You are More than What You Feel
Amy Guttmann
Occupational Therapist Driving Wellness Through Neuroscience and Burnout Prevention I Founder and CEO of Hands On Approaches I Creator of Transcend?? Community
We are not defined by our emotions. We experience things through our emotions, but we are not defined by them.
You are not your sadness.
Or happiness. Or anger. Or doubt.
You are also not your trauma.
Or successes. Or failures. Or luck.
You are more than you know.
You have no idea of your power until you fully accept that your limitations, emotions, and perceptions are just a small glimpse of you discovering your pure essence.
- Amy and Evelyn Guttmann
This message ?? was shared on many of our social media platforms this past month, before the events that took place recently in the world. How opportune to remember that what we are feeling is sometimes just a response of a time period with the effects on our mind and psyche that can always be reframed and understood on a deeper level. Let this be a reminder that healing is possible within our physiology, body, minds, and spirit.
Transcend?? recap:
This past Monday, we did a learning for our Transcend?? members on "Brain Based Communication." Here's a recap on some key components of learning how to communicate based on another person's physiology and neural development.
(Disclaimer: We used the example of a child but these components impact us in ALL of our relationships - from our employees, spouses, and friends and can be transferred in each situation. )
Brain Base Behavior is dependent on:
Neurocommunication:
Understanding what systems of learning, whether visual, auditory, kinesthetic, proprioceptive, or movement-based is key for understanding and consolidation.
Practical Example: When explaining a new concept or giving instructions to a child, incorporating simple physical movements while teaching them can allow them to pick up on the concepts. Break down complex ideas into smaller, digestible parts to accommodate their cognitive development and attention span.
Emotions and Communication:
Realizing that for many of us, we are physiologically set at a 'lower' brainstem level, primarily existing in a fight or flight response or hyper/hyposensitivity to our 8 sensory systems. These environmental responses impact our emotional regulation which impacts our ability to comprehend.
Practical Example: Acknowledge and validate a child's emotions when they express themselves. For instance, if a child is upset about not getting their favorite toy, say, "I understand you're feeling sad because you wanted that toy. It's okay to feel that way. Let's talk about it."
Cognitive Load:
Based on our brain dominance, the amount of cognitive load that we can handle and the way we are spoken to or shown information impacts our ability to process that information. Identifying the brain dominance of whom we are speaking to can help us identify the HOW in relaying information.
Practical Example: For a child with left brain dominance, keep communication with children clear and straightforward. Use visuals or props when explaining ideas to reduce cognitive load. For example, when teaching them about colors, show them objects of different colors while naming them.
Storytelling and non-verbal communication:
For individuals who are oppositional, behavioral, or impulsive, the distance of storytelling can be quite powerful in influencing their ability to change, adapt, and accept criticism. The non-verbal communication they mirror during your share is a way to understand which points resonate in their identification of self-improvement.
Practical Example: Storytelling can be an effective way to engage children. Create imaginative and age-appropriate stories to teach moral lessons or convey information. Using opportune times when they are not on guard will allow them to learn in a way that is more engaging and friendly. Pay attention to their non-verbal cues while interacting with them.
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To be part of our Transcend?? community and delve deeper into these topics and learnings on neuroscience and self-growth, feel free to join our waitlist . (We open the membership once a year.)
Coming Up. . .
If we don't have self-regulation, we don't have self-control. We are getting deep at a NEW time!
Finally! How To Gain Control of Your Body and Your Emotions, Even Under Stress. A Simple Way For You To Be Calm and Peace Throughout Your Day.
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About Amy and Evelyn Guttmann
Amy and Evelyn Guttmann are expert neurodevelopmental clinicians and sought-after speakers. They have evaluated over 12K children and have a rating of 9.7/10 for their learning experiences. They run Hands on OT Rehab , a private clinic in Brooklyn, NY focused on treating children with anxiety and processing delays, and Hands on Approaches , a continuing education provider for mental health therapists and professionals accredited by AOTA, APTA, ASHA, and the NYS Board of Education. Amy and Evelyn are the founders of H.O.P.E Foundation , a non-profit supporting parents and the community in preventing anxiety and getting the support they need for their children.
Amy and Evelyn have been providing professional development since 2018 to organizations looking to boost employee well-being, performance, and retention, leveraging neuroscience and occupational therapy to create positive, thriving cultures.