The Paths We Choose

This lovely scene is a picture I took of my husband (for 42 years -  today is actually our anniversary) while strolling the grounds of Port Arthur in Tasmania. Such an exotic name, Tasmania, it rolls off the tongue with great grace and satisfaction. We had a delightful weekend there, celebrating our anniversary a bit early a few weeks ago, true love in Tasmania.  Did you ever wonder why the Feuerstein program, Identifying Emotions, does not include "love" as one of the emotions?  Other psychologists also do not include "love" as one of the major emotions.  The reason that Rick and I promote is because love is not a feeling in itself. It can, of course, promote feelings of happiness, its closest relative. However, love is much more than an emotion, but rather it is a commitment, a perfect commitment to an imperfect person. So if you get frustrated with your spouse, hang in there with your perfect commitment that you made, remembering you are both imperfect people. It has certainly been worth it for us for the last 42 fabulous years!

Solitary Confinement

Tasmania is a beautiful island state just south of Victoria, Australia. There was an infamous penal colony here that practiced solitary confinement. This picture shows when I opened the  door and escaped after only 1 minute of a self-imposed sentence.  They thought solitary confinement in utter darkness would be more "humane" than lashings with a cat of nine tails. Hmmmm... amazing it only took a year or so for them to figure out that man was not made to be alone.  We need human interaction to survive. We have been wired to interact.  Feuerstein identified the 3 parameters of human interaction present in all cultures: intentionality - reciprocity, meaning, and transcendence.  I've recently had FIE trainees identify a person in their life who challenged them (with intentionality), and someone who motivated them (brought meaning) and someone who inspired them (helped them bridge into their future).  Not surprisingly, many have named parents, grandparents, coaches, and teachers. What an honor we all have if we wear one of those hats, an opportunity to ensure our charges are not living in "solitary confinement" but interacting with the world on their journey to a bright future.