Observations, Questions and Comments of a Mad Pregnant Woman

Hello All, I have been absent for sometime from the blog. As many of you know, I am expecting my first child in January. This has left me forming many new loops in my brain as I accommodate for this important change in my life. All this change has left me with so many PCT thoughts and questions that it is hard to put them into words.

First, I have found it interesting rediscovering myself as hormones course through my body. For most of my adult life, I have a reference at my principles level that I want to be a peace maker. This series of loops usually has me compromising and maintaining calm, sometimes to my detriment. However, it is important to me to be this person, so when in conflict, I find myself "bumping it up" to this loop. Recently, though, I had a couple friends tell me that I seem to be a little feistier than usual. After reflection, I would have to say they are correct. I still do try to be the peace maker, but when that doesn't seem to work I go into "Feisty Girl" mode. Everyone says that it is the hormones. My question is how, in terms of PCT do the hormones effect the brain chemistry and therefore which loops/levels I operate on?

Another mind blowing thought has been centered on the loops that my child is forming while growing in the womb. I never thought about this before, but as I read about the development of a baby in-utero I am amazed at the loops that are already forming. We usually combine the lowest levels into one category, called, Sensory. Already my child can distinguish light from dark, she can taste, hear, and touch (as evident by all the kicking around I am experiencing). I just find it amazing and how necessary it is for her survival to start these before coming into the world. I then wonder, is she forming categories from these senses as her brain develops? What about sequences? We know that babies in the womb test their movements; they can "play" with the umbilical cord, and other things with their limbs. Don't they need sequences to perform these actions? It was always a wonder to me that we have proven that by a child is 2 years of age, they have (in some form), all the different levels of perception in place. Of course my thoughts were that everything started outside the womb. From the perspective that forming loops starts even before a child enters the world, I can see how this miracle is accomplished.

"Shift" Happens

When faced with shaking your comfort zone & moving into the unknown - or at least the fog - it is reassuring and rewarding to witness when positive "shift" occurs in people around you. This week I witnessed such a positive internal realignment on the part of two co-workers.

One is an ACT III trained career teacher who was "reassigned" to the role of a Primary Reading Teacher (not the lead teacher role she has known for the past 12 years). The initial 'erk' was big and hard to swallow for this very caring and sensitive teacher. Using what she knows about Control Theory & the Loop, the adjustments made and ability to change her reference. Her reference shift & attitiude was "this is going to give me the opportunity to interact with and help more students with far less stress". Choosing a positive approach has eased her initial pain.

The second teacher is not ACT trained, but clearly understands the fundamental concepts of self-evaluation & redirection. School has been in session for only one week; the room is set and bulletin boards & instructional goals are in place... UNTIL... On Thursday afternoon this career teacher was presented with a wonderful yet "status" shattering opportunity. Her room will soon be transformed into the technological classroom of the 21st Century. Talk about upsetting the applecart - new tools, new techniques, new room arrangement, new instructional direction. Most would have a "hissy-fit" and question "Why now, why this; I'm already set & prepared?". Amazingly just the opposite occurred. In our conversation - just after the classroom visit - the response was "You know, I'm thinking this is going to work. This is going to be a good thing for the kids; we can do it!" What a positive shift in thinking again choosing to seek a new reference.

What amazing strength and insight on the part of both these ladies who when looking into the the eyes of the evil "change monster" faced with an unbelievable challenge and to seek a new reference midstream. It's wonderful to see someone "bump it up" to a higher level to resolve a conflict at a lower level. Understanding how to deal & react in such situations is healthy.