This week Awesome Stories brings you integrated art, joyful commutes, happiness clubs, purposeful comics and acceptance.
Integrated Art
Schools around the country are experimenting with art as a creative way to teach other subjects. The arts (dance, visual and drama) are being used creatively to engage students rather than being a stand-alone subject. By using multiple senses and movement, the learning is embodied, reaching more students, especially ones who don’t do well with traditional book learning. Teachers in Westlawn Elementary in Fairfax County, VA (where I grew up!) are using art to help teach kindergarten students math. Early feedback shows the children learning math quicker and easier. I’m delighted to see this program coming to public schools. It’s been used in Montessori and Waldorf schools for years!
The Art of Acceptance
I’m sure most of us have heard of the idea to not take what others say and do personally. Of course, it’s much easier to say than do when someone is making hurtful comments or lashing out in pain. I like the way Dr. Shemsi Prinzivalli explains the fine art of taking no offense. And he makes a great point that we don’t have to point out their suffering or give advice. We can simply listen, accept, say thank you and move on. When we aren’t attached, there is nothing to hook us. Here’s my take on accepting and flowing with life.
Joyful Commute
Riders on this Copenhagen Metro were treated to a performance by the Copenhagen Philharmonic. Watch how the passengers open and blossom while listening to this delightful performance. That’s my idea of a fun commute!
Comics for Refugees
The International Medial Corps has created a series of comic books to help refugee children deal with displacement. This seems like a caring and creative way to help the children learn about topics like health, safety and well-being. The books were written by International Medical Corps staff and illustrated by Syrian comic book artist Diala Brisly. The comics include education messages for Syrian and Iraqi children, written within a story the children can relate to.
Happiness Clubs
Colleges around the country are forming clubs to promote the spread of happiness. It’s a great solution to the stresses of college life. Two of the schools leading the way with clubs like Northwestern’s Happiness Club and Standford’s Happiness Collective. Standford’s group has creative programs like kindness fairs, hug booths and other self-care habits. I love that these programs are helping to balance the typical focus on achievement above all else with the understanding that happy people are healthier and more productive. Plus kindness has it’s own rewards! 🙂
May we find peace and happiness in accepting ourselves and others as they are. Blessings, Brad
That Happiness Club sounds like a pretty good idea!
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Agreed Annette. Maybe as standard curriculum!
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And the hits just keep on a comin’! Another assortoment of goodies, dear Brad! 🙂 ❤
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lol, I’m glad my stories are winners in your eyes. Thank you Natalie. ❤
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👍😘
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Much food for thought, here. I like the idea of not allowing myself to be offended by others’ actions/reactions.
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Another worthy aspiration for me too. We can practice here on WP, although no-one seems to make hurtful comments. 🙂
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How I would love to have been on that train!!! How awesome!!!
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Me too and we were by watching and sharing the joy!
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Yes! Yes! And finally, Yes!
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The stories touched my heart..and the joyful of commune is fantastic idea – it makes me smile!
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Wonderful Indah! I’m glad the stories and the joy of that video touched you. Wouldn’t that be a great commute?! 🙂
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It will be super fun! 🙂
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I wish this would happen on my subway commutes. Would be a big change from the foul language and fights that normally occur. Send them to New York City!
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I agree. It would bring a lot of joy and connection to the world. 🙂
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As always, great positive articles!!! Love the integration of art into other subjects…from my perspective that’s a big “Duh!!” Art was more integrated where and when I went to school (yes that was a place and time far, far away)….was so disappointed raising our girls how it had been put to the back burner…thanks for sharing!!
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I’m glad you had a more integrated art experience. I know Waldorf schools use that approach. Do you teach art too?
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Believe it or not, it was just part of the normal curriculum to integrate it…I remember discussions around how math and art complement each other…
To answer your question…no I do not teach art…just try and create:)
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Sounds like a good school. And your art is just fine! 🙂
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Awesome Video Brad.. the look on those peoples faces.. Music is the Vibration of LIFE.. 🙂 and loved that baby near the end. 🙂
So enjoyed my friend .. thank you x
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Yes, that would be an awesome commute! Keep on smiling and shining my friend. 🙂
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