Conductive Pedagogical Renaissance

We are living in a time where every single structure, as we know it is changing around us. Every singles person feels it and knows it. The polarities around us are stretching and stretching more and more. Humanity has come to an age where it is questioning everything, not because it wants to, but because it has to…


“Methods that simultaneously heal and educate were born in human-centred age of the Renaissance. Renaissance Man believed in the effect of systematic education, especially in the case of the disabled. The basic requirements of education were firm discipline, ardent practice, moral education and of course no overload.”-

“ Petö called his method ‘conductive Pedagogy’. As for the how and why Ilona Székely the first leading conductor tells us the following:
Many a time he held so called open sessions. During these he gave new tasks to the group, but the exact way in which he helped, ‘facilitated, we had to make up for ourselves. We had to help that we were not actually helping. This is hard to understand but it is what Conductive Education is, leading, directing. The solitary violinist needs no conductor: the sheet of music and his own soul direct the making of music. This is what conduction is.” J Forrai 1999

In this delicious existence of abundance, opportunities are available to us all who are living and working in the heart of the Conductive Pedagogical System.
We know in our souls what are our desires, what truly drives us.
The soul only understands inclusion, which directs the making of the music, directs the creation of arts and it knows what makes our existence worthwhile on this physical plane. There is nothing that can stop it only we ourselves can stand in its way.

Only We can create the Conductive Pedagogical Renaissance.

Reference:

Forrai, J. (1999) Memoirs of the beginnings of Conductive Education and András Pető, Budapest and Birmingham, Uj Aranhíd and Foundation for Conductive Education

The Invitation

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want toknow if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!" It does not interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."

From the Invitation by Oriah Mountain DreamerCopyright © 1999 by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

A lovely reading on this beautiful Spring Sunday afternoon… and maybe to share it with friends at the Sunday dinner table as one of the entrées.
I also use it as part of my Conductive Education training courses. Yummy!

Earth Hour Saturday 28th March 2009, 8:30PM local time, wherever you live on Planet Earth

Several famous UK buildings will be plunged into darkness later as part of a global climate change campaign.
The London Eye, The Gherkin, and the BT Tower will be among those taking part in WWF's Earth Hour at 2030 GMT.
The environmental group hopes millions of people around the world will switch off lights. It expects cities and towns in more than 80 countries to take part.
WWF want the "visual statement" to show world leaders "the need to take urgent action to tackle climate change".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7969523.stm

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http://www.wwf.org.uk/


Mother Earth
I feel her breath
Hear her heart beat
Feel her gentle presence
Under my feet

Gaia
Our Mother Earth
Holding the balance
Creating a safe space
Her nurturing energy
Exuding grace

Allowing each of us to tread our path
No judgements or conditions
Whether we cry
Or just laugh

I feel so connected
And in my power

Feel the compassion
Gentle and beautiful
Like a delicate flower

I surrender
Let it all go
Merging
Allowing her heart energy
Deep into my soul

Her beauty
And mine
Becoming as one
Soothed by her gentle melody
Her beautiful song

Let us dance together
Merging our hearts
Knowing we are never really apart.


annie b. 2003
http://www.annieb-art.co.uk/

The Houses of Parliament are to be plunged into darkness for Earth Hour

River Creatures from Richard Bach's Illusions

"Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river. Each creature in its own manner clung tightly to the twigs and rocks of the river bottom, for clinging was their way of life, and resisting the current what each had learned from birth. But one creature said at last, "I trust that the current knows where it is going. I shall let go, and let it take me where it will. Clinging, I shall die of boredom."

The other creatures laughed and said, "Fool! Let go, and that current you worship will throw you tumbled and smashed across the rocks, and you will die quicker than boredom!"

But the one heeded them not, and taking a breath did let go, and at once was tumbled and smashed by the current across the rocks. Yet, in time, as the creature refused to cling again, the current lifted him free from the bottom, and he was bruised and hurt no more.

And the creatures downstream, to whom he was a stranger, cried, "See a miracle! A creature like ourselves, yet he flies! See the Messiah, come to save us all!" And the one carried in the current said, "I am no more Messiah than you. The river delight to lift us free, if only we dare let go. Our true work is this voyage, this adventure.

But they cried the more, "Saviour!" all the while clinging to the rocks, making legends of a Saviour."

Richard Bach Illusions

Focus on World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2009

'On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days, and it brings the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions.

The resolution aims to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. It is part of the autism spectrum and is sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder, or an ASD. The word 'spectrum' is used because, while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways.

Some are able to live relatively 'everyday' lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.

The three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are sometimes known as the 'triad of impairments'.

They are:
difficulty with social communication
difficulty with social interaction
difficulty with social imagination.

It can be hard to create awareness of autism as people with the condition do not 'look' disabled: parents of children with autism often say that other people simply think their child is naughty; while adults find that they are misunderstood.

All people with autism can benefit from a timely diagnosis and access to appropriate services and support.'

