Donald Grayston was so humble and wise. He had a beautiful presence. I really enjoyed drawing him. I loved what he said about failing to do his contemplative practice but continuing to have the intention and hope to do it. Donald taught us one of his contemplative practices. He guided us through these movements. There was something quite beautiful watching everyone silently move in synchronicity. I noticed I had quite a viscera reaction to one of the gestures. With arms spread out it made me think of Jesus being crucified on the cross and I felt quite uncomfortable. I asked Donald about this, he commented on how it might someone feel vulnerable. True I did. And I didn't like it. Something to think about.....
I tried to capture the gestures so I could remember. Wanda says she does this daily.
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Kel's talk was very touching. Many of the children he spoke of are children I may later see in Mental Health services. I could relate to much of what he said working in mental health with children and their families. As a psychiatric nurse, I am in the business of relationships- I like to think of the therapeutic relationship as the vehicle that carries us forward. I see many of the relational barriers he referred to. As you can see I wrote quite a few notes.......
Wanda had some very interesting speakers in her classes. People who are putting contemplative inquiry into their practice as educators. I found myself drawing them as they spoke........ Joan told us about how she has brought an inquiry approach into the classes she teaches. She described one project that started with the question "How do we make food?". From there each student investigates some aspect of this question that appeals to them using mediums that they like to use. Some students learned about bees and their role in spreading pollen for crops. Then they made art projects about the bees. This seems to be more of a strengths based approach. In my experience children are more motivated to learn when they are interested in the topic, are allowed to pursue their interests and can explore it in a way that appeals to them. Her talk was very inspiring. I especially liked her notion of "leading from behind". This seems to be a way of encouraging and supporting students to take the lead, instead of telling them what to do and how to do it. This gives them the confidence to take the initiative. It reminded me of a phrase my colleague, Joan uses; "lead as you would like to be led".
What is the self?
Interesting discussion came up in class about what is the self? How do we know what our authentic self is? Can we change our authentic self? This is Dave's explanation of the Self. I like it..as he was talking I couldn't help thinking of an everlasting gobstopper that has layer and layer after layer..... |
Helen Kennett-BaconOriginally from South Yorkshire in England, I've lived with my husband Neil in Kitsilano, Vancouver for 10 years. We are fur-parents to our French bulldog Dave, I am a Registered Psychiatric Nurse specialising in ADHD. ArchivesCategories |