Freedom Rhythm E-motion Focused Movement

INTRODUCTION Neurodevelopment: Childhood is the critical time wherein the subconscious mind is the most receptive to programming positive messages to prosper our future generations. We must instill messages that encourage our children to love and support one another, believe in their limitless potential, and fearlessly pursue their dreams. After all, our children are the ones who will determine the fate of our world. The human brain is the most neuroplastic in early childhood. Enhanced neuroplasticity helps us to download all the programs we will need to “get through life,” from interpersonal dynamics to language acquisition. To master a skill as an adult, we must perform it approximately 10,000 times to become proficient at it. However, children only need to perform the skill approximately 5,000 times to achieve the same results. This is because their brains are nearly twice as neuroplastic as the adult brain. When you break down the term neuroplasticity you get “neuro” and “plasticity.” Neuro means brain and plasticity means flexibility. When you combine them you get “brain flexibility.” The term flexibility references the process of learning and memory. As we learn, neurons begin to make connections with one another, as neurons that fire together wire together. These connections are called neural networks. When we practice what we have learned through repetition, the new neural networks become stronger and are encoded into our long-term memory. Throughout childhood, the brain creates programs that dictate how to relate to the world. Special brain cells, called mirror neurons, are responsible for learning through imitation. They play a key role in our interpersonal interactions, helping us to interpret all aspects of emotion, from body language to facial expressions. Mirror neurons contribute significantly to the formation of the programs that often dictate the outcomes of our relationships. In adulthood, the programs that we learned and memorized in childhood play out through our subconscious mind—our autopilot. The average adult spends 95% of their life on autopilot, operating from their subconscious programming. During the critical developmental periods of childhood, we observe the interpersonal exchanges of those we spend the most time with—our primary caregivers and our teachers. Their interactions with us become the relational template we use throughout our life for the good, the bad, and the ugly. These interactions dictate how we view ourselves, others, and the world at large. It is obvious that a parent who is loving, affectionate, consistent, and predictable, and who sets reasonable boundaries to reward good behavior and discourage bad behavior, creates a “secure” attachment with their child. In contrast, a parent who unpredictably doles out love or hostility and interacts in a smothering or withdrawn manner will inadvertently teach their child to attach in an insecure way. Children who have acquired a template for insecure attachment will play out this dysfunctional pattern in their future relationships—and will likely be disappointed with their quality of life, if they do not alter this pattern. Toxic subconscious programming is grounded in toxic thinking and feeling. Toxic thoughts and emotions produce toxic chemicals that flow through our bloodstream, capable of affecting every single cell in our body, including our genetic output. Toxic subconscious programs impact our physical health. Think of it like this: The chemistry of love enhances cell growth and vitality, while the chemistry of fear cancels it and even shuts down our immune system. Thoughts and emotions grounded in love versus fear are different. Both have powerful effects on our physical health—good and bad. But just like anything else, this template can be changed through self-awareness regarding what behaviors are dysfunctional and how to correct them. If we were told that we are worthy and capable, we grow up believing that, and even considering setbacks, we still value ourselves. But if we were told that we are worthless, unintelligent, hopeless, and incapable, we grow up believing that too, and setbacks further validate those lies. Our comfort zone becomes the relationship patterns that we know best—even if they are bad for us. When we lack awareness of our behaviors, we engage our subconscious mind. Unbeknownst to us, we may be trying to have a corrective emotional experience with our parent through our spouse as we project the past unresolved pain onto our current relationships; some may call this the generational curse. Sadly, the most oppressive lies programmed into the subconscious mind of a child are derivatives of the belief “I am not enough.” This becomes the subconscious programming they will run in their adulthood. You see, each of us possesses a talent or a gift that allows us to fully express ourselves. It could be painting, performing, athleticism, crafting, building, and the list goes on. I call this gifting our flow zone because it comes naturally to us, helping us to express ourselves in our most authentic way. However, if we believe we are “not enough,” we subconsciously limit ourselves, hindering our ability to become and create to our fullest potential. As an educator, you are like a neurosurgeon who will go into your students’ minds to deprogram this false notion, and reprogram the truth: “I am more than enough.” In fact, “I am courageous. I am brilliant. I am creative. I am capable. I am powerful. I am compassionate. I will make this world a better place with my unique gifts.” As an adult, maybe you have some homework yourself, and that homework is to deprogram your limiting self-beliefs. You are one of the greatest influencers in a child’s life. You have the power to significantly contribute to the creation and formation of their subconscious programs. When you teach mindfulness through visualization, bilateral stimulation, and deep breathing, you are teaching a child how to conquer any life situation that comes their way. When you reinforce positive self-affirmations, you are teaching a child how to believe in themselves to make powerful and positive change in their lives and the lives of others. When you applaud their creativity, you are nurturing creators who have confidence to create in a way that will elevate the world. When you teach them movement skills, you empower their mind through use of the greatest instrument they will ever encounter. When you teach them to move together, you teach them how to live harmoniously and compassionately, as we are all energetically connected. When you grant them an opportunity to perform, you teach them that they are limitless and more than capable of making their dreams a reality.