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How to Use the World as the Ultimate Classroom
The world can be an unforgiving place. I tend to mirror this sentiment in believing by seeing the world as an evil place where all I see around me is suffering. I have a negative outlook on the world when I am constantly exposed to hatred, wars, and other forms of ignorance. But what if the world isn’t evil? What if the world is just… dumb? There always comes this moral inclination of wanting to change the world, but what if the world is perfect as it is? What if my only goal is to learn from it? I can’t change something that I don’t understand. If I’m being honest, I only want to change things because I don’t understand them.
The idea is for the world to become my classroom. This is not a new idea, but in this fast-paced world, people don’t have time to learn anything besides what they use to make money. The world is much more vast than my profession. I might also not use the world as a school because this type of learning isn’t structured. Earth school doesn’t come with a syllabus. It’s up to me to use each experience, especially those experiences that I perceive as negative, as an opportunity to learn.
Fight, Flight, or…
Spikes of negativity are called triggers because they activate survival instincts. This is what is called fight or flight. Could “learn” be a third one? Instead of fighting an individual or fleeing a situation, what if I can stay in that moment for learning purposes? If I continue to use my survival mechanism, harsh world events like natural disasters and injustices will shape my worldview into something not so positive. My first thought when experiencing a negative situation is to judge it as such, but what if I do it as a disservice? I’m only judging the situation because I lack knowledge of what the situation is.
I need to cultivate curiosity instead of judgment. I’m involved in plenty of difficult situations. Instead of judging, I ask myself, “What can I learn from this?” I know there will be times when I won’t be in the right mind to ask this question. Sometimes, my survival mechanism will take over, and I will fight or flee. Most arguments won’t have a high level of consciousness. In these cases, I must learn to apologize for my ignorance and seek the lesson within the situation.
Questions and Responses
Why do people focus on negativity in the world?
Negativity often triggers survival instincts, making it more noticeable than positive events. If left unchecked, this tendency can shape our worldview, but focusing on learning instead can help shift perspective.
How can I stop judging negative situations?
You can reduce judgment by approaching situations with curiosity. Instead of labeling experiences as good or bad, ask, “What can I learn from this?” This mindset encourages understanding and growth.
Is it possible to see the world as perfect despite all its problems?
While the world has imperfections, viewing it as “perfect” can mean accepting it as a source of endless learning opportunities. Every challenge can offer a lesson if approached with an open mind.
How can I learn from situations that trigger my survival instincts?
Instead of reacting immediately with fight or flight, practice mindfulness to stay in the moment. Later, reflect on the situation to uncover what you can learn from it.
Why is unstructured learning important?
Unstructured learning, like what we experience in life, teaches adaptability and fosters creativity. It encourages growth through real-world experiences, which often can’t be replicated in formal settings.
How can curiosity help me grow?
Curiosity replaces judgment with a desire to understand. By cultivating curiosity, you develop empathy, expand your perspective, and unlock new ways to approach challenges.
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