Essentially Speaking #4

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness, 
nothing so gentle as real strength.
~St. Francis de Sales

Essential #4: Subtlety

The ability to perceive differences is at the heart of ABM. One might think that in order to do that, you need to have large distinctions.  It may seem counter-intuitive, however, the contrary is true. Providing the nervous system with subtle differences catches the brain's attention in a powerful way. By reducing the force and effort, smaller distinctions can be perceived and the doorway to new possibilities can open wide. 

Anat gives an example in her book, Kids Beyond Limits: "When you are standing outside in the glaring light of a sunny day--an intense stimulus--you won't notice the light of a flashlight--our ability to perceive the difference is diminished by the greater intensity of the sunshine. But the same flashlight turned on in the dark immediately gets our attention."

In athletes, musicians, or other "high performers" subtlety can make a huge difference in increasing your "edge." A nervous system that is able to perceive tiny nuances, is an upgraded and higher functioning system.

A child with special needs will not learn through forcing. The same principal applies: reducing the effort and working withing a range of ease will increase sensitivity and the ability to feel. When you call on the brain to perceive those small differences, the possibility for change becomes more clear. 

From Kids Beyond Limits:

"To be most helpful to your child, whatever you do with her needs to foster and empower her own spontaneous ability to perceive differences. And that's where Subtlety comes in.

"The more you can help create the conditions for your child to perceive subtle differences...the more her brain can change and she will improve."

~Anat Baniel


Read more about Subtlety on Anat's website: