Written by Renee Lindstrom, Nov 19, 2014 – Note from author:  I believe school warehousing of students was for simplifying group management to maximize numbers and group learning.  This author has noticed the  two other styles of learning mentioned in this article are being blended back into some educational systems.  Consider that the original intention of school was the bright idea of one person who thought it was the best way to go.  

The Western Linear learning style schools have adopted for warehousing students has dropped other learning style choices. Two of these other learning styles are: following natural cycles (turning of the seasons) and learning by listening and exploring the experience of those who have gone before us (elders). By only experiencing a linear style education there is a great need for trust and safety in exploring these other two choices.

In Inside’s movement awareness programs, learning is experienced by listening to talking points for references on where to focus and explore those movement patterns. The safety and trust then transfers from the speaker to the those experiencing the changes in themselves as they follow the patterns they hear.  (cannot be compared to yoga where you are shown and put into a pose, or therapy where you are fixed – something is happening to you)

In communication there is a blend of all three learning styles. Linear (for concepts), practice (experiencing the concepts), experience (storytelling).

In movement, the trust in the facilitator is generally readily available, while in communication there is skepticism and doubt until there is a connection to something personal and meaningful. This can happen much easier through experiencing the natural cycle of dialogue (conversations), yet appears to be the most challenging for many. This article has been written one day after leading  both movement and communication workshops by the author whereby this was observed.

It was observed that it was easier for participants to explore new movements than it is for them to practice new ways of talking. In movement there was acceptance and ease in going for it. In communication for many there was resistance and shyness. Yet, while watching others practice there was awe in the outcome of trying to speak with intention and consciousness.

Participants are challenged in the InTouch communication workshops by reduction of the linear learning style and increase in personal practice to encourage sharing for talking experiences and storytelling!

What this author believes from these two experiences of embodying personal change  have integrated as follows:

The participants have demonstrated a higher level of challenge in speaking responsibly and mindfully than those in mindful movement. This is interpreted that this due to the fact that relationships have had a tremendous impact and has the largest focus of a person’s attention, while movement is new territory for most. It reflects the cycle of learning here in the west. Up until school age, children learn through the turning of the seasons and from elders. Going to school the freedom of movement is limited and has a linear learning style, even in sports!

Message to workshop participants: so different, so courageous, so appreciative!

_____________________________________________________

Renee Lindstrom, GCFP,

_______________________________________________________