Fences and Boxes ...

,… are specifically designed to either keep things in or --- out. Imagine the task of moving a whole household without cartons. Now picture raising baby pigs (goats, sheep, cows, horses, emu, etc) without some kind of fence. These devices, when used for these and other practical purposes, make certain missions eminently possible.


I believe, however, that beyond these utilitarian applications, boxes and fences are nothing more than deterrents, barriers, and hurdles to creativity, imagination, self – motivation, productivity, community, collaboration, kindness, and compassion.


The expressions “boxed or fenced in” are ultra-visual metaphors that have an immediate visceral impact which automatically brings recognition of the frustration and fury that are implicit in those statements.


When people are contained, restrained, or coerced, depending upon the individual, they will either naturally respond by lashing out in anger and hurting others or with resignation and acceptance. And, I think we can all agree that neither of those reactions are healthy for that soul or for society at large.


Fear of the unknown or of censure is often times offered as a defense for constraint. Providing the freedom, nonetheless, to choose from a whole world of diverse opportunities, options, and alternatives allows intrinsic motivation to drive independent thought, passion, and vision to determine each beings path. This liberty of self-determination, however, requires the counter-balance of dependability and responsibility, otherwise, un-mentored autonomy can lead to narcissistic entitlement.


This narrow divide between the two extremes of empathetic, engaged, and community minded human and, well, to put it quite plainly --- brat, can only be traversed with love, kindness, trust, respect, resources, expectations, and unflagging support.


Use boxes and fences for those things that need to be contained or kept safe from predators. Then let go of anxiety and allow the humans in your life to explore the possibilities freely, with steadfast guidance and encouragement, to generate and envision new concepts and plans for a positive future.

*This post, as always, has been inspired by the youth I spend my days with. I appreciate them all for their openness to new ideas and their awesome ability to remind me to be accepting of the many different ways of being. I am newly grateful for their wisdom every single day.

DRC NEWS
Spring Break
Deep Root Center will be closed for a much needed Spring Break from March 18 – 28. We will be back in session Tuesday, March 29th. Safe travels to all who are venturing beyond the confines of the NoCo.

Wanted:
The list has expanded a bit. If you would be willing to donate any of the following items, please get in touch.

​chairs (any kind)
lego table
bookshelves
lockers or cubbies
shelf braces
wooden planks to use as shelving
laptops, desk top, or tablets (We would like to spend time with the hardware, before accepting, to determine if it would be functional for our uses. We will only accept items that have supportable operating systems – Apple or Windows- or the ability to upgrade to a more recent OS.)

Deep Root Center (Whole Learners, Inc.) is a 501(c)3 NYS not for profit charitable organization. If needed or desired, we would gratefully provide you with a letter stating your contribution to Deep Root Center.

Thank You!