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The Miscalculated Value of the Quiet Spaces

7/25/2021

 
I firmly believe that each of us is born with an enormous capacity for creativity.  No, not all of us can be (nor want to be) fine artists.  Nonetheless, we all have the potential to be imaginative problem solvers. And, innate curiosity is the driver.  

Most of us (I am just assuming here) have sat and watched a newborn baby – stare at their own hands, reach for the light, and search the depths of the eyes looking into theirs.  There is a deep knowing, as well as a seemingly unquenchable wondering in their gaze.  

As they get older, that curiosity becomes a bit more “troublesome.”  They begin to physically explore their world – scooching on their bellies, crawling, then cruising, toddling, and eventually climbing and running.  With an honest intention of keeping children safe and “making sure," adults are culturally trained to control all that natural exploration and self-discovery. We give commands such as:  "Be careful!" “Pay attention and stop daydreaming!" Thereby stopping them from attempting “dangerous” activities, as well as eroding their confidence and desire to go within their quiet spaces - where inspiration is born and resides.
 
Sadly, kids lose most of their natural self assurance, curiosity, and motivation as an unintentional consequence of hyper-vigilance.

I have spoken of this concept many times before.  But lately, we have had several families with younger kids scope out DRC as a viable alternative.  Which has given me the opportunity to think about how much I adore the energy and lightness that emanates from the 5, 6, & 7-year-olds of the world. They have not yet learned to be afraid of asking big questions, experimenting, making mistakes, and being wrong. They are like puppies, following their noses and instincts and tripping over the feet they haven’t quite grown into.

Yet, within all that seeming chaos, they do not fear sitting still and going inside their own heads to explore the quiet spaces.  It is where the brilliant ideas pop in and where they may discover an interest they previously were unaware of.  

Traveling into this still place, within, is when each of us, no matter our age, quite literally, builds brain cells.  Some of us need more time for introspection than others.  But, no matter how much you, personally, require, it is a necessary component that is lacking from most of our lives.  

I believe we have seen an uptick in families with younger kids seek us out because many understand that traditional schools do not support or value natural creativity and the quiet spaces.  Therefore, they are adamant that they do not want that for their children. 

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DRC News


The DRC Exploration Station Suite of extended services include Summer programming as well as late Afternoon Programs for children who attend local schools.  Check it out here.

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DRC is hiring a part-time position at the Canton facility to start Sept. 7th. No specific training is required. This exciting opportunity is for anyone who already embraces the self-directed educational philosophy or is ready to learn the principles of practicing it as a mentor and facilitator in our dynamic learning environment.

If you are excited about exploring the possibilities with us - DM or email our Executive Director - maria@deeprootcenter.org, to learn more.  Please share this opportunity widely.

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"Spitting in the Wind"

7/18/2021

 
On some days, it feels like challenging cultural norms is an uphill battle - no, cancel, that - on most, it seems much harder, more on the level of climbing Mount Everest. Or, as I remember my Great Grandfather saying about seemingly impossible tasks, “it feels I am spitting in the wind.”

OK, yes, he probably used a less PC bodily function; however, he was a man who, among other things, "et" his dinner and "clumbed" trees. He was obviously unafraid of using colorful language and flaunting his modest NoCo roots - my guess is it was one way of spiting my very proper Great Grandmother, who had other ambitions.

I do not mean to imply that challenging the system is unpleasant, impossible, or even deviant – but some days sorely test my belief that we can (will) transform our cultural need (desire) to measure others using the metrics of our own values and individual life, as well as the perceived moral code of society.  

Why the rant, now? It has clearly been a problem for a very long time. In the past few weeks, I have seen numerous examples; however, the following two quotes put me over the edge: “the unmotivated working class,” a phrase taken from a local business owner's (very) public objection about the treatment of employees because of the lack of available people in the workforce, and this meme circulating the FB world - “If you ever see kids selling lemonade, in the neighborhood, stop and buy a cup or two. They have more ambition than the majority of adults in today's workforce.”  

To put it quite simply – STOP IT! Do not judge another person's life – through the lens of your own experiences or society’s ethics.  

If someone is pursuing something that has considerable meaning to their lives - besides punching the clock for an hourly wage job – whether it is a life dedicated to serving the broader community or something else entirely, no one gets to judge that. No one!  

In both above instances, the beginning of each message is spot on – yes, treat people with kindness at any establishment and absolutely support kids in their endeavors – however – there is no need for folks to broadcast their intolerant evaluation of what others should be doing with their lives. None of us gets to determine another human being's value.  Ever!

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We live in a time of staggering technological advances that have the potential of changing the way we do absolutely everything. Yet, the hypocrisy of systemic capitalistic and patriarchal lunacy holds us captive. Those at the “bottom of the heap” must prove their worth through servitude to the plutocrats and oligarchy. Additionally, those at the top will always "play" those below them to make them believe that the enemy lives next door, so they won't have the energy to focus their combined spirits on challenging those subjugating them.

