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Sometimes we have a tendency to forget that we are constantly learning. Every movement, every word, every commercial, every letter, every song teaches us something different about our world. Sometimes the messages are negative, immoral, or evil to a lesser or greater degree. This is understandable, since the mind learns negatively (remember "Don't Touch the Stove!"), those who seek to influence us to their ways of thinking pursue negative messaging. For example, if you go to a book store like Barnes and Noble or Borders, you will find hundreds of books on how to think positively. You will find none on how to think negatively. You already possess this tendency. There is no need to teach it further. Growing up in a family that did not value education, I thought nothing of finishing 225 out of a class of 255 in High School. I never studied, never did homework, failed classes I had no excuse for failing, developed no study habits, and subsequently, learned no saleable skills. I thought so little of my education at my graduation I showed up in shorts and a short-sleeve T-shirt (Nice of my folks to stop me from that one)! So, needless to say I was a bit shocked when upon entering the US Air Force (my last chance at the time) that I possessed a high I.Q., and that I was being sent off for special training. My "special training" consisted of not only military disciplines, but also intensive study of English, typing skills, office skills, communication skills, and virtually everything I had ignored up until that point. Now, I have always been a voracious reader, but really never connected the dots of education. I had no role models of academic achievement or achievement of any kind for that matter. That is, until I landed in front of Major Peter Thompson at RAF Fairford Air Base, England. My commanding officer, Major Thompson, immediately upon my arriving on base ordered me to study 4 hours a day in my dorm room, even while I worked rotating shifts. He was even kind enough to provide me with an armed escort at my door to make sure that (1) I studied or else, and (2) I was not disturbed. To some, this may seem a bit Draconian, but it gave me the boost I needed to bring my education from the self-imposed 9th grade level I had graduated with in high school to a college freshman level. This later allowed me to enter the University of Minnesota without an SAT, where I received the first of my three degrees. To be sure, there were times when I would have liked to go hang out with my friends, but in truth I owe that man a great deal for making me work hard and making me understand the true nature of learning. It opened my eyes and changed my life. You see, the true essence of learning is to know the truth about yourself, your world and to know the difference between what is right and to be held close versus what should be tossed aside. Again we get back to negative thinking. The non-educated individual accepts information to a certain degree or tunes out completely, relying on "intuition". The intuition usually being of a negative slant will see information presented in a staccato variation through cynical eyes. The educated individual extrapolates information, pieces points of reference together, sees the truth, and makes solid determinations based on evidence and historical perspective. By thinking in this fashion, can one find truth, not to mention beauty, creativity, fortune, wisdom, and a higher state of awareness. An active mind is a mind opened. You have often heard that learning is a lifelong endeavor. This is certainly true, but it is more than that. It is not only classroom based, but everyday life based as well. This is the primary reason that we emphasize education in the CKD school. Learning to hurt others is not a hard undertaking. Anyone can do this. Learning to deal with other personality types with their own agendas successfully IS a hard endeavor. Getting your education, finding out who you are, learning what it is that you require to grow and develop to you furthest potential is difficult. This is why most people never achieve it. For you to be a full success, you must reach full potential, whatever that may be for you. This is why every moment you take in your day to study and learn something positive for your life is like money in the bank! It will be there for you when you need it. Further, education, unlike money, cannot be stolen or belittled without reproach. Your CKD training teaches you to defend yourself in the best possible way, for sure. But, CKD also teaches you how best you learn, how to interact with others for a common good, how to lead, to speak in front of others with confidence, how your body responds to movement, what it takes to train it to conditioned levels. CKD training re-wires your brain so you can use more of your brain. It teaches you goal setting and the reward of achievement. For as we must come to realize, true self-esteem comes from surviving the fires of achievement! Confidence, education, protection, heightened intellect, heightened awareness, and a well-conditioned, healthy body are most certainly worth the price it takes to get them. Sabumnim Michael C. Mortell (A.L.A., B.A., M.S.)Adjunct Faculty, Cardinal Stritch University, Twin Cities Campus Chief Instructor, Twin Cities Choi Kwang Do |
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