We modern humans don’t live in our “environmental niche” – the environment in which human beings evolved and for which we are optimized. Many things about the world we have created are non-optimal for our hunter-gatherer minds. Don’t get me wrong, I love my modern conveniences, and I am in no way suggesting that we should abandon it all and return to the savannah. Far from it – modernity, or at least many aspects of it, is here to stay. But let’s not be naïve – certain aspects of modern life are clearly hurting us, if not outright killing us, and an “enriched” captive life is still a life lived in captivity.
So, is there a way to understand the pain and suffering of “civilization” through the lens of captivity? How can we live a modern life informed by the subtleties and comforts of our evolutionary niche? How can we break free from the bars of captivity?
This blog is an attempt to answer these, and other questions, in addition to posing many, many more.
Lockdown Day 45: Keeping the Pieces Together
I’m not sure what it is about my parental role that has bestowed me with some preternatural sixth sense about where everything is. Nor am I certain how I wound up the guardian and keeper of things in this relationship. But perhaps more aptly, I’m very attuned to things being lost and missing, and desperately wanting them to be found.
Groundhog day, Passover, and breaking up the monotony of lockdown
In my last post, I said we were finding our rhythm, but when rhythm becomes too predictable, it becomes monotonous. What punctuates your rhythm?
Day 22: Finding our rhythm in self-isolation
Today marked day 22 of our self-isolation. I don’t know about all of you, but we’re starting to find our rhythm around here. For those who know anything about music theory, you’ll recall that rhythm can take many forms.
Parent Q and A: Help, my preschooler doesn’t want to attend virtual circle time!
What’s a parent to do when their preschooler doesn’t want to join virtual circle time? First, count your blessings. Second, join in and sing along!
Stories, Comics, Resources, and Giant Lists to Help Families Navigate the COVID Crisis
A Google Drive folder chock full of materials to help children and families understand and cope with the current state of affairs!
Resources for Families Living in “Interesting Times”
What a strange few weeks it has been. We have the dubious honor of abiding by the apocryphal old fortune cookie whose wisdom portended, “May you live in interesting times.”
Here’s some resources to get your family through all that interestingness.
The kids are [not] alright: Thoughts on early childhood development, social isolation, and the Coronavirus Crisis
Yes, most assuredly, this experience will affect them. It will most likely, if not definitely, cause developmental setbacks. But, the truth is, our children are going to have developmental setbacks no matter what happens, no matter how hard we try to protect them.
Be prepared! How to make an emotional first aid kit [VIDEO]
Take some time now, when your hair isn’t on fire, to get all your calm-down tools in one bag or basket so that when things heat up, you can help yourself or your loved one get regulated and reconnected.
A DIY Handprint Drip Tray, just in time for the celebrations of light
Make an heirloom menora drip tray! Light the lights. Feel the hope. Watch the wax drippings build up over time as a symbol of our yearly return to this enduring human gesture: the desire to bring ever-more light into the darkest of days, when our weary souls need it most.
When you’re brave enough to take a small child shopping: Mindful tips for before, during, and after the shopping trip
Most outings are adventures for little ones, which is both good and bad news. Simple chores or errands can become massive Arctic expeditions when a small child is in tow. Here are some tried-and-true mindful offerings in service of helping parents everywhere get through their shopping lists more efficiently.
A gift from your mind: A creative meditation for healing and self-regulation
Press play and discover the hidden gifts in your mind. Allow yourself to be delighted, filled with wonder. Accept a gift from a long-lost friend or loved one. Allow that gift to heal the parts of you that are in most need of extra care today.
Dictated, not read: The power of note-taking to help small children move on
Whether you’re dealing with adults or children, the first step in helping someone move on and adopt a cooperative mindset is listening to them until they feel good and listened to.
