The Approach of the Teacher

One way to detect the difference between fear based learning and love based learning is to observe the approach of the teacher.  In love based learning you choose the teacher, in fear based learning the teacher chooses you.  In the classroom based in love, you are supported to become aware of who you are, how you learn best, and what it is you truly desire to explore.  In the classroom born of fear and separation the teacher is often the one to decide what you need to learn.  Because they are more knowledgeable or can observe you, they can detect what they feel you need and will tell you what you need or what you lack or what you should work on.  In love based learning, the teacher knows that they are always learning alongside the student.  In order to accurately assess what one needs, you must listen, ask them where they're at and what they think or sense they need to work on or where they feel stuck, or confused, or desiring some clarity or support or insight with.  It then becomes a collaborative meeting, in support of learning and the refinement of the teaching process, always tuned into the student and making adjustments to better suit the true need.

In life, at this time, given that both classrooms are available to learn in, it is important to develop the capacity as the student to assess what classroom the teacher is committed to.  And it's also for you to know what approach works best for you.  If someone comes into your life and lets you know they have something to teach you or that there is something that you need to learn, that is an indicator that they are functioning as a fear based teacher.  As mentioned earlier, the way to teach from this approach is to name where someone is and state what they need to work on.  The student then is prompted to get to work by the activation of motivation to be better, correct behavior and be seen as good and as improving in the eyes of the teacher.  The power and control is in the hands of the teacher based on them having established that the student needs them, and would potentially be lost and confused and left behind if they didn't have them.  If this teaching style works, you as a student will feel special to be chosen, and will want to do whatever you can to get closer to the teacher and learn as much as you can from them.  Feeling bad about yourself and like your missing the mark and that you can't do it without them will be common place when you're around them.  However, this is the "sign" that they have a lot to teach you, and as long as you are committed enough to them and to taking in what they are offering you will deserve or be worthy of their attention and focus.

When we are ready to graduate from fear based learning, the teacher's fear-based approach will start to feel off.  You know you're not learning and can't learn in that way.  Instead of being motivated you sink into greater indifference, shame and confusion, concluding that you can't do it.  Once you become aware of the love based classroom, step into it, and acclimate to the frequency you'll begin to see more clearly why it felt so off.  When you sense the teachers in this new space and are near them, you'll feel relaxed, emotionally safe and free to approach them and look at where you are together.  You'll become aware that what you're here to learn is not set in stone, or predetermined, but rather discovered by you as you wake up to this frequency of love that helps you to re-acquaint with your true needs and desires and preferences.  As you feel more relaxed it's easier to observe where you're at and sense what feels most generative to explore.  Your way is to be established through direct participation, inquiry and the growing sense of trust, love and innocence that becomes available as you spend more time in an emotionally safe environment.  May we all find our way to our version of this.  It doesn't even have to be defined as a classroom.  It can also be named as a space of possibility where they're is truly room to expand, explore and discover who you are, what is here and what life is all about.  So, may you choose your teachers, from love, as a gift to you and to all.