It is said that some of the simplest cultures on Earth are also the happiest. Does this mean that by not being so involved in formal study and striving in the world, such people have an opportunity to be clearer-minded? Are they more open to hearing their inner guidance, and better able to hear their soul's longing or God's voice? I believe a great deal of guidance is provided to everyone through the Scriptures, which to me are the most important source for directing our lives, regardless of the way we begin. These sacred writings encompass truths from which we all would benefit and prosper, regardless of our background or current life circumstances.
This course teaches us: to go within; to our thoughts, feelings, and emotions; and to trust intuition to guide our education through the classrooms of our lives.
The School of Life
The priority of higher education in our universities, colleges and schools is attaining knowledge that leads to greater opportunities and success in life. Those who have earned their degrees rightfully deserve to be recognized and accorded the highest honor. However, there are some who have not had the privilege of an education, but have earned a different kind of degree through life experiences. We may know such a person or have read about their success, and we recognize that they have found truth and wisdom by the abundant life that has unfolded for them.
Those who have overcome the odds can help us learn about the natural guidance that is in all of us, and they may teach us how they knew the things that led them to a successful, fulfilled life, despite having little or no education. The answer appears to be the same for most of them: they just knew inside, and had a sense of wisdom and truth that they developed, possibly from birth.
"I am beginning to suspect all elaborate and special systems of education. They seem to me to be built upon supposition that every child is an idiot who must be taught to think. Whereas, if the child is left to himself, he will think more and better, if less showily. Let him come and go freely, let him touch real things and combine his impressions for himself... " ‒- Helen Keller
This is Being True to Thine Own Self
Regardless of how we begin our lives, where we've been, what we've done or with whom we have studied, we all have something of value to share with the world. Whatever benefits us comes from the knowledge of love, as is recognized in the Scriptures. Through this love, our authentic selves emerge, making us capable of reaching an even higher degree of wisdom than from education alone. It all happens when we listen to the God within us. Some may call this a sixth sense, heart knowledge, common sense, intuition or our inner core, but it is the same thing that many of our great saints and teachers described. Many successful human beings have studied in the School of Life and have passed that bar through experience, which for them may be more important than anything learned in a classroom. Learning to access our inner wisdom is one of the most important things we can learn and it should be incorporated into all courses of study, regardless of what degrees we pursue. This basic foundation could make a huge difference to those who have a difficult time loving, living and learning.
We can learn something from those who have earned a degree from the School of Life, something that isn't recorded on paper, but which is of equal value; this kind of learning may provide an even greater benefit to all of humanity. With this extra tool, perhaps the formally educated can then put their spiritual knowledge in writing so we all may benefit and understand how to lead our children to a brighter future.
About Catherine Nagle: Catherine grew up in Philadelphia with 16 brothers and sisters, reared by loving, old school Italian parents. Catherine's artist father's
works graced locations from churches to public buildings; her mother was a full-time homemaker. A professional hairdresser, Catherine worked in various salons while studying the Bible and pursuing spiritual growth through courses, seminars, lectures and inspirational books, including A Course in Miracles and the works of Marianne Williamson among many others. The mother of two children and a grandmother, Catherine lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. She is the Author of Imprinted Wisdom.