Keeping Moving In the Midst

Ethel always uses the phrase to Keep Moving in the Midst.  And somedays feel just like that.  I am uncertain and don't know what I am doing, but if I put one foot in front of the other, it seems like things have a way of working themselves out. 

We have been working at the Dream Center, and it is a blessing to be able to share some of the programming we have developed over the past 4 years with a larger audience.  The math in particular has been a great hit, and just like in previous engagements, everytime we bring the content to the students they love it.  They connect with it, and they dance and move around while learning.  The excitement and enthusiasm is contagious.

The Ambassadors of Kindness, however, has felt like pulling teeth.  The first session it was clear we were not in the right environment to run the handbook.  The kids were compeltely distracted and repeatedly asked when would it be over.  

My core value is one of Freedom.  I cannot stand forcing kids to do anything.  The entire project has been based on free-engagement.  Kids show up when they feel like it, and they come and go as they please.  They learn through play and exploration.  So this felt so off, it has been disturbing and caused me many sleepless nights.

I change course, instead of the handbook we have started working with the concept of True North.  This is based on the same core principles of the AOK program, but as we are starting to move into the area of identifying not only virtues, but vices, this is an additional emerging element.  It seemed to fit the energy and mood of the kids assigned to our group.  Still, you can feel the defiance and the battle they are warring.  

This is not about us.  It is about the fact that they have been coerced into learning their whole lives, and have forgotten how to show up with curiosity.  They have access to instant information, entertainment and "fun".  And they make a distinction between learning from school, and being able to do what they want, or have fun.

It is a shame, because at the root of learning, in our neural foundation, is motivation and "pleasure".

Learning releases dopamine!

This natural intrinsic interest to learn is shut-down when it comes to school, mainly because kids have been forced to learn so many things that have no intrinsic interest.  Looking at the Deci and Ryan model of intrinsic motivation, how do we get this spark back?  Sure we can create environments where kids have absolute freedom, but look at all the influences around them.  How can they possibly make the best decisions when they have such awful guidance.

So the inner compass exercise is what they need.  At least something to help them start to consider what is most important to them, and to look at their own behaviors with respect to how closely they are moving them towards those goals.  

It is all a big adventure, and I am using my own inner compass to guide each next action, hopefully moving us all towards a more loving community and world.