What if the terra-firma I'm standing confidently on, shakes violently under my feet?
I would be completely shaken up to say the least. I wouldn't be sure of my next step, 'cos, what if, by its very action, it causes a graver shake-up, taking me all the way down? The journey from an elevated and elated state to an abysmal depth could be depressing.
Such situations are not exclusive to topographical properties alone. They could cause an equally powerful turbulence to my mind landscapes as well, if what's thought of as fool-proof turns around and makes a consummate idiot out of me.
I could quote Instructional designing as a classic example, to prove this point. I put my heart and soul in thinking scenarios and come up with what I think is a piece of pure gold. But, in no time, I find this impression getting shaken up by none other than my student - of all people.
That paralyzing fear is what causes me not to take any chances. Nothing could replace my feeling completely safe and secure in my own cocoon. So no venturing out! And, that's probably the reason why one doesn't find brilliance around.
If some exemplary action needs to happen in my instructional designing, the first and foremost thing I need to learn is TO DARE! So what if I go down the abyss? Would there be no way out? There definitely would be, if only I look around...
... If only I learn mastering mental agility, so as to be able to let go, jump over the divide and land wherever I find the firm ground and take it from there.
In other words, learn to move on the constantly moving ground to produce something that'll move.
(Nirmal Ranganathan, Instructional Designer, C2 Workshop)
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