We can breathe life into ourselves, not literally, but through the practices we adopt. Just as taking exercise can give us greater physical stamina and capacity, then cognitive practices can improve our mental stamina and capacity (and very much in a spiritual sense).
The first practice is obvious.
Read MoreThe minority of teachers who genuinely see their students in all their uniqueness inspire a very defined response in those students. The students want the relationship with their teacher to continue – they perceive it to be of high value – so they are prompted to respond attentively and thoughtfully, minimise disruptions and do their best on the work their teacher asks them to do.
Inspire is a good word for this.
Read MoreTo care for and love another, it is necessary to remove the thicket of triggers and fixed beliefs that get in the way. This is necessary, but not sufficient.
Once we are some way down the path of removing these obstacles, we must allow the uniqueness of the other person to become present to us.
Our normal mode of paying attention – focused attention – is directed towards finding the familiar, what we have seen before.
Read MoreAgape is the ancient Greek word for one of the three forms of love (eros and philia being the other two). My favourite cognitive scientist, John Vervaeke, calls agape “the love that forms a person” and it is this love that helps form a baby into a healthy human able to fully take their place in the world.
I would also say that providing this love to the child also forms the person who is giving it, the adult becomes healthier and more integrated as they express agape.
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