All of this is just one of many reasons many of us are afraid of stepping out of line to celebrate our unique gifts and follow our hearts. 

Nonetheless, I choose to continue "spitting in the wind" while living authentically and enthusiastically supporting others to do the same.

DRC News

We are thrilled that Nic Hayes is joining the team as our new apprentice at DRC-East.  You can read Nic's bio here.
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Check out DRC Exploration Station Summer and Afternoon Extended Programming for kids who attend other schools in the community.
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Owning It All

7/11/2021

 
* Today's DRC Blog post offers a very personal story related to health issues that is easily translated to whatever area of your life you have given over control to others.
**warning - impolite word usage


There is no denying that shitty things happen to all of us - stuff that we didn't ask for, and that is often beyond our control - the very act of being alive guarantees that fact. Nevertheless, I will argue, it is how we respond to the crap that defines and then determines our attitude - and at the end of the day, our authentic lives.

Blame is a typical response. It is so much easier to indict the perpetrator(s) or circumstance(s) for everything that has happened to you and take on the role of the victim than it is to own it and move on with positive intention.

Victim-hood then becomes the default setting. Opportunities become minefields of missed steps and useless self-flagellation, then within all that negativity, we ultimately, quite literally, set ourselves up for failure every single time. 

I am offering the following personal story as a perfect example. For years I have battled lethargy, as well as the extra pounds that seemingly piled on from nowhere. A bit over four years ago, my then doctor diagnosed hypothyroidism and gave me synthetic thyroxin. My body reacted miserably - all of the symptoms of the disease became even worse. Besides the "foggy brain" and hair loss, the intensely uncomfortable rosacea covering my face put me over the edge, and I stopped taking the med without consulting my doctor. 

One year later, I went to an osteopathic MD thinking he would prescribe the "real" thyroxin - however, despite my low (ish) levels of T4, he wasn't willing to label me with hypothyroid disease.  

I became totally disillusioned and actively avoided the medical community for three years and ignored how crappy I felt. That is until the symptoms of extreme exhaustion and unexplained weight gain became unbearable - and I scheduled an appointment with the traditional MD who had replaced the osteopath.  

Upon meeting the second time - after receiving all of my blood work - she sat at her computer the entire time and read off the litany of concerns. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes - she never mentioned the low levels of T4 until I asked.  As before, she was not willing to diagnose hypothyroidism, either - but instead told me I am very high risk (based on the info from her laptop) and that I need to take a statin to get my cholesterol down. I said, "no, thank you," much more politely than I felt like, and left her office disheartened and considerably discouraged.   

As soon as I could, I started doing some research on my own. Low and behold, all of the "shit" that "concerned" her is linked directly to low thyroid function - the one thing that she was not willing to acknowledge or medicate. 

Am I pissed off? Absolutely! Nonetheless, I am tired of giving over jurisdiction of my health and well-being to someone controlled by a system that is only concerned with the bottom line. I will no longer be a victim!

Therefore, I am owning all it and taking charge - I have researched the micro-nutrients my thyroid needs to function properly, and I am removing foods (gluten and sugar) from my diet that inhibit it. Time will tell. But in the meantime, while I continue to set out (write down) my affirmations every day, do my daily adapted yoga routine, and seek out a naturopath or homeopath (who is willing to listen and use their scientific knowledge to work with my body), I am taking back authority of my health along with my food choices.  Is it hard? You bet it is, but it is worth all the difficult work to attain this feeling of empowerment. 

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DRC News

Believe it or not, we will be back in session in less than two months!  If your child is ready to explore the possibilities and take charge of their education - get in touch.
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Exploration Station - Summer Programming

Register your child today for the last three weeks of summer break.  Learn more here.

Talking About a Revolution

7/4/2021

 
Have you ever been so very tired of personal stagnation and the apathy (absurdity) that surrounds you that taking your next breath feels like it is likely to be a revolutionary act?  Yet, the intoxicating pull of change and creativity produces constant tension with the cosseting stability of the known.  

For some, the fear of the uncharted controls that impulse so thoroughly that they remain mired in the past.   

For others, it is only when the familiar becomes too tight, restricting, and uncomfortable before they can finally unlace the straitjacket - to embrace the fiery desire to rebel against the status quo.  

And then there are those of us who instigate a revolution every day by simply living authentically.

On an evolutionary level, we are all wired for mutation and transformation!  Take a deep breath and follow the exhalation to your next moment of rebellion - toward exploration - to the future. 

Happy Independence Day from the DRC Crew.
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DRC News

If your child is ready to take charge of their education - get in touch today.
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Summer Programming begins, August 16th.  Register today.
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*Nod to Tracy Chapman for title inspiration.
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Deep Root Center
48 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617

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  • Home
    • Contact
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • The DRC Staff
    • Fees
    • Consultations
    • DRC-Canton Summer Program
    • Canton Afternoon Program
    • DRC Calendar
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
      • OPT OUT!
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
    • Grant Funders & Sponsors
  • Blog