The Awkwardness of Learning

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Mahjong Oracle, Lute:

The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills.

—Peter Drucker

The RoA booklet states: "Like a tiny seed that holds within it the power to grow into a beautiful fruit tree, we are asked to discover those gifts that lie within us." Many people think they have no talents or skills. Yet often we have small things we discount, such as attention to small details, the enjoyment of discovering solutions or the ability to communicate effectively. The hard part about growing those seeds is being able to bear the feeling awkwardness and embarrassment of mistakes as we learn new skills. My daughter has changed jobs, moving from the library she's been at for over ten years to a nonprofit organization. She has been the one who trains others but now has become the trainee. I told her to remember what she tells new hires: "We throw a lot of information at you, but it's okay to make errors; just ask questions as you learn." Lute represents the performing arts, a symbol of leisure, relaxation and time for enjoyment. When we're learning, we also need to give the mind a break. As Anne Lamott put it, "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."