Archive for the ‘Learning Difficulties’ Category

Hi Dr. Meek,

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But, how exactly do we keep our brains sharp?

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Arrowsmith Program, 245 St Clair Ave W., Toronto, Ontario M4V 1R3, Canada, +1 416 963-4962

Bonnie Terry Learning’s
Wonderful Weekly Tip

Hi Doc!
This week’s tip is about what causes problems with spelling.

Many children and even adults have problems with spelling.

Spell check can often only get you so far.

Sometimes spell check cannot even tell what word you are trying to spell.

You may have even written a word that is a word but not the word you intended to write.

Poor spelling abilities can lead to a lack of confidence and poor performance at school.

Spelling and reading are interconnected, so one step in improving reading skills is to improve your spelling skills.

This is the reason why we include spelling instruction in our reading and spelling program. We teach spelling through spelling patterns.

So what are the primary areas of auditory and visual processing that affect spelling problems?

Head over to Bonnie Terry’s blog post to learn more.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2343374.The_Tyranny_of_Words

Dear Reader,

I have been very interested in words since I was a very young child. One of my all-time favorite books on word usage is Korzybski’s “Science and Sanity.”

I was asked to comment on another book:

Stuart Chase’s “The Tyranny of Words.” Maybe this is because I have tended to write and speak of the positive power of words, not the negative power of words.

I remember reading in the Bible:

“Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing…. these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).

Assuredly.

Sincerely,

Doc Meek, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, June 2, 2021

The pen is mightier than the sword – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › The_pen_is_mightier_…
“The pen is mightier than the sword” is a metonymic adage, penned by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839, indicating that communication (particularly written language), or in some interpretations, administrative power or advocacy of an independent press, is a more effective tool than direct violence.

• Doc Meek, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, April 28, 2021

As a learning specialist, I have known for decades that too many vaccinations can cause serious harm, even brain damage, to babies and children.

When I tell Moms about serious potential harm, they do not find it easy to listen to me.

It isn’t the original concept of a single vaccination for one disease that causes the harm. The harm is caused by hazardous additives such as the preservatives mercury and formaldehyde and such as the adjuvant aluminum. All of these additives present the danger of brain damage, especially to young developing brains.

Plus a combined vaccination for more than one disease in a single shot can overstress the small develping body and brain, causing serious harm.

For documented proof that what I have been saying is true, copy the link below and paste into your browser search line/box (if that doesn’t work, and you get a black screen, click on the “Learn More” where it says that the video is unavailable).

“YOUR Children. YOUR Choice.” video link (copy/paste into browser line):

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2325821697679985

– Video posted on Facebook by GreenMedInfo

J Collins Meek PhD
Learning Specialist
August 22, 2019

The Art of Reframing

Mandy was a young adult who had been working for her company full-time for several years. But under new management, Mandy was moved from full-time hours to part-time work. At first, she was angry about the change.

Then a friend challenged her to look at what this would add to her life. Mandy was delighted to discover it meant more time. She’d always wanted to go back to college and finish her education.

Her employer even had a program that helped those working toward their degrees so not only was Mandy able to go to college, she did so at a reduced cost. By thinking it through, Mandy reframed a negative situation and created something positive from it.

What Is Reframing?

Have you ever noticed how putting a favorite photo, picture, or painting in a new frame can bring out certain colors in the piece? The right frame can give it a whole new look, and even change the overall energy or style of the room where it’s displayed.

The same is true for your attitude in life. You can’t always control what circumstances happen to you or what actions other people take that impact you. But you can control your attitude and adjust it so that you can turn every situation into a beautiful advantage.

Why Does Reframing Matter?

Reframing allows you to take back your power. When you’re not focused on actively reframing situations through a positive attitude, you can become a victim in your own life story. But with reframing, you shift from the victim to the one in the driver’s seat.

It’s true you don’t always get a choice in what happens to you, but you do get to choose which lens you view your life through. If you want to, you can choose to view it from a positive standpoint and look for the good. This can open up new opportunities and show you possibilities that you may have only dreamed of before.

