Mastery: Part 2 The 5 Master Keys

Part 2 of the book "Mastery" defines and explains the 5 Master Keys to self mastery.

1.) Instruction:  The author George Leonard explains that we can be self taught, but if we want to take a journey to mastery then we will need a teacher.  He describes a master teacher as "one who delights in being surpassed by their students." (pg. 57)  I thought about teaching my art students and how excited I get when I see them improve and excel when they really push themselves, and how often I think, if they keep at it, they'll be better then me!  He also talks about the magic of teaching slow students.  How sometimes the reward when someone who struggles gets it is so rewarding.  I have a child who struggles with learning, and I find myself rejoicing over the most basic academic achievement that I never have with my other children.  I can see the reward of hard work and effort apparent in what he is able to accomplish. In addition, George goes on to say, "the person with exceptional talent: to achieve his or her full potential, this person will have to work just as diligently as those with less innate ability." (pg. 67) People often think my art just comes naturally and I don't have to work at it, but I know it is the hours of continued dedication that enable me to do what I do.

2.) Practice: "The master of any game is generally a master of practice" (pg. 77)  Practice not just to achieve a goal, but practice for the pure joy of enjoying what you are doing.  To become a master we must dedicate time to whatever it is we want to master. He compares this to family: "Families that stay strong together hold fast to certain rituals regardless of the haste and distractions of daily life." (pg. 79)  This made me think of the counsel we have received from our Prophets to have Family Home Evenings, daily Family Scripture study and Family Prayer.  This divine counsel will help us practice to be masters of the gospel and unite us as families.  I can't think of a better then to master!

3.) Surrender: We must surrender to our teachers.  This does not mean to bend and give in to temptations or to give up our morals.  However, it does mean to listen to instruction and to try things even though they may seem to be pointless or mundane.  On a regular basis I have my students draw and shade a sphere.  Some students hate doing this exercise repeatedly, while others see their improvements in shadow contrast and placement.  It is this surrendering to the exercise that helps them to improve. "For the Master, surrender means there are no experts.  There are only learners." (pg. 88)

4.) Intentionality: I felt was a lot about the vision.  Taking the time to in-vision what we hope to master, and then applying it to our lives. If we never have a dream of what we want, or a vision of who we want to be,  we will not have a path to follow or a direction to take.  This vision inspires us every day. 

5.) The Edge: Having a teacher as part of Key 1 helps us to learn the limitations on what can be done, what has been done, what works and what doesn't work.   Their instruction helps save us time on "reinventing the wheel".  Rather then spending out time learning how it is done on our own, we can go the other direction and push the limits.  Learn how much further can we go?  The key is not to be reckless, but to find new ways, explore possibilities and enjoy the journey.