On the journey of life everyone learns, and sometimes from teachers. Certain teachers stand out to us as highly memorable, lasting influencers and sources of inspiration, motivation and selfless transmitters of grace.
This can happen at home with parents, in formal education, or during mental health care. Here are such teachers that are special to me even though they are deceased, with a few of their memorable quotes. I’m sure you have a few special teachers in your life.
Suzannah Kemble, Mother “You’ll just need to entertain yourself” ‘’Walk (silently) like an Indian” ‘’Everyone has a handicap”
John Parks, MD, Psychiatrist “A person of god can enter any church or temple and be with the divine” “You may want to stay for Sunday - things happen then” (Psychosynthesis weekend reunion)
Robert Baker, PhD, Psychology Professor “Everyone has an A” (first day of class) “Attempts to adequately communicate a mystical experience is like trying to describe an orgasm to a virgin”
Donald Nugent, PhD, History Professor “In the Renaissance the apotheosis of beauty was realized” “ At the end of the day I really just want to go out and howl at the moon” “Words are turds”
Thomas Keating, OCSO, Catholic Priest, Trappist Monk “What it is can’t be said but you have to say something” “Am I interrupting your meditation?” (Phone call)
End
About Ronald L. Barnett
Welcome to Hey World - a home for my writings, much of it autobiographically-inspired. My hope is that they entertain, educate, and inspire. I’m simpatico with Enid Sinclair who told Wednesday Addams, ‘’I write in my voice. It’s my truth!” I hope you enjoy them. And if you subscribe and have comments, I’d love to hear from you.
I received the Doctorate in Psychology (concentration in human cognition and learning) and after 5 years working as a community-based mental health clinician, I worked in medical research with the National Institutes of Health for the remainder of my career.
I served Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. (CO) as a teacher, group facilitator, retreat leader, Chapter Coordinator, Board Member and Trustee and taught with The Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography.
As of 2020 I retired, hosted the podcast All Things Contemplative, and still volunteer with CO. I also facilitate Charis Circles with the Charis Foundation for the New Monasticism and Interspirituality - and enjoy information technologies, photography, nature, swimming, biking, and kayaking.