What Situations Do You Need to Reframe?

It’s time to take a hard look at your life—both personally and professionally. What’s going on that you’ve been dragging a negative attitude into? Where have you been accepting an outlook of discouragement and defeat?

If you’re struggling to know which situations you need to reframe, think about the ones that you keep bringing up to your friends. Every time you get together with a social group, or when you call your best friend, this is what you complain about. You analyze it repeatedly, pointing out how you were wronged. Maybe you were maligned. Maybe you did deserve better. Maybe they really were out to get you.

But the deeper question here is: are you going to let these situations define you or are you going to find a way to reframe and rise above them? Because the truth is you can let yourself be a whiner or a warrior—it’s all in how you frame it. End of story.

Doc Meek thanks the generous contributors of this article:

Kelly, Sam, & Avery
White Label Perks
https://www.whitelabelperks.com

“Everyone” frequently reminds us that the movement of the body is essential for good health. We interpret this to mean exercise and we often shy away from “exercise” as it is not engaging for us.

Guess what?

Dancing gives us great body movement and it can be very engaging!

– Doc Meek, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, March 11, 2019

P.S. Here is Marijo Moore, reminding us that dance can be for “everyone”:

“To dance is to pray,

to pray is to heal,

to heal is to give,

to give is to live,

to live is to dance.”

—MariJo Moore

Why We Dance

Calling people legitimately concerned about mercury in vaccines, “mercuries” is a sneaky way of saying that their valid opinions don’t count.

Referring to someone as a “conspiracy theorist” is a sneaky way of saying that their valid observations are not valid.

 

My favorite saying (posted on the back of the door to the office of a director of a computing center):

“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you.”

• Doc Meek, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, Jan 30, 2019

 

I’ve been MIA (“missing in action”) far too long!

Kelly and Sam have generously provided a great guest article for today about

subtle psychology and subtle behavior.

 

 

What Is

Passive

Aggressive

Behavior?

 

Open hostility is usually easy to spot. It’s the parent that belittles you,

the friend who insults you, or the significant other who constantly

criticizes your decisions.

But there’s another type of hostility that can creep into relationships:

Passive aggression. With passive aggression, the focus is still on

tearing you down though the other person is more subtle about it.

Here are a few examples of passive aggressive behavior that you

may encounter…

Backhanded Compliments

Amelia, a virtual assistant, attended a marketing conference several

years ago. While she was there, she met Victoria. Victoria got along

well with Amelia and her group of friends. Although Amelia never

got the feeling that Victoria didn’t like her, she did pick up on some

backhanded compliments.

Victoria would say things like, “I don’t know how you find the time

to run a successful business. I wish I was as relaxed about all the chaos

in your business.” On the surface, these statements may sound like

compliments. But probe a little deeper and you’ll hear what Victoria

was really saying. “I don’t understand why you’re successful. You’re

so disorganized in your life and business.”

Sullen Behavior

When Zoey was moving from her apartment to the home she would

be sharing with her new husband, she asked her sister, Natalie, to help

her move. Natalie showed up two hours late with no apologies or

explanations.

Then she spent the entire time complaining to Zoey. The boxes were

too heavy, the task was taking too long, and the day was too muggy.

Whenever Zoey tried to lighten the mood with a funny story or casual

joke, Natalie just rolled her eyes. While Natalie may have agreed to help

Zoey, it was clear from her behavior that she really didn’t want to.

Passive aggressive behavior is often the result of someone saying “Yes”

when they really meant “No”.

Quiet Sabotage

Haley and her friend Ruby decided to lose weight together. For the first

few weeks, both women saw results. But as time went on, Ruby had a

few setbacks while Haley continued to lose pounds and inches.

Ruby started saying things to her friend like, “I think you’re pushing

too hard. Just take it easy for a few weeks. One cheeseburger isn’t going

to set you back.” Sometimes, friends try to quietly sabotage each other.

