Nanci Kuykendall

I have not posted here in a long while, although some
longtime members might remember me since I have been
here for years.

This list is a list that seeks to encourage growth.
Growth is not stagnancy, dormancy or staying within
comfort zones. Growth means stretching, often
uncomfortably, and it means wrapping your mind around
ideas that may at first seem repellant or at least
uncomfortable, then maybe begin to make logical sense,
and finally to ring with a clarity which makes you
wonder how you didn't see it before. Growth is often
somewhat scary, leaping into the unknown, letting go
of preconceptions and of well worn and comfortable
long standing beliefs and practices. Because it's
scary it often causes defensiveness. Growth is also,
despite popular cultural lip service, not something
that is often supported or encouraged on a personal or
interpersonal level. Being "polite" to the point of
being dishonest, not "rocking the boat" or disrupting
the status quo, and minding your own business are seen
as much preferable to encouraging growth in general.

I love this list because it's different than that.
It's not afraid to be honest, while not holding
grudges or making personal attacks. I don't see flame
wars on this list, just occassional ruffled feathers
as those doing some stretching feel the burn of
growth, sometimes reacting defensively.

I love this list because there is always so much good
food for thought, differing meaty and meaningful ideas
to chew on and experiences to take in that are not
hand holding and cooing like the many "support group"
lists out there, as Sandra described. I love the real
exchanges happening on this list, as opposed to smarmy
and meaningless (or worse) small talk and self
defeating back patting that only serves to stifle
growth and silence doubts or questions or exploration.


I also love this definition of unschooling Sandra gave
during the recent dicussion (guess I'm just full of
love!):

"It's maintaining a lifestyle in which learning
flourishes."

I hope that's always what my life is all about.

Nanci K.