Learning Self-Reg has been a journey full of surprises (and gifts).
Stuart’s work resonated with me from the moment I first discovered his writings in 2011. But one of the unexpected surprises was that somewhere along the line I realized that I was actually studying and learning about my own Self-Reg in the process.
Another surprise in my learning journey was the (sometimes humbling) roller coaster ride of believing I knew quite lot about Self-Reg, before coming to realize that my knowledge amounted to — at best — a droplet of water in the bucket of what there was to learn, know, and most importantly, live. Self-Reg was easy at first, then it became a bit overwhelming as I learned more and realized just how much there was to it. A bit of imposter syndrome and lots of self-doubt kicked in. The gift was moving through that and coming through on the other side into a very different Self-Reg “space”, that I explain in this short video.
Love that …a dance that lasts forever!!! Nice thought
I’m glad that Susan mentioned that at times he gets overwhelmed because I’m at that point. I’m was thinking wow this is a lot of information but hearing it from her that she also gets overwhelmed makes me take a deep breath and know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel thank you Susan.
Edem, you bring up such a great point here that sometimes we just need to know that we’re not alone. I wonder if children feel the same way. What do you think?
Aviva
To evolve we need to stumble, fall, get back up again, reflect and start again. It’s definately a process and not a program.
Il est important que adult ait des attente developpementales adequateset propre a chaque enfant . Soutenir enfant
I can relate to feeling insecure about the whole process because it is very complex. However I do take time to reflect and ask questions as I go. I know I will make mistakes but that’s ok because I am still learning.
I can relate to looking on others with a Soft Eye. Its true that compassion, Empathy, and sympathy is present. I believe it make it a lot easier/ intentional for educators to try understand the Why,
Thanks for the comment, Ntsiki! I think that you make a great point here about the connection between “soft eyes” and understanding the “why.” Why do you think that at times, “soft eyes” can be a challenge? How might we help shift this view? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Aviva
Asking “why” allows us to see what’s beneath the layer – the roots. I really appreciate that thought process since I’m realizing that the more I ask “why” the deeper I’m able to get down to the roots and identify the stressor.
I appreciate that it’s a process – a dance that continues forever.
Thanks for the comment, Marianne! Can you share a time that asking “why” made a difference? Sometimes I wonder if it’s as we hear about other people’s experiences that we appreciate this “why” question even more. What do you think?
Aviva
I am learning with this course to go with this as a process, All what I am learning is changing my way of thinking and that we are not trying to change the behaviour but to understand WHY!
Oh yes Marcia! “Why” is such a powerful question. Thinking about your new learning, how is this changing your responses to kids? I’d love to hear more!
Aviva
I have some of the same feelings as Susan. I am surprised that I am learning self-reg in the meanwhile I am studying this coursel. but in the other way. I am thinking about self-care and prioritizing my tasks. For instance, I am studying in a library while waiting for my son to finish his swimming session. I value this “ me time”.
Thanks for your comment, Vivian! It’s interesting to contemplate how these two ideas align. Do we become better at lending our calm to others when we feel this calm ourselves? Thoughts?
Aviva