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“What Do You See?”
Developing a Whole Child through Symbolic Cognition
(Originally written for and posted in Original Thought Metazine)
By Nehprii Amenii
The illustrations in “Memories of the Little Elephant”(www.NehpriiAmenii.
The mental and spiritual process for understanding and deciphering symbolic imagery is very different from th
at used to comprehend the abstract script of English. With the English alphabet, meaning is passively understood through external learning and memorization. We know what each letter is and means because we are taught from an external source that “A is A, B is B” and so forth. It is a passive learning process which only calls upon the usage of the left side of the brain for memorization and usage. It is also a learning method that is stagnant and non-transformative. Although memorization and rational cognition is relevant and required for the understanding of many things, it is not the only form of knowing and must be balanced.
Hence the need for imagery—symbolism—symbolic imagery. Symbolic imagery is processed in a different location of the brain, and requires a different level of participation in order to uncover its meaning. Rather than placing information into the brain, symbolic imagery calls for the information to be drawn out of the mind. Which is the true etymology of the word “education”, to draw out what is within. In simple, the child (and the child within us all) sees the image, and their imagination can now go to work at understanding what they are seeing. As the child shares their imagination, they are being active participants and the authority figure over what they know.
Symbolic cognition is needed for all, but it especially enhances brain performance for the ra
pidly developing minds of our children. When the child is presented with a symbolic image, and then asked, “What do you see?” This very simple question, calls into action brain balance. To be brief, the left-brain is the more linear logical side of the brain. In this society, linear thinking, rational, and logic tends to dominant the learning and developmental process. Well, the brain should too function as balanced as yin-yang. The right brain, which is more intuitive (spiritual), must also be developed. Symbolic imagery does just that. It gives the right brain the opportunity to be exercised, strengthened and utilized. It is only the intuitive (spiritual) mind that can tap into the higher consciousness and insights of all things. The development of both hemispheres creates optimal brain function, teaches your child to see in wholes, and in turn develops a whole child.
Each month Original Thought Magazine will feature an illustration from “Memories of the Little Elephant.” I urge you to sit with your child and ask the question “What do you see?” and listen as they explore and channel their “imaginations.” Have you child write their thoughts or together write their thoughts. In the
following month I will reveal some of the knowledge/thoughts hidden within the illustration posted from the month before, along with the insights from your children, shared by you. (Please email me directly at KhunumProductions@gmail.com with the subject “What do you see?) In addition to the monthly image, for the illustrations where I’m able, I will also include a coloring page for your child’s creative pleasure.
I hope you and your seeds enjoy exploring the mind of the Creator together. And I hope that you take every opportunity possible to exercise the imagination of our children, while affirming their innate intelligence.
With passionate blessings.
Nehprii Amenii
The illustrations in “Memories of the Little Elephant”(www.NehpriiAmenii.
The mental and spiritual process for understanding and deciphering symbolic imagery is very different from th
at used to comprehend the abstract script of English. With the English alphabet, meaning is passively understood through external learning and memorization. We know what each letter is and means because we are taught from an external source that “A is A, B is B” and so forth. It is a passive learning process which only calls upon the usage of the left side of the brain for memorization and usage. It is also a learning method that is stagnant and non-transformative. Although memorization and rational cognition is relevant and required for the understanding of many things, it is not the only form of knowing and must be balanced. Hence the need for imagery—symbolism—symbolic imagery. Symbolic imagery is processed in a different location of the brain, and requires a different level of participation in order to uncover its meaning. Rather than placing information into the brain, symbolic imagery calls for the information to be drawn out of the mind. Which is the true etymology of the word “education”, to draw out what is within. In simple, the child (and the child within us all) sees the image, and their imagination can now go to work at understanding what they are seeing. As the child shares their imagination, they are being active participants and the authority figure over what they know.
Symbolic cognition is needed for all, but it especially enhances brain performance for the ra
pidly developing minds of our children. When the child is presented with a symbolic image, and then asked, “What do you see?” This very simple question, calls into action brain balance. To be brief, the left-brain is the more linear logical side of the brain. In this society, linear thinking, rational, and logic tends to dominant the learning and developmental process. Well, the brain should too function as balanced as yin-yang. The right brain, which is more intuitive (spiritual), must also be developed. Symbolic imagery does just that. It gives the right brain the opportunity to be exercised, strengthened and utilized. It is only the intuitive (spiritual) mind that can tap into the higher consciousness and insights of all things. The development of both hemispheres creates optimal brain function, teaches your child to see in wholes, and in turn develops a whole child.Each month Original Thought Magazine will feature an illustration from “Memories of the Little Elephant.” I urge you to sit with your child and ask the question “What do you see?” and listen as they explore and channel their “imaginations.” Have you child write their thoughts or together write their thoughts. In the
following month I will reveal some of the knowledge/thoughts hidden within the illustration posted from the month before, along with the insights from your children, shared by you. (Please email me directly at KhunumProductions@gmail.com with the subject “What do you see?) In addition to the monthly image, for the illustrations where I’m able, I will also include a coloring page for your child’s creative pleasure. I hope you and your seeds enjoy exploring the mind of the Creator together. And I hope that you take every opportunity possible to exercise the imagination of our children, while affirming their innate intelligence.
With passionate blessings.
Nehprii Amenii
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Together with your child, take a look at the above image. Ask your child "What do you see?" Talk together. Allow them to share their insights. Encourage (and help) them to write their thoughts. Then share email/comment/ share.
I'll publish your child's words in the next month's posting for all read!
Be sure to include their name, age, and your city/ state!
Email Khunum Productions@gmail.com.
I realized that I never got back to you on this. My son and I had a discussion about this picture when you first presented the question. He said that he saw an eye. He called it God's eye. He said the eye was surrounded by water and the night sky. I thought that was beautiful considering I saw a head being birthed. I see the top of the infants head where the bones separate and shift to allow the head to pass through the birth canal. I also see water, like my son did. But I thought of it in the sense of water that surrounds babies in the womb. I see the night sky as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this too! You both are correct! Its the crowing of the head and the khepra (scarab) beetle symbolizing transformation...but the closed lips, open womb, and eye, all have the same shape... water surrounding it all... celestial waters. I'm glad you dropped me these insights. It reminds me to continue this column on the illustrations specifically... Thanks again Newness! :-)
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