To the untrained amateur, it may have seemed like a lucky day, or maybe even a miracle, but to those who pick apart the learning brain for a living, it was a prime opportunity to discern why -- when almost every time before this time things have been overwhelming and poorly executed on my part -- this particular day should be any different.
Reading about and lecturing on the brain's optimal learning ability and performance in a high challenge/low threat environment is one thing, but actually
This past week, a number of pieces have fallen into place in my "real life", my life outside of flying. Various work relationships have been strengthened, my skills as an educator were validated when two different people invited me to participate in two different professional opportunities, classes flowed smoothly, and a number of students told me how engaging they found my teaching. Best of all, the other FI I took a few lessons with wrote me a very encouraging email with specific and positive feedback. (Much as I hate to admit it, I read the nice parts several times!!)
What an ego-boosting week to set me up.
Then today, I had a great morning at school followed by an excellent lunch with a good friend, and later spent a few hours volunteering with my sons' class, helping to tie laces, and skating with a bunch of six-year-olds. Who doesn't love a chance to hang with their kids in the middle of the day?!
The future also shines -- I knew that after my flight lesson, I would be spending an hour with one of my mentors (in education) organizing materials and preparing notes for a teacher resource we hope to co-author (yes, this sort of thing is FUN for me!!!), and as if that wasn't enough, Sat night's agenda includes dinner and a musical engagement with people I like and who like me. Does it get any better?
By the time I arrived at the airport for my flight lesson, I felt strong, competent and happy. So... big surprise, then, that my lesson today went exceptionally well, and I actually did something right for a change!
Ahhhh, if only we could optimize the personal circumstances of all our students so they could learn everything we want to teach them the first time 'round. :)