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Sometimes my ego
gets punctured if I am not careful. It is easy to stand assured when I
know the facts. However, not knowing the facts can be catastrophic. When
I believe in myself my ego never gets punctured or inflated, smile.
On my recent trip
to Nigeria I was invited to speak before the Imo University School of
geography and economics. We entered the meeting hall just before class
break. It was a delight to see the eager students as they moved from one
class to another.
Soon it was time
for the students to file into the hall where I was to present the topic
of Living In A Positive World I Create. A teacher directed the students
into our hall. More and more crowded into the hall filling all of the
benches and standing room. Soon over 100 students piled into the room as
the instructor introduced me and my topic. There was a surprised look on
the pupil’s faces but they remained to see what was going to happen.
Just as soon as I
began speaking the students murmured among themselves and soon I could
no longer be heard. The instructor calmed the group and told them this
was a philosophical-psychological talk about how they could improve
their ability to study and how they could view their country in a more
positive manner. I began again and the murmur grew to a loudness again.
The instructor suggested that this was not required listening program
and anyone who wanted to leave might do so at this moment.
As though a
vacuum had sucked out the room, students aimed for the doorway and
evacuated the room. Needless to say I was surprised. I had never lost an
audience even before I began to speak. A little over 50 students
remained.
With enthusiasm
and great joy I proposed to the students who remained that they can ace
the courses they are taking and thoroughly enjoy their school if they
will have a positive attitude toward themselves and what they are
learning. I explained the philosophy of thought and how thoughts are
things. At first they were skeptical, but as I gave numerous
illustrations they took a new look at the concept.
From a glum look
on their faces, a bright smile leapt forth and all sat up leaning forth
in eagerness. Soon the entire room was a vital audience of dynamic vital
beings considering a new look at their educational process.
From time to time
I would call forth my colleague, Dr Ellen Jermini, to address the
students. She spoke with charm and wit, knowledge and wisdom, capturing
the delighted interest of the Nigerian students. Each time she retired
from the platform a round of applause thundered through the hall. I was
wise enough to call her up to the platform as often as possible to tell
about the program of the University of Healing and how its study opened
the minds and heart of the of its students to an indwelling wisdom and
knowingness which allowed them to reveal the knowingness which is native
within them.
As Dr Jermini and
I concluded our sharing with the students, in one mad rush they mounted
the front of the classroom eagerly grabbing for the few copies of the
GIST and the SYLLABUS which we had to share with them. By the dozens
they gave us their email addresses, their snailmail addresses and their
telephone numbers. They wanted to sign up for the courses of the UNI in
Campo California.
The lecture
lasted a full hour. The students clambered for more and more information
and details on the school. Dr Jermini took the opportunity of their
continued presence to share with them the songs of I Like Me and I Love
Nigeria. A hush fell over the crowd as she sang the song to them and
explained how important it was for them to make known to their innerself
this truth about themselves and their country.
The students
flooded out into the parking lot where each had his own quality
automobile. Each of the students who stayed to question us about the UNI
were stylishly dressed and the girls each had dramatic hair coloring.
They represented the quality of Nigerians soon to head the government of
their nation and lead their nation into its rightful place as a power in
the world and an economic partner spanning the globe with their
expertise and scientific magic blooming in the minds of these young
people who are living with the vision of the greatness their nation is
and more which it will become.
After the
redeemed session, I asked our host, the professor of the class, what the
attitude was all about with the students. He smiled and said the
students could have a break or attend this positive thinking
lecture--and less than half opted for the break.
Appearances can
sometimes be challenging and confusing when I look no further than the
illusion each represent. However, when I play the game, run the course
to its conclusion, I am surprisingly delighted.
-Dr Herbert L Beierle |
