Training the Mind
Ourselves, Charlotte Mason Volume 4 ( Part I:The House Of The Body); Chapter 1- The Esquires Of The Body: Hunger
We do what we ought to do, whether we feel like it or not.
It is rare that we are called to do exactly what we feel like doing at the moment. It’s folly to expect that we’ll always be in the mood to do what we ought to do. Yes, it will take willpower and a steady focus on the goal. And yes, we’ll fail sometimes because we’re human. However, the person willing to discipline their mind will accomplish many great things.
Often, I have set out for a short walk, telling myself that I only need to make it to the end of the street, but somehow, I end up walking much farther than I expected. The greatest hurdle to overcome is inertia. Yet if we take even a few steps towards our goal, we often find the wind at our backs, pushing us further than we thought possible.
What does this have to do with education?
Our children won’t always feel like learning or working. As we teach them, we must also teach that decisions come before feelings. It’s not about making every lesson more entertaining; it’s about helping young minds learn to train themselves.
The consequences of an untrained mind might not be obvious when children are young. But as their work becomes more challenging and their subjects multiply, it quickly becomes apparent who has learnt to push through, even under unfavourable circumstances.
Our children will hopefully see us doing the same: persevering through tough situations and modelling resilience. But if we don't openly share what we’re feeling, they might miss the lesson altogether; even if they’re standing just one foot away.
Best Regards,
Olufunmike