Words by Rachel

My work at Tamarack has led me to experience a profound shift, not only in the way I think about community, but in the way I learn about and engage with the issues affecting the health of communities.

Together, we’re all working towards renewing and improving neighbourhoods, cities and regions across Canada, and trying to understand what techniques and best practices will help us make a positive contribution to this movement for change.

I recently took a seat in the “A New Earth” online class amongst thousands of people across the work to engage in a conversation about concepts in Eckhart Tolle’s latest book A New Earth – most notably, our (in)ability to be in the present. I thought I was in for a spiritually transformational experience, but what I didn’t realize was how inspired and enthused I would feel just by learning online.  

I was struck by the volume and quality of learner’s engagement.

As I sat there, watching Oprah and Tolle having a live conversation amongst themselves (not to mention, conversing with others in real time using Skype), I realized a few things that are essential to the power of this learning community.

1. Dynamic presentation– As part of the “A New Earth” online course, readers can engage in a number of ways. Reflect in an online workbook; post thoughts publicly to a blog or message board; skype, phone or email to ask a question or share a comment; or, simply sit back, watch and listen to a compelling conversation.
2. Effective organization – Each New Earth online session starts with a compelling, relatable question that helps readers zone in on themes in Tolle’s book. For example, week two focused on the ego and asked, “How happy are you?” These questions help Tolle’s vast work easier to manage.
3. Make it personal – One reason Tolle’s books can relate to individuals across the world is because he writes in a way encourages individuals to consider their own thoughts and action. By infusing our personal experience, online learning suddenly becomes transformational learning.

At Tamarack, we recognize the power of a learning community and we’ve started to explore the possibilities of online learning to improve the work of communities collaborating, helping researchers, practitioners and communities across Canada to share their knowledge and learning with one another.

This is a journey that has only just begun!

RELATED LINKS:

·        Rachel’s first “A New Earth” classroom experience

·        Join the class

·        Eckhart Tolle's teachings