Research has shown that in addition to trauma, another common classroom disrupter and hindering factor in the learning process is boredom. According to Professor Jackie Andrade of the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, “If someone is doing a boring task, they may start to daydream. Daydreaming distracts them from the task, resulting in poorer…
DetailsIn this short video, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, CEO and founder for the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco, says that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress are the next massive public threat. This is because traumatic childhood events like abuse and neglect can create dangerous levels of stress and derail healthy brain…
DetailsThe increased homeless situation where I live has been pulling at my heart and brought about a lot of reflection. Why is it that I can’t leave the parking lot of a store without encountering at least one person with a sign asking for help? I don’t remember this being the case 10 or 20…
DetailsRecent research has shown that if by the end of third grade a child is not at reading level, they are at risk for not graduating high school. This is because in kindergarten through third grade a child is learning how to read. After that, they need to be able to read to learn. Students…
DetailsLately I have been pondering how the Universe sometimes guides me. When I was younger, I rarely looked behind life’s curtain. If I couldn’t find my car keys, I just saw the event as: “I can’t find my car keys.” Now when I can’t find my car keys, I am immediately aware of being over-extended,…
DetailsIn this short and inspiring video, Ida Keeling, the national champion of the 60-meter dash of the 95-99 age group, imparts some wonderful wisdom. Life presents us with challenges—some are harder than others. So the question is: How do we respond?” Are we reactive or have we learned how to activate our conscious problem-solving mind…
DetailsIn this very artistic short video, David Bowden asks some provocative questions: When we plug into the internet are we unplugging from each other? As we search daily, what do we gain and what do we lose? Is there space for both in our life? As we become an increasingly technologically advanced society, I think…
DetailsThis very inspiring short video about Nicholas Winton, the father of 669 children, reminded me of the importance of being present, and the importance of making a difference. When we are present, it is easier to see a need, and then find a way to boldly fill that need. We can’t fix all the problems…
DetailsIn this short video, Gordon Hempton, an acoustic ecologist who has spent over thirty years recording the steadily vanishing natural soundscapes, talks about the impact that one square inch of silence can have on nature and the world. As I listened to this video, I began to ponder what the impact that each of us…
DetailsIn this very thought-provoking, short video clip, Dr. Bruce Perry talks about how our brain reflects the world we grew up in. Instead of focusing on how trauma impacts brain development, his usual topic, he brings light to the topic of how our compartmentalized and screen-dominated society is affecting brain development by not providing enough…
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