Research and Learning by doing (experiential learning) is the most natural thing on earth, these days it’s a hot topic and of course a major part of a holistic education, in that the tutor learns at the same time as the pupils (for example, see Reggio Emilla curriculum). I’m currently working with and naturally learning from, some great people including experiential learning expert Prof. Colin Beard – including building his new Sensory Intelligence website. Colin, a fellow of Sheffield Business School and author of Experiential Learning, is developing new notions of learning while working. In the course of talks with Colin, I have realised that my own experiential field is broad, so I’m naturally taking my time assimilating it.
My life has in some way always involved a combination of inter-personal skills, spirituality and creative pursuit. I have trained in a diverse range of areas including fine art, counseling and mediation.
Between 2007 and 2010, using a Fine Art degree as a platform for exploration of the Western creative soul, I discovered my own ‘fine art’ lies in helping others. This led to the founding of a city centre art gallery education department (Bloc Gallery) where, along with other professional artists, I devised adult and children’s workshops for exploring confidence and self-identity through creativity.
Life is research and the science of living is of course the most crucial pursuit a person can ever be involved with. I am collating a lot of material with an intention to publish, mainly in the context of my educational work platform; appreciation and delivery of sacred-artistic, universal principles as workable life-values to people, within my reach. Equally, I’ve only just realised I need a solid network of peers that will enrich and nurture my own search for deeper meaning within the sacred arts.
My deepest passion lies in the improvement and healing of the human spirit. Human creativity (and recognition and gratitude of the fact we are created beings) is for me an excellent vehicle. New skills acquired can be integrated into creativity work. Currently training as an Islamic Chaplain then Counselling will provide more opportunities for direct interaction with the beneficient powers of healing and support. The current developments with the integration of Islam into the Western healing professions is very exciting and I intend to be very much a part of it.
