(image from http://oposipe.zzl.org) |
Teaching Philosophy in passing as a topic in my Humanities I class was tough. And describing it as tough is an understatement. Most of my students are fresh high school graduates and they do not really think about the ideas of truth, reality, ethics, metaphysics and all the stuff related to these seriously, much less, even take a pause to realize how their own worldview has affected the way they think, act and reflect upon life itself.
Nonetheless, all these ideas have a bearing on how they make their own philosophy of life. Whether they put it into writing or not, they definitely have their own. For one, how they decide on things are affected by the norms in their society, their beliefs, their values and their outlook. Dare I say that hopefully, I was able to awaken in their hearts and minds that young as they are, they MUST KNOW and ACT based on their beliefs and deepest convictions.
Here is a good reading as you ponder upon your own life philosophy => http://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/2007/06/26/10-steps-to-developing-a-meaningful-life-philosophy
TO MY STUDENTS, here's a homework for you to do. Write your own philosophy of life with the title, "My Life Philosophy". IT SHOULD BE typewritten in a short bond paper (ONE PAGE ONLY), left justified, font times new roman size 12 and should be at least 300 words. PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. It should encapsulate your philosophy about the following:
1. LIFE: How do you view and value life itself? How do you see yourself as a part of nature and the universal creation? (How do see yourself as a member of the creation? Explain your meaning of life and its value.)
2. HAPPINESS: What is happiness/joy for you and how do you plan to take hold of this in your life? (How do you achieve happiness, satisfaction and live life to its fullest?)
3. TRUTH/REALITY: What is your truth and how do you make this truth tangible in your life? (Explain your truth in relation to how you live it.)
My prayer is for you all to take a moment to reflect and contemplate on that which is significant, that which holds priority in your life and that which makes you LIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE ITSELF.
Explore and allow not yourselves to be burdened. Think and interact with your soul as you ponder on that which has the highest value in this world. As we face a new year, I hope this would tremendously benefit you all in facing life head on...