RECOGNITION REFLEX: our DIRECTION OF REFLECTION

According to psychological research there are "two" primary ways of learning. The first is observational learning. This is the learning that occurs through watching others engaged in various types of behavior. The second is associative learning. This is the learning that occurs by establishing connections between various events. Individually, we complement these two basic ways of learning by incorporating one or more of "seven" different learning styles. Visual learners tend to use pictures and imagery to grasp concepts. Aural learners respond primarily to sounds and find emotional stimulation through music and singing. Verbal learners absorb information that is strengthened by role playing and regurgitation. Physical learners gravitate to some type of bodily movement that utilizes gestures and motions for expression. Logical learners organize information by linking puzzle pieces together that form fact. Social learners thrive in group settings, find stimulation from multiple sources and love additional input. Finally, Solitary learners may appear to be shy and introverted. They keep to themselves and are comfortable working things out on their own. This information expands on the "VARK" model which simplifies this information into four categories: visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic.

Our goal here is not to focus on how we learn. Our purpose is to identify the ways we process what we learn. The saying that experience is the best teacher comes to mind when we examine the dynamics of learning. Although we normally learn from our own experiences through multiple activities, most of our experience-based learning comes through the experience of others. It is unnecessary and virtually impossible to learn strictly from personal experience. As we observe life through the lenses of our own programs and channels, we are predisposed to make judgments and reach conclusions from an external perspective. We naturally apply the lessons to the people, objects and circumstances present during the situation in question. Although we learn from that external experience, we are challenged to apply the principle of the lesson in full personally and internally.

Through experience and observation, we form opinions and create our own personal code of conduct addressing various situations and circumstances. We can learn from experience that the practice of stealing or robbery is wrong even reprehensible. As a result, we don't practice robbing banks or stealing from the candy store even if we can get away with it. That practice, whether embraced legally or morally becomes part of our code of conduct and way of life. The application of this practice to embracing of the principle is not necessarily adopted. Although we may not rob a bank, we might pay our bills late or fail to reconcile outstanding debt.  Although we may not steal from the store, we might cheat on our taxes or exaggerate our worth on financial documentation. The practice is adhered to from external influence; the principle is embraced by internal application. 

The Ten Commandments in line with the Law of Moses were often quoted by Jesus to illustrate the principles behind them. How we recognize and reflect on the internal applications of the principles we learn in our lives, are a direct indication of the work of these processes. Jesus, when speaking about adultery enunciated the practice and the principle. "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. The practice applied simply externally. The principle applied both internal and externally. ​ Jesus even spoke about murder. "Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment." The main intention here is to recognize how we direct and reflect internally. When we properly learn, acknowledge, understand, embrace and practice the principles essential to a fulfilled life of peace and harmony; it is then we will see the results of the practice demonstrated in our lives.