I am feeling optimistic again after a lil' turbulence, which I know is 'just the normal noises in here'. I would love to know what everyone is working on and how this community can best serve us all. My main intention is establish a community where we feel safe to share questions and a variety of opinions, as well as a hub for sharing methods of education that work (and that don't work so we can figure out how to improve). Personally, I am particularly passionate about multisensory and hands-on learning and healing. What are you into lately?

I am contemplating using the term 'Neurospicy" in some of my Authentic Action podcast and other content. I would love to know your honest thoughts and feelings about this term. I recognize it could be seen as dismissive, and at the same time I like it because it is not 'medical' and adds a lightness to my 'neurodivergent identity' feelings... I also recognize it might add confusion to an already 'muddy pond' of 'politically correct' terminology and 'person first language' (which I have a lot of mixed feelings about--many of them less than positive). I am definitely a person who feels neurospicy, although sometimes I am steeped in the exotic fragrance of vanilla too... Tell me, what thinketh you? ~ZGala

I would love this to become a community where we share ideas about how to build better communities and societies through education and engagement. In particular, I am interested in infusing education with fun, play, story, and a variety of senses and intelligences. - What are some great ways to quickly gain insights about an individual's preferred learning style? - What are some of your favorite ways to engage students, clients, or audience? I have been working in an elementary school this week in a variety of settings as a fill-in special education substitute/guest teacher, and the greatest lesson I have been reminded of this week is how much we have similar struggles at every stage of life, and how much we are our unique selves from the start. What are some questions and/or lessons that come to mind from your own experiences?

And then plant another. https://youtu.be/K-xOTiUUhf4?si=G64OX-IA2y1Ve6wB This is a simple project I would love to see incorporated into more lessons. Meditate/Breathe under trees. Plant and Nurture Trees. Water and Repeat. Can you think of ways we can get this project incorporated into more institutions?

Spending time with my bandmates this weekend I was reminded that adults are nearly all struggling with the same things that elementary students are struggling with (emotional regulation, self expression, skill building, executive function, self love...). Did you have any epiphanies, discoveries, or lessons this weekend? ~ZG