“In our daily life, conscious experience, what we become aware of, and the very nature of our consciousness, manifests itself in many different ways. When we allow these different aspects of awareness to be appreciated with their unique qualities, and then connect them by systematically focusing attention on each one within awareness, we develop a more coherent perception of ourselves. This is what I mean when I speak of integrated knowledge ".
This is a phrase copied verbatim from the book "Brain Storm (The Power and Purpose of the Teen Brain"), written by Professor of Clinical Psychiatry Daniel J. Siegel. Not chosen at random, but it serves as a basis for introducing one of the 'mindsight' tools, a term coined by the author, which describes our ability to perceive our own mind and that of others. If we manage to develop it, we better understand our inner life and it allows us to integrate the brain. This may all seem a bit complicated to you, but it has a purpose: the tool I'm talking about is the 'Wheel of Consciousness'.
The WHEEL exercise serves to explore one's inner life and helps to integrate consciousness in adolescents; It is a technique endorsed by Siegel colleagues, and it has therapeutic applications; but also it can be tried at home, like when they are little and we teach them relaxation techniques.
It has positive effects on the way you regulate your emotions, and helps develop a clear mind, following the steps proposed in the book (here an online version, although I recommend buying it), we will facilitate the exploration of the 'inland sea (which sometimes seems rough). Combine controlled breaths with the visualization of the elements that are metaphorically part of the wheel:
- The five senses.
- Sixth sense (the body).
- Seventh sense (mental activity).
- Eighth sense (relationships).
Daniel J. Siegel says that by creating a link between all those different parts of the conscious being, we integrate the mind, and we can even calm anxiety, and perceive ourselves more clearly. I think it is very useful for families interested in personal growth, and helping teens who are sometimes confused. I cannot provide more detail, because what you have to do is explore the book to decide if you want to put this or other tools into practice ... or simply to get to know the girls and boys of those ages a little more.
If you have teenage children, I recommend you read the book, it is an informative text not without some difficulty, but it is worth it, in fact Siegel knows how to make his knowledge about neurobiology, psychology and psychiatry reach people who are not initiated in the subject, or with little base. In addition to the brief review in the first paragraphs, the author has many more merits; on the other hand the task of explaining brain development is appreciated, because it really is a very unknown organ despite its importance.
It is not just any book about adolescence, it is not written in the form of a list of advice. "Brain Storm" breaks schemes by telling you that adolescence is not a negative stage, that adolescents are not problematic. It explains what is happening inside them, so that you understand them, and appeals to your own experiences. Changes in self-concept, behavior, relationships…. the changes associated with adolescence are due to complex hormonal combinations, but in the brain what counts are the neurotransmitters. Everything changes to cause the transition from child to adult, nothing happens randomly, therefore parents must shed prejudices and erroneous ideas that make us defensive with our children; That is the first step. The second is to accompany them (it is worth it) for this exciting adventure which is adolescence.