Iteration

How do we learn?

We learn best when we succumb with purpose to the iterative tendency. Imagine a line of inquiry that is circular but skewed from the symmetrical; that spirals inward to a focal point and outward again, repeating itself - not exactly but approximately. The focus narrows inward and then expands outward, and with each cycle the understanding becomes more complete and dense. (Perhaps we are not doomed to repeat our mistakes, but blessed to have another opportunity to further our understanding.)

I include this photo of the Guggenheim foyer because walking its unique structure while viewing the Kandinsky restrospective was an iterative experience, literally and metaphorically.

Ken Robinson writes and speaks about how people are most fully alive and engaged when they operate within their "element". His advice in finding one's element is to spend time alone, meditating, writing, painting, playing music, dancing (whatever inspires you) and then to move outward - go out purposefully and try something that you think you've always wanted to try but haven't for whatever reason and reflect on what it means to you (focus inward again). This seems to me to describe the iterative process, the circular spiralling in and moving out in a repetitive manner, in which each cycle is informed by the previous cycle.

Sir Ken speaks to this in this 4 minute video.

Mary Lynn Crow's study, Midlife Crisis: A Growth Opportunity for Women Educators, shows that many women who experience crisis do so out of a sense of powerlessness and a fear of their mortality. Those who come through this time the best are those who are open to new opportunities and experience opportunities for renewal. If we stop the iterative process, if we stop learning, we can feel trapped, leading to anxiety and depression. Even those who might say they have found and been operating in their element throughout their lives, may need to change how this manifests and diverges at different stages of their lives.

The story of Mamika is an example of this. A 91 year old woman, who had lived a passionate, productive life, was facing depression in her elder years until her grandson talked her into posing for some photographs which have become an inspiration to many people. She inspires others and she in turn has found a renewed zest for life. Click on the link if you need a little dose of joy yourself.