Did you know? …

Autism affects approximately 67 million people worldwide
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer and AIDS combined
Autism does not discriminate by geography, class or ethnicity

There is no medical detection or cure for autism




http://www.autismspeaks.org.uk

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/research/initiatives/gaph.php

http://sourcesense.blogspot.com/search/label/Autism

"Autism, Asperger's and more, oh my!"

"My Name is Autism
Hello. Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me. I am a condition, "disorder" that affects many people. I strike at will, when and where I want. Unlike Downs Syndrome or other birth "defects," I leave no marks on those I strike. In fact, I pride myself on the ability to infiltrate a child's life, while leaving him or her strikingly handsome. Many people may not even know I am there. They blame the child for what I cause him or her to do. I am autism and I do as I please.

I am autism. I strike boys and girls. infants and toddlers. I find my best victims to be boys around the age of 2, but any child will do. I like children and they are always the true victims, though I take hostage the others in the child's family as well. It is a bit like getting two for the price of one. I affect one child and "infect" the entire family.

I am autism. I strike rich and poor alike. The rich combat me with education and therapy. The poor shut their children away and cannot afford to fight me. I am able to win in the lives of poor children more than I am those of the wealthy, but I will try to take root anywhere.


I am autism. I am an equal opportunity disorder. I strike whites, blacks, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Koreans and Fins. In fact, I strike everywhere on Earth. I know no geographical bounds.

I am autism. I do not discriminate based upon religion either. I strike Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics. I do not care what religion a person is or what beliefs he may hold. When I strike, there will be little time for any of that anyway. When they find me, they will question everything they believe in, so why would I strike only one group? I have affected followers of every religion on the planet.

I am autism and I am strong and getting stronger every year, every month, every day, every minute and every second. I am concerned that money might be allotted to combat me and my takeover of children, but so far, I have little to fear. Some countries like Kuwait are spending quite a bit of money to assist those who I have targeted and some, like the United States, would rather spend money on such ludicrous things as discovering the number of American Indians who practice Voodoo, as opposed to combating me. In an atmosphere such as that, I can flourish and wreck havoc at will. In places such as that, I rub my hands with glee at the problems I can cause to children, their families and to the society at large.

I am autism. When I come, I come to stay. I take the dreams and hopes of families and trample them with delight. I see the fear and confusion in the eyes of my victims and see the formation of wrinkles, the worries and pain on the face of their parents. I see the embarrassment their child causes because of me and the parents unsuccessful attempt to hide their child, and me. I see tears the parents cry and feel the tears of their child. I am autism. I leave sorrow in my wake.

I am autism. I taketh away and give nothing but bewilderment and loathing in return. I take speech and learning. I take socialization and understanding. I take away "common sense" and, if I am allowed to flourish, I take away all but their physical life. What I leave behind, is almost worse than death.

I am autism. I fear nothing except courage, which I thankfully see little of. I fear those who take a stand against me and attempt to fight me and bring others into the fight as well. I fear those who try to make it safe and easier for my victims in the community, and their families. I fear those who push ahead, despite the fact that I am in tow. I fear the day I will be eradicated from the planet. Yet, I do not fear too much right now. There is no need.

I am autism and I bet you know me or know of me. If you don't, you probably will soon. I am marching forward faster than I ever have before. I am looking for new children all the time. I am looking for new children to consume and new lives to destroy. I dread the day I will be looked upon with pity or worse yet, understanding, for that day, is the day I will begin to die.

But in the mean time I am safe, free to prowl onward. Free to cause the pain and suffering that I do so well. I am on a mission and have much work to do and thankfully no one is stopping me yet.

Hello. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me, if not don't worry, you will meet me soon.

~Author Unknown

My Name is Autism
Posted by Lori-ann at 2/17/2009 9:32 PM
Categories: Poem,Inspiration,Autism "

http://blog.autismaspergersandmoreohmy.com/2009/02/17/my-name-is-autism.aspx

Conductive Education - Little things mean a lot

http://blog.autismaspergersandmoreohmy.com/2008/07/29/conductive-education--little-things-mean-a-lot.aspx

Conductive Education is Amazing

http://blog.autismaspergersandmoreohmy.com/2008/08/15/conductive-education-is-amazing.aspx

'Have we forgotten about Dynamite?' Ági Pálinkás, Petö trained Conductor writes…

"It was no accident that I visited Priory (Burnham) last Friday.I used to be part of the Conductive Education project called Dynamite, which is set in the Becon awarded mainstream primary school:Priory. As I took part in its early stage, I will always feel emotionally connected to this school and feel so proud of its pioneering example and its miriculous growth over the last five and a half years.

The Dynamite project was dreamt up by an enthusiastic group of parents, designed by an innovative and resourceful conductor team and it has been delivered by a senior conductor team and the supportive staff of Priory.

Today, even as I speak, with step by step, day by day progress, Priory's multi-disiplinary team is transforming itself into a trans-disciplinary team as a result of their relationship and mutual understanding.

