Collecting Moments

As the holidays approach, we may start feeling overwhelmed. And the excitement and busyness of the festivities can consume us. Which can cause us to forget the whole meaning of the extraordinary of our ordinary moments. So this year we are inviting ourselves to emphasize in slowing down to be more in the presence of the moment itself.

Welcome to the concept of slowing down! It is more about cherishing each moment and less worrying about the chaos. This approach aims to foster stronger bonds with family and loved ones. And we emphasize in creating lasting memories we will cherish. Like the above experience, Emily has been observed to be revisiting the clay area frequently over these past few days. Her full attention is apparent while her gentle fingers handles a toothpick to caress the surface of clay cubes. Not only that, she takes time to notice the imprinting process. In this way she is instinctively motivated to explore its inviting soft and responsive sensory qualities. Each time she acts on the clay, the clay adjusts and responds.

If we can notice a change in the clay, we are learning that our actions have consequences. This is empowerment. In addition, the process of changes encourages us with more experimentation. Pranssi is being receptive when offered to apply water color on the orange embossed soft clay. She pays attention how the color she chooses being absorbed by the porous surface and it turns out to resemble actual dried orange slices.

Research informs us that our brain is taking shape along with the clay. Clay stimulates our curiosity. Intelligence, imagination, and creativity are engaged and fostered. Many new neurons and synapses in the brain are being generated when we are engaged by the immediate tactile and visual feedback provided by clay. 

From our experience working with water color on clay we transition ourselves to experience it forward. This time is to play within the lines. Kalyan chooses hues of subtle marine blue onto his printed out drawing. Nora controls her strokes by lifting her brush up toward the end of her lines.  A similar process is being observed with Fides and Kai. Through this process, we create the brush stroke thinner at the end. In our present moment, we exhibit control how thick or thin our brush strokes are by pressing down or lifting up as we paint.

After collecting our moments, we come together to spend time to go through the values of togetherness. In our fast-paced modern world, finding quality time to connect together can be challenging. One of the most meaningful and rewarding ways to bond is through the act of reading together. By having our time together daily we foster intellectual growth, strengthen relationships, and create cherished memories for years to come. 

Building-up our shared understanding on the meaning of our upcoming togetherness we brainstorm together on some ideas. We understand how our bodies are so attuned to rhythmic expressions. One by one starts proposing songs, music, and dances. When we go through the songs, we think of how we synchronize them with the lyrics or meaning within.

We focus on the process of understanding why we do what we do. There are moments of glitches for sure; however, we treasure more of our effortful attempts. We laugh, bounce back, and the next minute we are back on our feet again!

Alongside the individual feelings we experience when we move to music, there is also the influence from shared experience - something we call the group effect. We now know that when we move together in rhythm we become more aware and compassionate toward each other. We perceive more similarities between ourselves and others in the room and because of this, we are happier sharing our personal space.

We too take time to reflect on how we have been doing throughout. It is essential to ask our brains to remember, to recall details about events, facts, and emotions. When we recall information we also automatically recall emotions associated with the event: was the situation fun, painful, frustrating, etc.? Going back and analyzing a memory takes time and effort; the process can be emotionally stimulating. The energy and effort put into analysis enhances brain development through neuroplasticity.

Self-reflection is a habit, or practice, we can develop at a young age. When self-reflection is used as a tool to:

• work out in what goes wrong,
  
• to determine what can be done differently next time,
  
• or how to build upon what works and makes it even better next time,
  
• healthy brain development for young person.

We choose to discuss our reflection over creating stories, with the aid of clay and natural materials. We try to encourage ourselves to dig a bit deeper; all our experience matters (even the tough ones) and can be used to grow our brains and help us experience situations in the future with a positive mindset, a better attitude, and a healthy perspective. 

Here comes our time of togetherness with families and friends. When we are in the midst of being among families and friends, the experience of collecting moments can be a bonding experience for everyone. Thank you all for making it possible for us to experience the above!

Kindest,
Children & Friends.