"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells."
~Dr. Seuss
Essential #8: Imagination and Dreams
Imagination and Dreams may seem like one of the more elusive essentials, yet it is an avenue and extension to the possibilities the other 9 Essentials provide. An example of the power of imagination can be illustrated in group lessons, called Transformational Movement Lesson, or TML. Often a TML will focus first on one side of the body. In doing this, there are numerous opportunities to compare the two sides and to notice the changes throughout the body as the lesson progresses. When it is time it is time to focus on the other side, one can use their imagination to think through the movements before actually doing them. While this is not as easy as it sounds, it can be extraordinarily powerful. One is not limited in their imagination - no aches, pains, other restrictions. You can imagine a movement as _________ graceful - luxurious - easy - free (you fill in the blank) as you want. And, as your nervous system is engaged in this dynamic process, it learns from the side that has already been moving and translates that information to the side being imagined. A brain that has practiced imagination and dreams is upgraded.
In Children with special needs, Imagination and Dreams can be utilized in a variety of ways. When there are physical and neurological limitations, often that nervous system was not offered sufficient variation while developing certain skills. Eliciting a child's imagination while offering variation can set that nervous system in hyper-drive. Sparking a child's imagination and following that child's path, can bring about amazing, and unpredictable changes. It opens up possibilities specific to that amazing person.
In Kid's Beyond Limits, Anat quotes Einstein: "Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions.”
In Children with special needs, Imagination and Dreams can be utilized in a variety of ways. When there are physical and neurological limitations, often that nervous system was not offered sufficient variation while developing certain skills. Eliciting a child's imagination while offering variation can set that nervous system in hyper-drive. Sparking a child's imagination and following that child's path, can bring about amazing, and unpredictable changes. It opens up possibilities specific to that amazing person.
In Kid's Beyond Limits, Anat quotes Einstein: "Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life’s coming attractions.”
From Kids Beyond Limits:
"When a child has special needs, she needs her brain to use its highest potential for finding the unique solutions to her unique challenges...Imagination feeds into this amazing freedom that the human brain has to invent ingenious and original solutions."
~Anat Baniel
In Kids Beyond Limits, Anat suggests some tools for Imagination and Dreams:
~ Let's Play
~ Co-Imagine with your Child
~ Discover the Dream
~ Take a co-Daydream Break
~ Story Telling
~ Honor Your Child's Dreams
Read more about Imagination and Dreams on Anat's website:
~Anat Baniel
In Kids Beyond Limits, Anat suggests some tools for Imagination and Dreams:
~ Let's Play
~ Co-Imagine with your Child
~ Discover the Dream
~ Take a co-Daydream Break
~ Story Telling
~ Honor Your Child's Dreams
Read more about Imagination and Dreams on Anat's website:
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