Dynamite was the first conductive project based inside a mainstream school. It started in September 2003 with six boys and an adapt and courageous senior conductor Zsuzsa Szabo.Over a few months to January 2004 the numbers of the Dynamite children grew to 20 and a second conductor joined the team as well;.. the lucky 'me'.
The second senior conductor, Anita has joined to the Dynamite team in April 2004. By 2006 September the LEA acknowledged the need for Conductive Education and has agreed to financially cover the salary of the senior conductor as the biggest break through of this project.

I could write so much about the ex Dynamite, which has no name any more (children often refer to it as 'The Wooden Spoon Room Thing') as it has merged into and become part of this very special primary school, Priory in a small village called Burnham.

Today there is a conductive class, where the conductive principles are used every day. The rest of the children (with motor disorder, who can benefit from conductive education) receive conductive education sessions and classroom support by the conductors (two fabulous seniors!!) and their conductor assistants.

I need to gain more information about its current stage as well, but please,(please!!!) if anyone wishes to know more about this wonderful project contact: sueberryman87@hotmail.com


http://www.prioryschool.com/conductive-education/

It would be so-so sad if this wonderful success story is being over-looked."

Ági Pálinkás

Whites Hill College Newsletter… Xavier.

"At present Xavier staff and parents are in full swing of the Individual Education Plan process. Thank you to everyone for being flexible at this time as the important process of setting goals for students is completed. There will be a performance in the Whites Hill hall on Tuesday called “Shake Up”. All students from Year one upwards will be attending. This promises to be a fun and exciting way to introduce Shakespeare!
XAVIER
On Wednesday last week we hosted 9 Japanese student teachers. They enjoyed a tour of the school, participated briefly in our programs and dressed in their traditional costume to sing for the students. It is
always good to continue to spread the news about Conductive Education and the possibilities for our students with physical and multiple impairments within this philosophy. These student teachers (some just
about to finish their training) were very interested in the philosophy and asked many questions about the students and how we meet their needs.
There will be a program of activities for Harmony week commencing on Monday, March 16th. Look out for further information in communication books or letters.
The “Creativity” focus this term has proved a great success with all students as they have actively participated in many activities to promote their
understanding of the curriculum and their hand function skills! The foyer and classrooms at Xavier have many examples of how creativity and
independence can produce products well worth viewing. Thank you to the students for such great concentration and attention!
Mrs Annette Demack
Head of Xavier (Acting)"
March 2009, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

On the photo from right to left some of the original team of beautiful and determined woman … first Betty Sharry, second Annette Demack, fourth Jody Florance.

With Love, Judit
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What If?…

Honour and integrity were a source of life and instead of dominating somebody we would live with the belief in our hearts to do the greatest good for the greatest number? What if this would be the brightest and noblest thing in life?

“A friend is one before whom I may think aloud.” R. W. Emerson

Whether we are aware of it or not we communicate twenty-four hours a day, even in our dreams. Even when we don’t say anything… we communicate.
Our relationships are built and destroyed by communication.
The more honestly we communicate, the more we get to know one another and the stronger our relationship gets.
I have seen so many times the destructive power of dishonest communication.
When we lie, we destroy relationships. We destroy the relationship we have with ourselves and also the relationships we have with others. –
Every time we tell a lie or when we do not say what we want to say it erodes the foundation of our relationships and weakens the weak self-esteem of the person who tells a lie.
Lies are negative communications…
The only true foundation of a relationship is trust. If relationships are communication with trust, then honesty is their cornerstone.
Cherish your true friendships and relationships and keep making them stronger with the purity of openness, trust and respect.
Real healing and joy begins when stepping on this path.

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"Help save our library"

"Following the decision of the Foundation for Conductive Education to make redundant the post of Librarian at the National Library of Conductive Education, we the undersigned respectively and most urgently request that the Foundation for Conductive Education take all necessary steps to ensure that the functions and services of the National Library of Conductive Education should continue and develop, to the benefit of the whole international conductive community."

"Help save our library"

I really think this is an important cause, and I would like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It is free and takes less than a minute of your time. Thank you!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/help-save-our-library/signatures.html

Please circulate this to people that you know and on any databases that you have, asking that they sign it.

Just published and already signatures appear on the screen...

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/help-save-our-library/signatures.html


"Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own. " William Hazlitt

Strange how I falter...

Strange how
my heart beats
to find myself upon your shore.
Strange how
I still feel
My loss of comfort gone before.
Cool waves wash over
and drift away with dreams of youth
so time is stolen

I cannot hold you long enough.
And so
this is where I should be now
Days and nights falling by

Days and nights falling by me.
I know
of a dream I should be holding
days and nights falling by
Days and nights falling by me.

Soft blue horizons
reach far into my childhood days
as you are rising
to bring me my forgotten ways.

Strange how I falter
to find I'm standing in deep water
strange how my heart beats
to find I'm standing on your shore

Enya: On Your Shore