I...
Join us fireside for upcoming adolescent symposium
What is a TIES symposium? I was recently asked, "What is a TIES symposium?" Being on the inside, I think it’s easy for me to forget that our online gatherings are unique in their simplicity, and yet profound in their outcomes. A newcomer could easily pass, thinking...
Listening to Adolescents
We approach adolescents in a different way, for our benefit and theirs. It is not that we, the adults, should invite adolescents to the table, and share our plan of the future with them. It is that we should hang out in their space, and hope to be invited to watch...
Subtle Influence
School is in session and the online dialogues are flowing here at TIES. Many of us have asked ourselves how we can be of better service to our fellow humans, that we might start a “butterfly effect” and bring a bit more healing and peace to the planet. John Briggs and...
From John Fowler, TIES Faculty
Where I live there are so many glimpses in the air, glimpses of Autumn in the changing gold and red aspen leaves and glimpses of Winter peeking down to dust the distant 14,000-foot-high peaks in the gentle whites of snow. There are glimpses of the future. National and...
From The Desk of Dr. Gang
Preparing And Questioning There is a sweet tension during the week before school begins. I have been working with children and adults as teachers-learners for 42 years and that last week of preparation has always been embedded in the tension, sometimes not so sweetly....