Ending Expression (Journal 11)

Short video clip that gives some motions to my feelings about the mask activity and the ending of class. In the very begging I use ASL letters to sign the sentence, "I feel happy that class is over." Feeling happy that something is over is not a bad thing I've realized and I'm glad I can end class this way.

Transitional Thoughts (Journal 10)

Transitional Thoughts

From here to there. From there back to here.

I like being here, but being there is different.

Being there is challenging, being there is new.

I like familiar here though.

Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other gold….can that be applied to places? Can I be in both spaces? My heart can be.

Pockets of my heart everywhere. It’s about the people in places.

 Some people are just there in the transition. Transitional friends.

Others are here to stay.

Others are there to stay.

Its people who help make somewhere stable.

From here to there to where, in my words, I can say “I am here,” and know where I am.

I always take a picture of the loved people from there to here.

 Here I keep them. They’re with me always.

The people here I see in person. I take them to there and yonder with me as well.

 Each place has something special, something that helps the transition be exciting.

 If I didn’t have transitions I may get bored. But it’s the going from here to there, not the landing, that is difficult.

In the middle of the journey, before my bags are unpacked.

That can be exciting for a brief time, then it is uncomfortable, and I’m ready to settle. Settle in the new or settle in the old, but have some settling.

Actual friends instead of acquaintances. 

Having photographs of familiar faces brings the transition to a close.

As I see them in print and paper form, I know these ones aren’t with me, but they’re settled in my heart in the new place.

 Familiar sounds also help with the transition.

Music, songs of the past being brought into the “now.”

The ocean. It remains where it is, but it seems to travel with me. Each place I’ve lived, it doesn’t let me go. I’m so grateful.

Myself transitions, but I still stay me.

Each place must have tea, tea makes everything better…for me anyways.

Phones, in this digital age, the connection, the sound of guiding voices through transition comforts, encourages. I can’t image traveling distances, moving from family and friends and not having their voices right there at my disposal. They were strong back then!

Plane tickets get me from here to there and from there to here, but my heart and mind don’t always travel as quickly at the jet.

So I have my pictures, my tea, my Bible, knowledge of myself, my phone, my smiles to strangers, my guitar, the Holy Spirit. 

Journal 9 -- Thoughts on Adolescents

I don’t think there’s so much of a difference between the needs of adolescents and the general public. Sure, sure, we can get into the details and there are many specific needs that do need addressing and a special focus. But I’m talking about the needs of the heart and spirit. The basic need for love, affection, acceptance, protection, independence. We don’t see that these needs aren’t there in children, nor do we see them disappear in adulthood. If we looked at a scale, some would pop up stronger in different age groups than others, and that is what we’re honing in on, but it doesn’t mean we have to come up with totally new approaches to needs that are met by the same principals for us all.

Adolescents can get caught in a stream of conformity and expectation as they are trying to own who they are. Following the stream is easy and not always negative. Individually should be praised. Communal building based on the strengths and weakness of individuals should be addressed. Humans are made for connection with each other. We need each other. Adolescents need to learn to be in the stream of fishes while not feeling lost or like they’ve disappeared.

When I think of working with adolescents I get excited because I see so much creativity in them that sometimes, sadly, is on the brink of being snuffed out by systems and conformity. Giving adolescents a wide variety of art materials to work with, with no rules about combining materials, etc, can be empowering for them.

I’ve worked with adolescents on a drama team before. Acting out emotions and scenes that deal with heavy issues can be a good introspective activity for adolescents. Providing reflective time after drama play is important.

When Jesus called the disciples we sometimes have this view they were adult men in their 30s, but very likely they were younger lads. And the women who followed Jesus were also probably of varying ages. Mary, Jesus’ mother on earth really went against the stream at a young age. What gave her and the disciples the courage to abandon a “status quo” life and live for Jesus? They were compelled by the love and security in that love that God brings. Humans are compelled by love, we are draw to love. Adolescents need to know that they are loved, that circumstances may not turn into rosie rainbows and cupcakes, but they can be secure in love by the true love-giver-God.  This message can be “told” to adolescents in many creative ways, through dramas, dances, music, and combinations of it all! I would love to have a “workshop” day with adolescents where they are free to question and explore, using creative reflection after music and dance performances. As Jesus called to the disciples to “come and see,” we can call adolescents to come and see there is hope to be found.