Re-thinking what listening means

I just wanted to share yet another e-mail from a very good friend of mine, and yet another Jen. This one is famous for songs of messy moose (see blog archive June 2009, "Growing Boy") and is a Self Design educator with Wondertree. I really enjoy her as she has a knack for putting things into perspective for me, she had this to say:

Hiya Deb,I read your blog.

Wow. Yup. That would be news. I had heard of that new program and was so grateful that they started that up in BC because I had heard so many stories of kids having a rough time with teachers in school only to find out that they had some hearing loss.....not that they were ignoring folks or were "bad" kids or "slow" kids...etc. I have a few friends who are hearing impaired (adults) and that misunderstanding can be quite devastating to a kid's self-esteem. Not to mention relationship with others. So. Good news.

You know, over the years of working with kids, I don't believe any more in a condition being "permanent" or that challenges mean that a kid's quality of life will be effected. It need not be and I think the attitudes of parents has a LOT to do with that. Kudos to you guys for seeing the positive after the initial period of shock and worry. There are some videos that I'd like to share with you that I shared with the SD learning community in the spring that address the different experiences of the world that people with so called "disabilities" experience. I don't think these folks would tell you
that they are at a disadvantage :) After watching these videos, I think WE are the ones at a disadvantage. What I know is that we humans are maleable and adaptable. Especially children who grow up with supportive, positive parents who believe in their ability to do anything. Check them out:

Evelyn Glennie became deaf at age 12. She went on to become a highly acclaimed percussionist and musician. In this ted talk , she is totally inspiring and is a good example of somatic listening. Well worth checking out!Here's the link:

http://www.ted.com/talks/evelyn_glennie_shows_how_to_listen.html

And the Boy Who Sees Without Eyes (a 5-part documentary on Youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLziFMF4DHA&feature=related

These are mind-bending. Lots of love and hugs to you all. Especially to Jordy (no offense...he's just so cute :)LOL Jen

I really enjoyed the links at the end and encourage you to have a look when you have time.