Thirty hours, almost 100 girls between the age of 13 and 15. Me, them and a host of self-defense lessons I have refined over 20 years. Mental strategies and physical techniques.
I always turn my ego off and my ears up when working with kids. I learned that at martial arts years ago during a grappling class. It was a competition to see how long we could each survive. If you won your fight you continued to the next person, if you lost you were out. I had not grappled in a year and expected little. My first three opponents were men with, "Easy target" written in their eyes. I simply waited and stayed ready until they made a mistake while trying to force me into a submission hold. One by one I somehow pinned them and they were overcome with my patience, knowledge and their ego. Then, it was my turn. In my exhaustion, I face a 15 year old who I saw as a boy and easier opponent. I forced and he flattened my ego and skills. Since then, I have never under estimated anyone's physical strength or mental capacity. Always give the benefit of doubt and come from a position of "What can I learn from this." This week, I learned a lot....and was reminded of much. These are the main points: Kids ask more private questions and are ready to hear the answers now. When you tell them there are bonus marks on the test, so go find out more about "Unlock The Door-Beyond Sexual Abuse," they find a lot of things about you, "Me," that you, "I" weren't expecting! LOL. They all learn differently and a teacher's job is to be flexible. Humour is a wonderful learning tool - for the teacher and the student. Even at a young age these kids have their serious struggles. Reward creativity and they flourish/experiment. A personal example laced with vulnerability builds trust and connection. Always be authentic whether it shows your good or bad side. Highlights of the week: When a gal did three back flips in a row and we all agreed that that was a great way to distract, and possibly, get away from a 'bad guy.' When out of nowhere a gal said, "Miss, you are an inspiration." Was that another tear I felt and suppressed with, "Thank you and you all have the capacity to do that for others as well." They say I make a difference. They say "We will miss you." They have no 'real' idea how they affect me and what I do. I recall girls from years and years ago that said things I never forget, things that keep me teaching what I teach. Thanks to all of them for being a highlight in my life over and over again. Next week I have one more claas of grade nine
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Archives
June 2015
Categories |
Reveal, Connect and
Heal
I am thrilled to announce the release
of my second book, "Unlock The Door-Beyond Sexual Abuse". This book is a unique compilation of stories told from the perspective of people who have been abused and also from experts who have worked in the sexual abuse healing genre.
The book is now available to the public at Amazon.com - as well as this site.