Category Archives: Life lessons

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Can a Fish Teach a Mouse to Swim?

What makes a teacher great?

Can a Fish Teach a Mouse to Swim?
Imagine a fish earnestly explaining the intricacies of fin movement to a nervous mouse at the edge of a pool. The absurdity of the scenario highlights a fundamental truth about great teachers: effective education isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.


Great teachers, unlike the fish, understand that successful learning hinges on meeting the student where they are. They possess a deep passion for their subject, but even more importantly, a passion for igniting a love of learning in their students. This passion translates into tailoring lessons to individual needs, interests, and capabilities, ensuring the student is empowered to develop new skills and reach their full potential.
Just as a good teacher wouldn’t try to teach a mouse to swim like a fish, they wouldn’t expect a student to learn best by memorizing facts in a vacuum. Great teachers are masters of adaptation, fostering a classroom environment that motivates and uplifts. They operate with integrity, honesty, and a strong moral compass, inspiring students to reach for excellence and believe in their own potential.
In conclusion, a great teacher is not simply a dispenser of knowledge, but a guide, a mentor, and an inspiration. They ignite a passion for learning, empower their students to achieve their goals, and leave an indelible mark on their lives. A great teacher empowers each student to thrive in their own unique way. Perhaps the image of a fish teaching a mouse to swim isn’t entirely absurd. After all, the mouse might not become a champion swimmer, but it could learn valuable survival skills.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024.

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Ditch the Heater, Cuddle the Canine: Sustainable Living Hacks from a South African Home.

Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

Ditch the Heater, Cuddle the Canine: Sustainable Living Hacks from a South African Home.


The winter’s blanket of cold frost covers the landscape. A few mountain peaks in the distance proudly gleam with snow-white tips. Nature remains blissfully unaware of the struggles of the power grid, stretched to its maximum by humans trying to stay warm at night. Me? I sleep warm and cozy, but there’s no electric blanket here. Instead, I cuddle with my three furry canine companions – a small, but comfortable contribution to sustainable living that I make with gratitude (and maybe a little sacrifice during the day).


These adorable doggy warmers need the freedom to roam outside throughout the day, which means my front door remains open, welcoming the winter chill like an old friend. No heaters in the house to drive out the chill. A warm jersey and a jacket are as warming and sustainable as any heater, and they don’t dry out the air or cause sudden temperature changes.
This isn’t just more sustainable, it’s also more healthy – a natural immune system boost that sends shivers down the spines of those pesky winter bugs.


Water conservation is another pillar of sustainable living, and here in the arid Western Cape, it’s second nature. No warm baths wasting gallons of water. You jump in, get wet, close the tap, soap up, and rinse clean. Sustainable living means reducing your energy consumption footprint and saving scarce resources like water.


But for us living in the Western Cape, South Africa, it’s not just a choice, it’s a way of life.  For all of us, though, adopting these practices, big or small, can make a big difference for our planet. Stay warm and stay healthy!


© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

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~ The magic of synchronicity ~

Yesterday, I pondered the age-old question, “Who am I?” This morning, a nudge from the universe arrived in the form of a forgotten memory: a Facebook profile picture from thirteen years ago. The image, a cloaked figure wielding a sword and an ancient tome, has persisted as the banner of my WordPress page.


This warrior-wizard has always resonated with me, embodying the duality of archetypes. The sword and book, symbols of action and knowledge, represent for me the pursuit of a life imbued with courage and wisdom. The paradox of the active blade held passively and the passive book wielded as a weapon reflects the dance of yin and yang.


The synchronicity between my meditation and this resurfacing image is profound. It reinforces my belief that meaning and purpose arise at the convergence of energy and circumstance. The materialist scoffs at the notion of significance in such seemingly random occurrences. But for those attuned to the magic of the universe, these coincidences are guiding lights.


The magic lies in cultivating an awareness of unseen connections, a discipline of the mind that seeks out the threads that weave the fabric of reality. In this paradigm, the inner and outer realms are not separate but form a seamless continuum. The warrior-wizard’s sword and book are not distinct tools, but a unified expression of the potential that lies within us all.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

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Harnessing the Moon’s Rhythm for Personal Growth

The moon’s phases offer a powerful framework for self-improvement. By incorporating intention setting, affirmations, gratitude, and acceptance throughout the cycle, you can tap into well-established psychological principles. 


Aligning with the Rhythm:
The new moon, shrouded in darkness, signifies a time for fresh starts.  This aligns perfectly with setting intentions, a form of goal setting infused with ritual and symbolism, making your aspirations feel even more potent.  As the moon waxes, so does your sense of possibility.  Positive affirmations, a core principle of cognitive behavioral therapy, become especially powerful during this growth phase, strengthening neural pathways associated with your goals.

Gratitude and Emotional Release:
The full moon, bathed in light, is often associated with heightened emotions.  Practicing gratitude during this phase can be particularly effective, boosting happiness and contentment.  The moon’s intensity can also encourage emotional release.  Journaling or meditation can facilitate a healthy catharsis.  Finally, the waning moon signifies a period of winding down.  Focusing on acceptance allows you to acknowledge what is beyond your control and fosters peace, a crucial component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The Power of Ritual and Mindset:
Aligning with the moon cycle incorporates the concept of ritual, providing structure and a sense of control, which can be grounding and reduce anxiety. The cyclical nature of the moon itself is a source of comfort. Knowing that challenges are temporary and new beginnings are always on the horizon can be a powerful mental health tool.

Limitations and Individuality:
It’s important to remember that the moon’s influence is likely psychological, not physiological.  The effectiveness of this practice hinges on the chosen practices and the individual’s beliefs.  While the moon cycle can be a helpful framework, overreliance on it can downplay the importance of consistent effort.

Ultimately, aligning with the moon cycle can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and personal growth, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.  Remember, the moon serves as a guide, not a determinant.  A growth mindset and consistent effort remain crucial for achieving your goals.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

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My life’s Compass

What is your mission?

~ My life’s Compass ~



My life’s compass has been forged by a lifetime of challenges, each etching its mark upon my soul. Unseen threads, woven from serendipity’s hand, have guided my path: a worn book whispering forgotten wisdom, a friend’s words lighting a spark, or a quiet moment of insight blooming in the garden of my mind.

My mission, etched in the fire of these experiences, is to be a beacon of hope and upliftment, radiating a net-positive impact on all I encounter. Every interaction is a chance to leave someone feeling more whole, more empowered. This is not a solitary pursuit; it is an act of multiplication.

On the individual level, I wear the cloak of compassion. It knows no exceptions. I step not as a dictator, but as a guide, offering the knowledge and lessons gleaned from my own battles. I become a teacher, not by force, but by recognizing need and offering the tools I possess.

But my gaze extends beyond the individual. I yearn to weave a society where justice and fairness dance hand in hand, a democracy that celebrates the unique threads of each life while fostering a vibrancy of collective unity. This is the social agility that fuels our collective growth and unlocks our boundless creativity.

This, then, is my mission: to be a net-positive force, a weaver of wholeness, a champion of diversity, and a spark igniting the flame of collective creation. This is the compass that guides me, the fire that burns within. It is not a passive endeavor, but an active pursuit, a daily dance with the world around me.

© Jurgens Pieterse, All rights reserved, 2024