Indigenous Intelligence, Non-cognitive Ways of Knowing, Embodying Intention, Every Child is a Genius
Indigenous Intelligence, Non-cognitive Ways of Knowing, Embodying Intention, Every Child is a Genius: 11 minutes
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- Ilarion speaks about Embodying an Intention. This is a form of communication based on embodiment. Have you ever had an experience of 'embodying an intention?' If so, what did it feel like? Do you have a sense of how to activate that?
- Ilarion says that, "If we are free of the mind, we don't waste time with the problems that the mind creates." What would it mean to you to live like this?
- Ilarion explains that a two-year old child is our teacher. What do you understand him to mean by this? How is this related to emotions and trauma?
- The Unangan Way of working with children is very different than a Western way. What stood out to you about how Ilarion's culture relates to young people?
AWARENESS PRACTICE
Read these instructions first, and then try it. Once you've tried it, journal about it, or document or reflect on it in a creative way. Ilarion speaks about embodying intention. To do this, we can practice moving our attention down into our heart center, the center of our feelings, and reaching out. Find a quiet place either in nature, or indoors, where you feel safe. Take a few moments to settle in. Bring into your mind's eye someone or something that you feel connected to. It could be a person, place, animal, etc. See if you can breathe into your chest and feel your connectedness, your relationship with this person, being, or activity. See if you can transmit, from your heart, a sense of wishing well to this being or place. See if you can feel that happening. Notice what arises at the level of feeling.
