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 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?

"If you were to share 10 ideas with humanity for how we can become wiser as a species, reach our full potential and come together over the next few decades to solve the many problems we are now experiencing, what would you suggest?" ChatGPT's Response: This is a profound and inspiring question! Here are 10 ideas that could help humanity collectively grow wiser, unlock its full potential, and address the challenges we face: 1. Prioritize Universal Education, Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking— Expand Access to Education: Ensure everyone, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, has access to quality education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Teach Systems Thinking: Educate people on how interconnected systems work—ecological, economic, and social systems—to foster deeper understanding and better decision-making. 2. Foster Compassion and Empathy— Promote Emotional Intelligence: Make emotional intelligence a central part of education and leadership training. Understanding and managing emotions helps people connect and collaborate. Embrace Cultural Exchange: Encourage global exchange programs and interactions to deepen empathy and appreciation for diverse perspectives. 3. Reinforce Science, Art, and Spirituality as Partners— Integrate Disciplines: Create frameworks where science, art, and spirituality collaborate. Each brings unique insights for solving problems and inspiring humanity. Celebrate Meaning and Wonder: Use art and storytelling to reignite a sense of awe for the natural world, the cosmos, and human potential. 4. Promote Collaborative Leadership Models— Adopt Inclusive Leadership: Move away from hierarchical systems toward more collaborative, participatory governance models that reflect diverse voices. Strengthen Community-Based Decision-Making: Empower local communities to co-create solutions for their own unique challenges. 5. Support Global Environmental Stewardship— Rebuild Our Relationship with Nature: Shift from seeing nature as a resource to exploit, to a living system we are part of and must care for.

How I learned to love myself by Acting As If I already did... Appreciation & Gratitude, Authentic Action Podcast Episode 31 is up in audio and video formats for your viewing and listening pleasure. Let me know what you think, and also, let me know if you are interested in getting in my interview line-up for 2025. Enjoy! https://www.buzzsprout.com/733979/episodes/16187359-how-i-learned-to-love-myself-by-acting-as-if-i-already-did-appreciation-gratitude-authentic-action-podcast-episode-31.mp3?download=true https://youtu.be/pUq53NLGBXw?si=OQrO5gN58dZTArBE

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?