My raw thoughts

Sometimes we all get caught and then wrapped up in something. Sometimes in our feelings, sometimes in our beliefs. And when we get wrapped up in the fact that we are right in our beliefs, then we may eventually go wrong. We may still be rationally correct in our beliefs but we may be wrong emotionally. We may start to deny, ignore, or shut off our connections to those feelings that cause us to feel conflicted about our beliefs--or our actions leading from our beliefs. That is how we can become emotionally "wrong." Maybe I shouldn't use "wrong," but "incompatible," with our instincts, reason, or the feelings of those we can trust (or a one or a combination of these things that are providing us with opposing feedback to these feelings).

There is so much to learn about the world around us, about ourselves, about other people. And the world is always moving and changing, as are the people in it. Even if we are correct in our conlusions about one small concept of the world--or even a large one!--at one point in time, that is not always--not even usually--reason enough to stop learning, or listening. Life in the world will continue to change, sometimes even altering the previous reality on which a belief was based. And feelings will continue to remain as valid as they always were and always will be. Our reason and our beliefs about the world are what help us to find our way on the map, but our feelings are what drive us to go in one definite direction, or to choose another. I think it is wrong to mock an individual for asking directions, for sharing one's feelings in the hopes of receiving some feedback and insight. A more strong-headed and well-traveled individual may be able to find his way without help if he becomes momentarily lost, but he may not always do so without bruising and damaging some more tender feelings, or even some trust, or, unfortunately, some of his relationships over time.

And the day the teacher forgets what it was like to be a student is the day the students start to regard him or her as less of a teacher.