Lifelong Learning

At the time of writing I am preparing to go into my second year of a masters degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (SOAS).  I’m studying “Traditions of Yoga and Meditation” in the department of religions and philosophies.  Who would have thought?  Not only am I doing a masters degree which will be a substantial achievement, but I have the opportunity of studying the very thing that fuels my passion more than anything else.  How blessed am I?

Lifelong learning is a phrase that gets bandied around quite a bit these days.  Wikipedia (don’t you just love Wiki?) has this to say about it:

“the ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge enhanc[ing] social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development, [as well as] self-sustainability, .... competitiveness and employability.”

What a definition!  There would appear to be no drawbacks; providing one has the time and the money (or is willing to take on the millstone of the student loan...). Notwithstanding, I can honestly say that returning to education has given me a sense of purpose and self worth that I was previously unaware of lacking, at least in sufficient quantity at any rate.  SOAS has serious academic clout and is the world leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  I could not be in finer company for my particular interests and committing to this course has been one of the best decisions I have ever made!

www.soas.ac.uk