West Kent News - Issue 12 - Flipbook - Page 30
ISSUE NO.12 SPRING 2024 | WEST KENT NEWS
30
MASONIC LEARNING AND
DEVELOPMENT: A JOURNEY
OF ENLIGHTENMMENT
By Eric Lewis, PProvSGD
At the Annual Provincial Meeting
in June, Tony Harvey, PJGD, will
be reappointed as Head of
Learning and Development and I
will be appointed as Provincial
Grand Learning & Development
Officer (ProvGLDO). In these
roles, we aim to develop the
educational
framework
and
personal growth opportunities for
every
Freemason
within
the
Province of West Kent.
Learning and development are
both important aspects of the
broader
Masonic
experience,
rooted deeply in the traditions and
principles of Freemasonry. As
Freemasons
we
are
all
encouraged to make a daily
advancement
in
masonic
knowledge. Our objective is to
enrich
masonic
learning
and
development in West Kent, to
reflect our commitment to the
personal growth of our members,
the pursuit of knowledge, and the
betterment of society.
Masonic learning and development
is not your typical classroom
setting with strict teachers and
mundane
textbooks.
Instead,
imagine a lively and enriching
journey
towards
personal
enlightenment, where every step is
a discovery, and every fellow
traveller is a guide. We aim to
support you all on your journey
through masonic education, to
uncover
the
joy
and
lightheartedness found in the pursuit of
wisdom within the fraternity.
Picture a room not confined by four
walls, but expanded by the bounds
of history, philosophy, and ethics.
Here, you will embark on a unique
educational
adventure,
using
symbols and allegories as your
textbooks, and the experiences of
your fellow brethren as your
guides. This is no ordinary
learning; it's a blend of ancient
wisdom and modern application, a
mixture of historical narratives and
life lessons served with a side of
camaraderie and fun.
Masonic education thrives on the
shared joy of discovery. It's in the
light-hearted
moments,
the
chuckles shared over a particularly
perplexing symbol, or the shared
smiles when a piece of masonic
wisdom perfectly applies to a
modern dilemma. These moments
of laughter are not just breaks in
learning; they are the essence of
Masonic development, teaching us
the importance of joy in our
journey.
Among the ranks of Masons, past
and present, you will find a vibrant
mix of individuals: philosophers
pondering
the
mysteries
of
existence, poets capturing the
beauty of the masonic journey, and
even pranksters ensuring the light
of laughter is never dimmed. This
diverse mix enriches our Masonic
educational experience, making
every meeting a chance to learn
something profound or share a
hearty laugh.
Masonic learning and development
offers us a unique opportunity for
personal
growth,
where
enlightenment is pursued with
both seriousness and a smile. It is
a journey where knowledge is
shared
freely,
bonds
are
strengthened joyfully, and every
step is an opportunity to discover
the light of wisdom in the most
unexpected of places.
By embracing online platforms,
demonstrations and presentations,
we
will
demonstrate
our
commitment to the growth and
development of our members. This
multi-platform approach not only
caters
to
diverse
learning
preferences but also ensures that
masonic
teachings
remain
a
guiding
light,
transcending
physical boundaries and bridging
the gap between tradition and
modernity. In the quest for
knowledge,
Freemasons
worldwide
are
now
more
connected than ever, sharing in
the
universal
pursuit
of
enlightenment and brotherly love.
So, if you have any topics about
which you would like to learn more
please let us know. Here's to
Masonic education—may it be as
enlightening as it is enjoyable!