Theme for December: Anticipation

Hello Mindful Synergy Guides!

I hope that your American Thanksgiving will be peaceful, restful, and enjoyable. Somehow, I missed how we suddenly went from August to now December! How did that happen?

For November, we focused on "giving thanks," and supported students and those on the autism spectrum to think about and use the habit of saying "thank you," when you receive something from someone. Please continue this practice, as it will take them further than you may realize, with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and strangers.

We now move our attention to giving and receiving but highlighting the excitement JUST before one opens the gift! So get all of your creative juices flowing on the creation of holiday gifts for others... while focusing on a new foundational objective that is near and dear to my heart.

The foundational objective I would like for you to highlight for your student or child is the anticipation element of giving and receiving gifts. Waiting is one of the hardest skills for children to learn and one of the most exciting when there is a potentially pleasurable outcome! I think about that moment when holding a child's hand and you are looking at one another, about to see what is behind that door or in that box or what will happen when you touch that or jump off that.... that back and forth anticipatory engagement look is precious!  And so rarely enjoyed for and with a child with autism.

Across your day, choose moments when you can draw out (highlight) the moment of anticipation. When you are about to open that door, pause and connect with your child or student... gaze to one another to share the anticipation (NOT to have them mechanically request "open, please)....enjoy that moment with your child, even if brief. You can name that feeling if you'd like: "exciting," or "curious," if appropriate to your child's/student's level of communication.

Then when you are creating or choosing gifts for others, wrap them up and when you give them... do the same highlight on that excitement, curiosity, and anticipation of the other person opening the item. When receiving, take just a little longer to enjoy the moment of anticipation instead of tearing into that paper and wrapping.... to enjoy and savor that gorgeous moment of anticipation.

Happy giving. Happy receiving. Happy moments of anticipation.

Barb