In this series of blogs on Time to Think, a body of work conceived by Nancy Kline and nurtured by a brilliant community of teachers and practitioners; I share my understanding of the ten components of the the Thinking Environment based on study, contemplation and lived experiences. It also puts forth some unanswered questions to live through and contemplate further, along with some “wonderments” if you will.
A word on the Thinking Environment
The ideas, principles and practices of the thinking environment have come to me as welcome as a gentle, cool breeze under the scorching sun. As most true and important teachings, this body of work is simple, accessible and alchemical. In my experience so far, one can only touch the true essence of this work through practice. While it contains a refreshing set of cutting edge intellectual theories, it is to me a way of being, and thus a way of life. It is in that sense, atelic. Work that will always remain unfinished as it renews itself and its potentialities through the unfolding of life. And this idea of incompleteness gives me much ease, because I can see this work as a life long companion that adds meaning to me and in turn I can hopefully add meaning to it as well.
Before I expand on my understanding of the ten components, I want to share this poem by Hafez that I have come to enjoy. It reflects how I often feel now, after having practised the ten components for some time. The “so many other beautiful animals and brilliant coloured birds” is a metaphor both for the components and fresh, original thoughts. It is the longing for connecting with others in the way that the thinking environment facilitates - an authentic, unencumbered, playful way.
“Why just ask the donkey in me
To speak to the donkey in you,
When I have so many other beautiful animals
And brilliant coloured birds inside
That are longing to say something wonderful
And exciting to your heart?
Let's open all the locked doors upon our eyes
That keep us from knowing the Intelligence
That begets love
And a more lively and satisfying conversation
With the Friend.
Let's turn loose our golden falcons
So that they can meet in the sky
Where our spirits belong--
Necking like two
Hot kids.
Let's hold hands and get drunk near the sun
And sing sweet songs to God
Until He joins us with a few notes
From his own sublime lute and drum.
Why just bring your donkey to me
Asking for stale hay
And a boring conference with the idiot
In regards to this precious matter--
Such a precious matter as love,
When I have so many other divine animals
And brilliant coloured birds inside
That are all longing
To so sweetly greet you!”
In the next blog, I share my thoughts and experiences on the component of Attention.