Studio's Window
The heart of creativity and curiosity in early childhood
Monday, April 24, 2023
Finding & Sharing the Piece
At Studio we find art in our environment involves remembering that there are multitudes of objects and pieces of nature surrounding us, and that there are also those special pieces that belong to us and have meaning and story.
When we discover these pieces anew and share them with our children, our imaginations and senses are reopened. Our memories are ignited. This is especially true within our homes where we keep these objects of our lives that we cherish enough to preserve. Showing our children these objects allows us to connect with them on levels that deepen our relationships. They know us more fully through hearing the stories behind the meanings of these pieces.
Sharing the objects and mementos in our lives that hold special meaning allows our children to build empathy. Having an extra level of understanding of the origins of another person’s experiences and emotions in relationship to the things that they possess allows us to care more and feel closer to them.
Our children are eager to know us, particularly us in the center of our own sharing and happiness, as it is infectious and contributes to a positive self-esteem. The child intuits when we are present and alive in our transmission. They then feel more themselves, in the fullness of our interconnectivity.
Think of your object and story – from what time and place in your life does it originate? How did it form or impress you with significance beyond other pieces? Whether it be a book, rock, shell, piece of jewelry, photograph, or piece of music, its meaning grows as you share about it.
What you decide to share of this piece, and how your represent your experience, may be passed down through you to your child to their children--it will become a legacy. The words and descriptions you use to conjure the moments that accompanied the object will become a part of your child's family and home concept. As well, integrating people or places with which your children are familiar will build a monument of memory connecting them with other locations and individuals.
Ways to find the piece:
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See the pieces within your home, those displayed and those that are put away, as treasures with stories.
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Select a piece and hold it, observe it, and remember the depth of its meaning to you.
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Recall the events through which it came into your possession – where were you, who was with you, was there an adventure involved? Did someone pass it on, and/or was this object searched for or found?
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If the piece is art or music, when were you first introduced to it and what did it make you feel? How old were you, and what did you know of it then that has grown and developed in terms of what you know of it now?
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Why is it important that the piece remain a part of your life now? Does it give you a sense of comfort, humor, hope, or luck?
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As you find these answers and reflections, consider the age of your child and what you would most like to convey through sharing with them.
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How do you want your child to perceive the object and its importance?
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Is there someone else who is a part of the piece's story that they’ll know more through this type of sharing?
Ways to share with your child:
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Introduce the piece by telling your child that you have something special to share with them.
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Be clear about why the piece is special. If it is music, sit and listen to it with them. Ask them how the music makes them feel.
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Ask them what they see about the piece.
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Ask them if they have any questions about what has been shared.
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Let them know why you keep the piece in a special place.
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Ask them if they have any special pieces in their life that they would like to share.
Ask them to share with you...
Your children will also feel greatly respected by your acknowledgment of the pieces in their life to which they hold great attachment. Try to know that favorite book, the names of their dolls and action figures, the music to which they are most listening, or their favorite place in the park. Referencing these precious parts of their life, allowing them to know that you know, makes them feel a great sense of care.
Why Engage This Practice?
Understanding that we are surrounded by pieces and experiences past and present that give our lives deeper meaning reminds us of how much has actually occurred in our lives. Invoking this practice of remembering, holding, and sharing extends our gratitude for how much our life has held, how special we are, and how much we have to share with our children that is valuable.
Get ready for the magic, strength, and connection this practice will inspire
all around.
Use this opportunity to think of other areas of life that are important to you and your family but are unconsciously forgotten in the busyness of life. What pieces can you openly put forth on a mantel, table, or display that will inspire a reconnection with family passions and interests that were left behind?
Share about Studio!