I Have a Dream, also

I’ll admit it. I dream of the day that there will be a learning community centered around putting the promptings of the heart first. Such a place would study literature (of course) and myth but not simply to pass exams. The aim would be to discuss what it means to be human and how we can be humane, and the aim would be to keep that kind of discussion going all the way through the community. Things like yoga and mindfulness would be part of the curriculum, as would caring for the underprivileged and awareness of how to work with our planet in a sustainable way. Everyone would be encouraged to make art, sing, dance and express themselves in non-verbal ways. Perhaps there could even be a farm so that we could all be more aware of where our food comes from, and perhaps the developmentally delayed and the autistic could be encouraged to work with the animals there, alongside everyone else.

Sure, there are a few places like this already – think of the Findhorn Community in Scotland which as been doing work like this for 50 years. But there aren’t enough of such places.

So next time you see me buy a lottery ticket don’t assume I’m simply eager to get rich quick. Perhaps I have a dream.