Fostering Relationships

​​As we see the world unravel and demonstrate the characteristics of what as human beings we are capable of doing, I cannot help but to ponder on how as an educator I can better equip my students to recognise different perspectives. Three concepts come to mind:

1. Mindfulness
2. History that teaches us 'Lessons' and
3. Our Personal Choices

Mindfulness. According to Thomas Falkenberg, 'mindfulness is pre-conceptual and non-judgemental awareness of present experiences'. (Falkenberg, 29) I recently came across a post by Mindful Schools on Teaching to the Human Core on Facebook. What struck me about this visual, was the role of mindful listening in noticing emotions, which would help foster relationships. By noticing we become attune to the present moment, which helps us recognise our interactions in a non-judgemental manner.

History that Teaches Us 'Lessons'. 'When policymakers look at the usefulness of history they want guidance from the past to avoid mistake in the present. Diplomats negotiating treaties and legislators ratifying those agreements call for elaborated histories of the nations' prior relationships. Judicial decisions depend not only on precedent but often contain the history of the specific circumstances being litigated.' (Cuban, 453) As a formality we look upon history to inform our futures, However, why is it that such 'lessons' are not reflected upon in present situations?

Quote taken from an Instagram post on Facebook.

Our Personal Choices. However, when looking at images as the one below, taken from social media, where there is so much contradiction, neither history or the lack of recognising the affect of ones actions are being considered.

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It is through moments such as these that there is a lack of fostering relationships, noticing the emotions that are present, or the 'lessons' from the past. I feel that moments such as these come from choice,  which can lead to clouding ones perception. The question is as educators how can we be more preventative by raising the need for greater emphasis on moral education?