Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt.
Robert D. Hales
I have always loved learning. I grew up in a family of educators, so learning was always important in my home. Church leaders have encouraged us to continue learning past formal educational experiences. The Lord said, “And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” [Doctrine & Covenants 130:19] I think that no matter what we’re learning, truth is truth, and the most we know, the better off we will be in our future, and the eternities.
In today’s world, life is busy. How do we follow the prophet’s counsel to continue our learning? Here are some great ways to keep obtaining knowledge.
YouTube
One of the fastest ways I’ve found to learn things is YouTube! I don’t really spend a lot of time just surfing on YouTube, but if there is something I need to learn quickly, I almost always go to YouTube, because I am a visual learner. I’ve used YouTube for car and home repair tutorials, cooking lessons, stand-up comedy shows, make-up and hair tutorials, all kinds of things. Anything you can think of, it’s probably there.
Podcasts + Audiobooks
Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them.
Russell M. Nelson
I was late to the party when it comes to podcasts and audiobooks. When my husband and I got married we had the student subscription for Apple music, so I didn’t have music on my phone, so I needed to find something that I could listen to while I worked during my prep-times at school, or on the commutes.
I love that I can be working on my house, or writing, or doing other chores and still learning or feeling like I am participating in some more grown-up conversation. I’ve listened to podcasts about politics, health, faith, and even crime.
I’ve always loved reading. Since becoming a mom, it’s been hard to find time to sit down and read, so audiobooks have been so helpful, because I can listen to it, and change the speed so that I can actually get the book finished before I have to go back and start over. (That’s happened a few times in the last couple of years!)
Attend Conferences
The Lord wants you to educate your minds and hands, whatever your chosen field. Whether it be repairing refrigerators, or the work of a skilled surgeon, you must train yourselves. Seek for the best schooling available. Become a workman of integrity in the world that lies ahead of you. I repeat, you will bring honor to the Church and you will be generously blessed because of that training.
Gordon B. Hinckley
Conferences come in all shapes and sizes, from BYU Education Week or Time Out for Women, to professional development conferences. They are great opportunity to hear from experts in an area I love the focused energy of a conference. There’s always this excitement, and a focus to learn something together.
Conferences can boost morale. When I was teaching, I remember coming home from conferences energized and motivated to be even better.
Taking Classes
Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn. For us as Latter-day Saints, gaining an education is not just a privilege, it is a religious responsibility. The glory of God is intelligence. Indeed, our education is for the eternities.
Russell M. Nelson
You don’t have to be in school to be able to take classes. There are lots of options to help improve our learning through continuing education classes at universities, online courses, and local classes.
There are lots of places online that we can take classes. There are sites like Masterclass, iTunes U, and others have lots of classes available for almost any interest.
Developing Hobbies
I find spending time developing hobbies so fulfilling. It is probably my favorite form of self-care, because it gives me time to work on something for myself, that I am interested in.
Looking for a new hobby? Here’s some ideas for you!
- Handlettering
- Painting
- Playing an Instrument
- Woodworking
- Cooking
- Organizing
- Dancing
- Weightlifting
- Reloading
- Gardening
- Reading
- Car Maintenance
- Exercising
- Meditation
- Fishing/Hunting
- Crafting
Keep Learning
Learning brings a sense of satisfaction, and improves the quality of our lives. As we incorporate learning into our regular routines, we will build skills, create a broader world view, and become better disciples of our Savior.
Resources:
- The Journey of Life-Long Learning, Robert D. Hales, August 2008
- The Six B’s, Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2000
- Will You Choose to Increase in Learning, Russell M. Nelson, September 2013