Vee I had to laugh a little at how many times a one year old is told no in a day. I can’t believe it is 400 times a day! Then again my nephew is getting to that age and I can see all the things that we already say no about. I like your thought of re-learning ideas when we are older. There are so many times that we tell our students and children no. Sometimes I think it is just because we feel we should. Not even because we want to. At times I feel even I accept things too soon and need to realize that pushing the boundaries may be a good thing. Like you said it is all the small stuff that adds up. Maybe there is something that we stop quickly when we should be moving forward. It is time for all of us to light a spark and maybe try the unexpected.
Valenica's Original Post:
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Week 4-Reading Entry Post 9-12
The idea of Enrollment sparks several viewpoints for me. I often tell my daughter “Sometimes the answer is no,” when she is insistent about one thing or another. Children seem to naturally demonstrate Enrollment, from the time that they are able to talk. UCLA did a study a few years ago, which indicated that the average one-year old child hears the word “No” 400 times a day by their parents. What may naturally begin as Enrollment, is drowned by the time we all hit adolescence. The rejected feeling of so many No’s can create the “dampened downward spiral “ feelings that are mentioned in the text. Unfortunately, we have to re-learn the idea of partnership and trust that exists in children.
Picture courtesy of torontoschoolofstrings.com
Developing a mind state of being present in the way things are, is a powerful lesson. I’ve often heard the phrase “Things are what they are.” Accepting that-things are what they are involves a different level of understanding and application. The author describes this “present” state of being, as a frame of mind that accepts what shows up willingly, and moves forward from that point. Thinking and reacting to life’s circumstances will surely help us avoid the “downward spiral” syndrome.
This week’s reading helped me to remember to focus on the larger beauty of life, and not the small stuff, that will interrupt an otherwise normal day. My attention needs to be ever focused on what is happening now, and what I chose to happen next. Since I never know what will show up, I must remember that my attitude needs to remain one of gratitude, regardless of the circumstance. This mind-set, will ensure that I am “On Board.”
I am certain that we live in a world of illusions. It is written in the NIV Bible that “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”(1 Corinthians 13:12). Many of us navigate the world, not realizing that we have created the framework for our experiences. I found that Chapter 12’s emphasis on the “We” was very profound. This lesson helps to remind us that our individual strengths, contributions, opinions etc., are useless without other people. When we develop the ability to see ourselves as part of the whole, as opposed to separate from the whole, we are able to live a more realistic life.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Week 4-Reading Entry Post 9-12