The Miscalculated Value of the Quiet Spaces

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. 

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.

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 - [email protected], to learn more.  Please share this opportunity widely.