What Are You Learning?

What Are You Learning, Big Guy?

On Becoming the Architect of Your Evolving Self

Let me paint you a picture, fella. You're 50, a titan of industry, suit sharp enough to cut diamonds, family picture on the desk like a trophy. You've built an empire, raised the kids, maybe even got the corner office with the panoramic view. But lately, amidst the clinking champagne flutes and boardroom victories, a niggling question creeps in: "What the hell am I learning?"

It's the inquiry that confronts high achievers, like a rogue wave after years of smooth sailing. You've mastered the game, climbed the mountain, and now... what? Stare at the sunset from the peak? Nah, it is not your style. You're a man who enjoys the excitement of the unknown. But the unknown has shifted – it's no longer about market trends or quarterly reports. It's about the uncharted territory within yourself.

See, knowing yourself is a three-legged stool, and you've already nailed two legs. The first: Knowing where you came from, the roots that anchor you. You've dug deep, explored your childhood, untangled the threads of family and circumstance. The second: Consciously navigating life's currents through intentional choices, the rudder that steers your course. You've stopped living on autopilot, making every decision a deliberate brushstroke on the canvas of your life.

Now, it's time for the third leg: What are you learning?, where the importance of continuous lifelong learning takes center stage. This, my buddy, is not about pursuing the next promotion or adding more zeros to your bank account. It's about becoming the architect of your evolving self, brick by mindful brick.

Why Never Stop Learning? Fuel for Meaning and Longevity

Society celebrates career success, but learning lights your soul's eternal fire. Studies reveal intellectual engagement reduces cognitive decline and boosts longevity. Yet complacency creeps in after 50, stealing your edge and vitality.

Combat this thief by ritualizing "What am I learning?" - a daily introspection on what nourishes your brilliant mind. What are you consuming, both literally and figuratively? Are you filling your mind with mind-numbing newsfeeds or engaging podcasts that stretch your intellect? Are you seeking out the company of those who challenge your perspectives or wallowing in echo chambers of agreement?

Exercise Your Plastic, Adaptable Brain

Your brain needs regular exercise to stay strong and supple. But what do you learn? Where do you even start? Ah, that's where the beauty lies – in the freedom to choose. We're not talking about cramming for exams, ticking boxes or chasing credentials. This is about cultivating wisdom resonating with your soul's harmonic frequencies through the freedom of choice.

The 7 Pillars of Wisdom

Embark on this lifelong learning quest like an architect crafting a magnificent 7-pillared inner temple:.

Language

The sculptor's chisel shaping communication's art. Explore world languages, resurrect a forgotten dialect, rediscover your native tongue's nuances.

Religion and Spirituality

Lenses framing our universe's deepest meanings. Explore diverse faiths, ancient wisdom, the big questions that make us human to get insights into human values, and the quest for meaning. It is not about conversion but about appreciating the diversity of beliefs that shape our world.

Philosophy and Psychology

Windows into the human mind's mysteries. Understand the complexities of human cognition and behavior, to get a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

History

More than past events - guidance for today's intricate realities. Investigate errors and triumphs illuminating present choices.

Literature

The mirror reflecting the human soul. Dive into the realms of fiction and non-fiction alike, for in the pages of books, you discover the shared experiences that bind humanity together.

Art and Music

Expressing the inexpressible. Awaken creative energies and beauty's unspoken whispers. Increase your capacity to see and appreciate the world's beauty while also unleashing your own creative energy.

Nutrition and Well-Being

Harmonizing body and mind. Understand how dietary choices shape holistic vitality. Create a harmonious relationship between the body and mind.

Architect Your Authentic Self Renaissance

These are just seven pillars, my friend, seven doors leading to infinite corridors of knowledge. And in the coming articles, we'll dive deeper into each one, crafting personalized learning plans that fit your unique passions and goals, that ignite your curiosity and set your soul ablaze.

Key Questions for Reflection

As we conclude this exploration into the third realm of self-discovery, remember that what you learn is not just a collection of facts. In our noisy world, discernment through continuous learning illuminates your soul's path.

In closing, let me leave you with key questions to ponder, for they encapsulate the essence of why knowing "What are you learning" is pivotal in the journey of self-discovery:

What do your daily learning choices reveal about your priorities?

What excites you? What learning adventure would fill your heart with joy?
What blind spots do you have? What areas of your life feel shrouded in ignorance?
What challenges are you facing that could be illuminated by new knowledge?
What legacy do you want to leave? What skills and wisdom do you want to pass on?
What scares you to learn? What hidden fears might be holding you back?
What resources do you have access to? Who can guide you on this journey?
What are you learning that expands you understanding of the world?
What are you learning that challenges your assumptions and biases?
What are you learning that nourishes your soul and connects you to something larger than yourself?
What is your learning plan? If you don’t have one, why not? Are you done, you know everything?