The Zen of Learning

� 2006 By Kevin Ronkko
All Rights Reserved. Printed with Permission

The idea of combining two ancient concepts, work and Zen, was first introduced as a music philosophy by John Cage. He was an innovative artist, and this idea is worthy of great consideration. The reason? If a student can find a state of Zen while working to think logically, the doors of knowledge and discovery can truly open.

This can be applied to how a person might approach online schooling. The idea, here, is that simply breathing and learning logically can be merged systematically. The basic idea behind Zen meditation is all about breathing and awareness. In Zen meditation, a person sits and breathes, trying not to think, but instead allows awareness to occur. That is, awareness of both inner thoughts and outer happenings can occur, while the patterns of normal recurring thoughts are encouraged to disapear.

In online schooling, one can arrive at a state of Zen when the pressures of grades, deadlines, bills, and all of life�s distractions disappear, and the focus of learning becomes the only importance. Not only can this Zen state be useful in online schooling, but also in composing music or learning about music. If music isn�t your thing, that�s fine, because the Zen of Learning can be applied to any subject. It�s all about awareness and breathing, whatever the subject might be.

Though meeting deadlines and getting good grades are important, the way to get to the Zen of learning is to forget about those things and to focus on only one thing; learning.

The Zen of learning, though perhaps a well kept secret, is the best way I know of to be able to meet the deadlines of school projects, challenge myself intellectually, and move ahead thinkingly, while maintaining a sense of calmness and clarity.

This can work for you as well. By allowing yourself to get out of your own way, getting over yourself, your doubts fears and negative thoughts, you can move into a logical state of Zen.

So make some time each day for your Zen learning time where you focus only on school for an allotted measure of hours. Then put aside the things that get in the way. Free your mind from distractions. Now, breathe and focus only on the orderly process of studying. Read a little. Write a little. Reflect for a moment on the material at hand. Continue the course of action. This is the simple Zen of learning.

Be sure to limit your Zen time as life is to be lived and the stresses of the day are also good for you. So get out, go to work, play, practice, or go to the gym. Live normally while looking forward to your next Zen class time.

Soon, you will find the Zen of learning integrated into your day to day life - and that can only be a good thing. Enjoy.

*****

Kevin Ronkko is the author of "The Singing Drummer: Add Vocals to Your Beat," published by Windstorm Creative LTD. He is also a member of the Vic Firth Education Team and has taught many students the art of drumming. His web site is https://www.pumpingbeat.com. Kevin, ever a student, is currently a student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -- Online Division and plans on earning a BS in interactive Media Design.

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