I have been immersed in research as I develop the theoretical construct of the book I am still in the process of writing. When I made this commitment to write this book, I never imagined what level of commitment I was making. If I had known both the delight and the burden it would be, I might not have agreed. But I am glad I was so naive, hopefully I was a wise fool, my favorite kind, for if this book brings my readers even a small portion of what it has engendered in me, well I will be so grateful. Which brings me to my exploration for today in this book excerpt.From: THE FIRST IDEA: HOW SYMBOLS, LANGUAGE AND INTELLIGENCE EVOLVED FROM OUR PRIMATE ANCESTORS TO MODERN HUMANS: Greenspan and Shanker Da Capo Press
“Creating a Family: At each stage of a child’s development there is an opportunity for caregivers to over identify, pull away, or empathize with a balance of caring , understanding and guidance. Meeting this challenge can significantly expand , deepen and ripen ones reflective skills and sense of self. At each stage of a child’s life it enable one to rework issues in one’s own development, as well as construct new empathetic capacities at a level of intimacy and depth , perhaps not attained another relationship. On the other hand it can make a person pull back wall off parts of the , and become fragmented. As with all new demands and challenges, there is the risk that thinking will become concrete, narrow, or rigid when challenges are great. ”
As a parent myself, a former child therapist and a clinician for many parents, I live this experience moment to moment. As an artist and a writer I also have this on going meeting with the self. Each requires that I heroically challenge myself and just as heroically surrender over and over again.