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Gayle Newbolt's avatar

This was a beautiful contemplation to start the year, thank you! I look forward to the rest of this series!

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Bo Forbes's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Gayle. It's helpful to know when a tiny departure from the regular format resonates.

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June Manala's avatar

Bo, as usual, you are generous in sharing invaluable information, that sadly, does not filter down to the masses where it is required. My response to your article is, that I wish interoception is "taught" to pregnant mothers/caregivers (I am aware that some people have this natural/nurtured capacity) so they can impart it to their infants, and young children. School curricula also come to mind. Imagine how that would be through childhood, for future adult citizens of the world and indeed throughout their entire lifespan to have this understanding and practices wired into them very early on in life.

Today, unlike other times, I took the time to digest the suggested structure for check-in. I wrote it down according to "steps" Body, Breath, Mind, Story including where, how etc" while noticing my embodied experience throughout the task. The practice felt so integrated and by the time I reached the narrative/story and recognition of ruminating, the form it takes for me, I felt an involuntary natural out-breath that settled my body.

Meaningful New Year gift, thanks, Bo.

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Bo Forbes's avatar

Hi June! Thanks for taking the time to comment. This reminds me of the way you resonated with the structure of the layered check-in we talked about in August, which you've creatively made your own. I love how you did that. You're right about the importance of learning this when we're young (as you have pointed out, it's natural for kids, too). As it happens, the Australian school system has an interoception program that they've introduced into elementary schools with great results! And you might be the ideal person to implement this with pregnant mothers and with children in Johannesburg. I can't think of a better person to do so. Happy 2025!

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June Manala's avatar

Very interesting , and not surprising can you inbox article from Australia if available.,

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Bo Forbes's avatar

Hi June, Here are some links among many (if you google "interoception australia there are quite a few!). You may have to cut and paste from this comment to view the pdfs:

-https://www.education.sa.gov.au/schools-and-educators/curriculum-and-teaching/curriculum-programs/applying-interoception-skills-classroom

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.education.sa.gov.au/docs/support-and-inclusion/engagement-and-wellbeing/ready-to-learn-interoception-kit.pdf

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://sies.sa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Interoception-101_March-2019.pdf

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/1182353/Publication-Thriving-at-School-how-interoception-is-helping-children-and-young-people-engage-in-learning-everyday.pdf

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