Written by: Iulia Racovita, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
A few years ago, I stumbled upon a drawing book that made a bold promise: if I followed its instructions diligently, I would emerge with the ability to draw lifelike portraits. I saw it as both a learning experiment and an enjoyable challenge, and the results left me pleasantly surprised.
Yet, what truly struck me was the book's unique approach to teaching drawing skills. The method it employed felt counterintuitive. With each assignment, I had the distinct sensation that I was in the process of unlearning something, to the point where, by the end of this experiment, I had shed all my preconceived notions about drawing. And yet, I became able to draw.
In essence, I got coached out of my limiting beliefs, and only then was I taught how to draw. Here is how the unlearning process has set the foundation for learning.
Giving up labels
„Seeing labels” is a habit ingrained in our daily lives. Faced with a lifelike portrait to replicate, I inevitably saw a human face with eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. This image brought to the surface the long-held belief that I could never draw anything similar. And so, I couldn’t.
Things shifted completely through a very simple assignment: I had to copy a drawing that was turned upside-down. Instead of focusing on eyes, mouth, ears, arms, hands, and chair, I concentrated on lines, curves, and shades – elements I could draw easily, I believed. At first, the rational brain resisted letting go, attempting to identify shapes. However, at some point, it grew tired and bored, ultimately relinquishing its grip on the need for labels. Intriguingly, when I turned my drawing upside-down upon completion, it unexpectedly resembled Picasso’s Stravinsky!
Becoming aware of limiting beliefs
When faced with the assignment of drawing something as my childhood self would have done it, it became obvious where my drawing skills capped out. By drawing one more time a house, the sun, some clouds, a flower - you know, that kind of masterpiece - and by taking a final look at it, I acknowledged symbolically that it‘s finally ok to put it aside and move past this level of skill.
Challenging perception
Ever noticed that your eyes are right in the middle of your head?
Take a shot at drawing any portrait. But here’s the twist: the eyes aren’t placed at two-thirds of the face (as I naively used to believe); they’re exactly halfway up your head. Skeptical? Give it a measure, then draw a portrait respecting this new perspective and witness the difference.
It’s a humbling realisation of how what we perceive as the truth might not always align with reality.
Drawing the unseen
Another assignment required me to draw what wasn’t there. Not the two chairs in the room, but the space in between them; not the hand, but the space in between fingers. And yet, by drawing “negative spaces”, the chairs emerged and a hand took shape. As the familiar gave way to the unfamiliar, my drawing abilities evolved, reflecting a profound shift in perspective.
So what is this all about
With this experiment, my definition of learning has changed. In the absence of labels and limiting beliefs, I found the freedom to redefine what I could and what I couldn’t do.
When I talk about lifelong learning as an adult, I’m referring to a combination of five essential ingredients. These include unlearning long-held beliefs, which may persistently limit us unless we become aware of them; expanding self-awareness through inner work and challenging our worldviews; deepening understanding, recognising that knowledge alone is insufficient; embracing experimentation, which demands the intentional practice of a beginner’s mind; and connecting seemingly disparate dots, allowing the transfer of knowledge between disciplines or life areas.
As adults, learning requires a bit more than it did in earlier stages of life. We not only need certain qualities like intention, vision, consistency, and curiosity but we also need to unlearn preconceived notions.
My drawing experiment is ultimately a metaphor. You may identify by your own those instances in your life where: you limit yourself by the labels you assign or by the beliefs that you hold; you are sure that what you see is the truth; you are so caught in your own story so that it is hard to see the space in-between or beyond. What beliefs, labels, or perspectives might be holding you back?
Unlearning, it seems, is not about erasing what we know but about making room for what we’ve yet to discover!
If you want to hear more about my learning or unlearning experiments, you can sign up for my email newsletter here.
Disclaimer: the insights I’ve shared stem from my personal experience and reflections after engaging with the book Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain® by Betty Edwards. It does not encapsulate the summary, content, or methodology of the book. Each reader’s experience with the book may differ significantly. For those curious to explore further, additional information can be found here.
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Iulia Racovita, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
An advocate for lifelong learning, Iulia Racovita chose to harness her strategies as a highly effective academic learner and apply them to other areas of life. What began as a learning experiment in her mid-thirties has evolved into an inspiring journey. Today, as a passionate certified life coach, she empowers mid-career professionals to navigate challenges with clarity and ease. In serving her clients, Iulia leverages her professional background as an internal audit manager and an internationally certified chartered accountant with over 15 years of local and international experience in the financial sector. Discover how she can help you achieve your goals! Visit her website – https://iuliaracovita.ck.page/home
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