This could be due to jealousy (they want what you have) or fear (they

don’t think they’ll achieve the same results) or insecurity (they worry

they’ll lose you).

Open hostility may be easier to take in some ways because you don’t

doubt the other person’s intentions. But keep in mind that passive

aggressive behavior carries the same message. The only difference is

a more subtle delivery.

CTA: Learn how to recognize passive aggressive behavior

when you download your free workbook from Kelly and Sam!

Kelly & Sam @ White Label Perks kellyandsam@whitelabelperks.com whitelabelperks.com

Thank you, Kelly and Sam, for the great work that you do!

Doc Meek, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA, Oct 13, 2018

Today I’m delighted to welcome Erica Francis, who is providing a valuable guest article for us. – Doc Meek

5 Ideas for Boosting Your Creative Side

Photo credit: Unsplash

Getting yourself out of a creative rut can be an exhausting endeavor. Maybe you’re stuck on a design or plan for work and can’t seem to make any progress on it, or maybe you want to start a new project but are struggling to find any inspiration. Don’t force the creativity, but instead, try a few of these tips to get the juices flowing again.

Get moving

Physical exercise is actually very helpful in encouraging creativity. The brain creates new neurons in the brain’s memory center while we’re engaged in physical activity and can stimulate new thought patterns. Simply put, it helps your brain clear out the clutter and get a better perspective. Go for a run, swim, bike ride, or jog to clear your head and burn off some steam. At the very least, take a brisk walk.

Get outside

Many people don’t realize that nature can be incredibly healing—even just being around it can ease stress and increase your overall wellbeing. Find a comfortable, scenic spot somewhere near your home or office that you can escape to when you’re in need of a break. Often the mere change of scenery can give you new perspective. Take a moment to step outside, breathe deeply, and clear your head. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of nature. If possible, take regular breaks like this as often as you can to get nature boosts throughout your busy week.

Look to the past

Sometimes answers for the present can be found in the past, and you never know when your project could benefit from going a little retro. Try looking at completed projects, favorite pieces of art you’ve completed, or the objects that inspired you to create those works in the first place. Was it a technique you adapted to your own needs? An idea? You can even look back at decades-old works of art, advertisements, or even architectural designs and see what ideas you may discover.

Focus on a fun challenge

It’s more than possible that what your brain really needs is a bit of a break, but you also don’t want to lose momentum. Find the happy medium by playing a quick game of cards or do a puzzle like sudoku, a crossword, or a word search. Taking on a low-pressure challenge can ease your tension, but you’ll still be getting mental exercise that can help you work out the problem. You won’t lose the pace you’ve been working at, and you might not even have to play an entire match or finish the puzzle before you’ve found a new perspective.

Avoid drugs and alcohol

Many legendary writers and artists abused drugs and alcohol. As a result, a lot of people believe that substances like drugs and alcohol can enhance creativity. Don’t give in to this myth. Your best ideas will come to you when you’re well-rested and clear-minded. Abusing drugs and alcohol will only lead to problems down the road that could seriously derail your creative pursuits. If you think you may have an addiction, get help right away.

Try something completely new

It’s been shown that students who study abroad tend to be more creative problem solvers because they get exposure to foreign cultures, customs, and practices. But the truth is, you don’t have to go abroad to reap these kinds of benefits! Throwing yourself out of your comfort zone is the quickest way to get a new perspective, so find an easy way to broaden your horizons. Even going for a walk at the local Korean market or heading to the Italian sandwich shop for lunch can stimulate new sights, smells, and sounds that could generate new ideas. If you can’t travel too far, reflect on an exotic place you’ve been to, or look up photos and videos of locations you hope to visit someday.

Hitting a creative block is frustrating, but it can be easier to overcome if you have a strategy. Figure out which of these ideas works best for you, and adapt them as you need to. Soon you’ll be able to power right past those pesky creative blocks!

Author: Erica Francis

Thank you, Erica!

I’ve often said that one of the best problem-busters is DSD!

DSD = Do Something Different

Doc Meek, South Jordan, Utah,USA, April 26, 2017