Auditory Experience
There was a lot more to the YTT last weekend… more than just Chakra Bliss. We had a great conversational anatomy session with Baxter Bell that I enjoyed but I really would have enjoyed more hands on. More exploration of our own anatomy as well as others. I love to feel my bones, my muscles, and imagine what I look like from the inside. I am much more kinesthetic and visual than auditory for sure!!! In fact, I have noticed that I am actually not a very good listener. I am so easily distracted by my visual experience that I miss things that are being said. I am listening but it is often in one ear and out the other. The retaining part is very frustrating. In the past, I have had struggles with academics because the classes are often taught with the emphasis on the auditory style of learning. Hmmmm. In walks low self esteem… “I am not as smart as the rest”, “I better not say the answer because I could have missed some important information”, “Why is this so hard to retain?”. Well, what I have realized is that if I close my eyes, if I close off that super excited visual channel, I can hear so much better. It is why I like to place myself in the front of the class… so I can stay in my own practice and not visually jump all over the place. So how does one strengthen that auditory channel without having to shut down the other senses? I would love to know because there are parts of this teacher training that are bringing up some of those insecurities of learning and retaining. This is an awesome journey. Rediscovering old patterns, noticing new ones, speaking out truthfully, and remembering to be kind to myself along the way.
A couple weeks ago, Becky and I had a conversation with neighbor friends (who are teachers) about visual vs. auditory learning. You are right on with your observations. Knowing the type of learner you are can help you decide how best to approach learning. Our neighbors suggested that we not change (e.g., don’t try to be an auditory learner if you are not), but study in a way that suits your learning style. Didn’t you say you enjoy the anatomy coloring book? That’s visual learning. I too am a visual learner, and also an experiential learner (if there is such a thing). I learn best by seeing and by doing, and less by listening or by reading. I found myself wanting to poke, prod, reach, and stretch as Baxter talked so I could feel what he was talking about. Perhaps you should be in the back of the room so you can explore without distracting others. I’ll join you.