I had some wonderful classes lately, and I think it's because I was more patient than usual. I was more capable of waiting -- of allowing an outcome or result to happen of its own accord and in a natural way. I wasn't hasty or impulsive (as I often am). I allowed the learning to unfold instead of forcing it. In a way, I was like a gardener among his flowers. The good gardener prunes and waters his flowers, and carefully removes any sprouting weeds, but he knows that's all he can do. He can't compel the flowers to grow and bloom. All he can do is provide the right atmosphere for growth, and then wait. In the last few days, my classroom was a very productive garden. The students quietly produced beautiful ideas, and I sat among them, marveling. Every so often, I offered encouragement or praise, but for the most part I was the grateful gardener, quietly sitting back and enjoying the impressive harvest.