The Art of Learning

Most of us would relate the word learning to books and courses. But is that only what learning is limited to? Of course not. Learning is adventurous; learning is a journey; learning is giving roots to your passion; learning is feeding your curiosity; learning is stepping out of your comfort zone; learning is exploring your own possibilities.

Sometimes, when I get bored, I think to myself, I have nothing to do, I wish I had something interesting to do, someplace interesting to go, someone interesting to talk to. But who am I kidding? There is a whole world out there; do you realize how many things, how many people, how many cultures, how many languages, how many activities that gives us an opportunity to learn about?

Speaking of activities: I only learnt to ride the bicycle in my twenties: there I said it! And it was only after I learnt how to ride the scooter. Sounds foolish to say that proudly: but it is true. And this is not where it ends of course. I still have a lot more to learn, to practice, and to embrace.

Come to think of it: learning is not just about some activity either. Learning can be about some situation. When to say something; being more emphatic, listening to someone better, handling social situations better; the possibilities are endless. Learning does not have to be through books or through guidance either; we learn from all around us. We learn from our elders, from the younger, from our friends, from our mistakes, from just the way things are sometimes.

And you know what the best thing about learning is? Learning is ageless and limitless. Master the art of learning. Be open to new experiences. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Comments

Rajamati

I think we’ve all heard the song of Rajamati growing up. It is so popular that many people in Nepal claim this is the only Newari song that they have heard. The song was written some 200 years back. The first few lines go like this, which I’m sure you must have heard of, unless you’ve been living under a rock: Rājamati kumati, jike wasā pirati Hāya bābā Rājamati-chā Rājamati mabila dhāsā Kāshi wane tela bubā Hayā biu Rājamati-chā. San dhāsā kuli kuli, mikhā dhāsā bālā bālā Sakumi yā mhyāy machā lā Khwā dhāsā tuyu khwā, khwālay niga tee du Tāhā Nani yā Rājamati-chā. It is said to be written by or rather from the perspective of a man who was infatuated and in awe of the beauty of Rajamati. He describes with great admiration: her hair, her eyes, her complexion and the little moles on her face. However it is unknown who the writer of this beautiful song is. The song rushed into popularity after it was played in England in 1850 when Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana vi...

Everyday Phases by my Mother part 2

I have been meaning to write this part 2, especially after Every Day Phrases by my Mother , the first part was liked by so many and also because, well, the phrases and the dialogues never end with my mother. I did tease her about writing a book or making a scrapbook about all her phrases, but we never got around to it. So here we are, after almost 4 years, apologies if the Nepal bhasa wordings are incorrect somewhere Ne tha ne masau Bhwauthau pwa This is basically saying, not being able to take advantage of the situation or not doing what you are supposed to do at the event. If you get invited somewhere that has food, you should eat there. Neu twanyu tha yu yethe, jui chwanyu kata pinyu yethe I have heard this one many times. In the society that we live in, impression and your social image matters a lot, especially when it comes to family prestige. So it does not matter what you do at home but once you step outside, there is this social obligation of dressing appropriately, behav...

The Oldest Kumari

Dhana Kumari Bajracharya resides amidst the hustle and bustle in Gabahal, Patan. She is a 70 year old woman, who you would think is much younger at age, if you look at her. Age seems to have done justice to this beautiful woman. What makes this wise old woman different than other wise old women in Patan? She is the oldest Kumari of Patan. Kumari, the living goddess is a tradition or a practice that has been around for many years and that has been celebrated widely in the Kathmandu Valley. The very first Kumari goes back to 17 th Century. The process to choose the Kumari is divine and a girl must go through several tests to get chosen as the Kumari. Dhana Kumari Bajracharya is the longest serving Kumari of Patan having been established as the Kumari from 2010 B.S to 2042 B.S. A whooping 32 years. Perhaps her case is the most rare that we might come across. A girl serves as a Kumari until she reaches puberty, or she has her first menstruation. After that, it is believed that th...

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