“Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” – Wayne Dyer
I turned 40 this past week and had a fantastic time stepping into a new decade of life. I feel like I have a clean slate and have enjoyed celebrating with all the wonderful friends and family that I know and love. I have also learned a few things about inclusion from this week of parties. I have noticed that when everyone is laughing, singing, and eating delicious food, it is easy to get along.
I was blessed to have one of my former students, Joseph Glickman, stop by my home with his parents, Neil and Maria. We started working together when he was in kindergarten. I was in my first year with Culver City Unified School District at the time. Joseph is now in middle school. As he prepares to enter 7th grade he has become an avid gardener, a successful runner, and has developed an interest in maps to go with his lifelong interest in weather related topics. He is a friendly young man who enjoys spending time with others. To see Joseph smiling and interacting with family and friends at my party was amazing.
It is important to create a sense of unity so that we can successfully move through the challenges that come with living and learning together. In the classroom I have found that it is helpful to bring music, fun, and a sense of family to my students. By approaching education this way it is easier to encourage cooperation, communication, and collaboration. This approach has worked so well in my classroom that I decided to play “If You’re Happy and You Know It” at my 40th birthday party. All the adults clapping, stomping, and shouting, “Hooray!”, was something to see. It was confirmation that we all want to celebrate life. When we do, it brings out the best in everyone.
Understanding and acceptance are key ingredients to opening up to a more inclusive reality. My friend Lori Shayew, founder of the Gifts of Autism, refers to it as being a bridge between two different perspectives. In her work with families she teaches her clients how to be more understanding of their children and themselves, to accept themselves and their children for who they are, and to honor the gifts that they each bring to the table. In doing so, we create trust and it is easier to provide guidance to our children when they need it. I do my best to apply this same philosophy with my students in the school district, as well as my own son. Sometimes it takes a conscious decision on my part to let go of my compulsive need to be right, so that a new understanding can emerge. This state of mind when I am receptive to inspiration and new ideas is what I refer to as tapping into genius.
Take a moment to consider ways that you can make the things you do into a celebration of life. It can be as simple as saying a kind word or gesture to a client or co-worker. It might mean also mean taking the time to sit and appreciate the value of what you do and who you are. These types of activities open us up to new possibilities. From this inclusive state of mind life flows along more smoothly and it is easier to see that we are all in this together.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, live each week, Wednesdays at 3 pm on www.UnityOnlineRadio.org. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting guide.
