I am learning a lot.  The lessons are coming in waves and tides.  My autistic godson Jacob teaches me about humility, the limits of understanding, patience, love and observation.  He also taught me about a new way to play, using an old familiar tool – the listening strategies of Pauline Oliveros.  When he told/showed us that he did not want to be touched, I thought, “OK.  What then?”  And then Jacob, his mother and I began to dance and play with sound – following, leading, echoing, waiting, listening.  I could feel new doors opening, new ways of connecting, even when one of my favorite ways was not (for the moment) available.

My grand baby daughter Laila Rose is teaching me about being.  With Laila, there are vast canopies and expanses of just being, holding, softness and appreciating.  Lots of quiet joy.  Not a lot of doing.  While she was here, we went in to see BMC teacher Sandy Jamrog, and learned about laid back nursing and new ways of touching to support balance.

My daughters are teaching me about what it means to love in a truly unconditional way, and about the limits inherent in mothering..

My ailing knee is teaching me about waiting.  About the diligence of healing.  About what I want.  About slow dancing.

In June, I will be studying with Mark Rashid again – more learning, opening, changing.

Some lessons are ambushes, some are surprise packages, some are things I sent for.  I like the differences and the challenges.  I like learning!