Sherri Malouf responed to Phil Ferneau comments about mental models. The
following is a brief snippet from her comments.
====quote===
I don't think I am the only one who encounters ridicule around intuitive
intelligence. How much do we reject because of the questionable "quality
of the thinking that went into it". It seems to me that we judge quality
in a scientific way. We derive comfort from something being stable, true,
proven. But doesn't change involve discomfort, fear, and risk? Doesn't
it mean that we have to possibly give up the need for scientific rigor in
everything? It still supports us in some very valuable ways -- but it is
not the be all end all.
I know we need mental models to operate day-to-day. But I don't know what
reality is and I don't need to know. Every aspect of my life is full of
ambiguity, risk, and unknowns -- I don't care anymore.
====end-of-quote=====
Sherri, the idea that we should value intuitive thought and appreciate it
in ourselves and others makes sense to me. I know there are many things I
too, intuit, and am unable to explain why. Or at least to explain quickly
or under fire. I just know it.
It seems to me, that mental models offer us a way to gain insights into
our own, and perhaps into others, intuititve thinking. When I intuitively
know something, is it really beyond my consciousness. For me, if I can
listen to meyself and ask myself meditative questions, I usually begin to
understand the assumptions and logic that contribute to the intuitive
thought. Without pressure and with time, patience, and gentleness I am
often able to get at the heart of intuitive thought. However, if I was
already or easily in touch with this thinking, I would speak it out
directly.
At the same time, there are some inuition that is beyond my ability to
consciously reach, at least at this time. For my wife, she truly has some
"psychic" powers that are beyond my ability to explain, but I do believe.
Sherri, take care.
David Wilkinson
School Improvement Specialist
Des Moines Public Schools
Davidwilk@aol.com
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