The Transformative Journey: Stretching Toward Other-Centeredness in Gentle Teaching
At Gentle Teaching International, we embark on a profound pedagogical journey, one that centers around the transformative process of stretching. In the realm of caregiving, our focus is on imparting a sense of “safe” by embracing the person with a profound understanding of simply “being.” This act of acknowledging the existence and inherent goodness of a brokenhearted individual is a powerful teaching-learning experience.
In our pursuit of fostering a safe environment, we emphasize the significance of unconditional love without imposing demands on the person. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the path to safety lies in lowering demands while amplifying goodness, kindness, and expressions of love. It’s a delicate dance where the primary purpose is not in doing things but in being with one another.
A crucial dimension arises as we navigate through the caregiving process—the emergence of self-centeredness after a period of intense nurturing. Acknowledging the natural inclination towards self-centeredness, we embark on the vital role of gently stretching the person towards other-centeredness. This involves a subtle shift, reminding the individual of their safety and love while encouraging small steps towards consideration for others—waiting a moment, taking turns, sharing, and embracing virtues that enrich relationships.
The developmental model we adhere to encompasses three key dimensions:
- From brokenhearted and lonely to safe and loved.
- From self-centeredness to reaching out to others and expressing love.
- From dependence on us to engagement with us and others.
Our pedagogical approach commences with the offering of two simple yet profound gifts— the feelings of being safe and loved. These gifts, not to be mistaken for a program or clinical approach, form the foundation for the caregiver’s journey. As these feelings take root, the focus broadens to include a growing circle of others, fostering engagement and becoming a meaningful part of an expanding community.
The stretching process aligns with the natural course of development, incorporating moral milestones such as sharing, waiting, taking turns, and exercising self-control. Each milestone rests on the assumption that the brokenhearted person has learned to feel safe and loved, preparing them for broader community participation.
Transitioning from a phase dominated by unconditional love, a natural progression towards self-centeredness occurs. It is at this juncture that the caregiver’s role transforms into a delicate process of stretching the fragile individual from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. This journey unfolds as the person learns the goodness of being with a small circle, doing things with a group, engaging with a wider circle of friends, and, ultimately, doing things for others—a pinnacle of moral maturity.
Simultaneously, attention is directed towards nurturing the person’s self-esteem. The emergence of self-esteem is a collaborative effort where caregivers consistently remind the individual of their inherent goodness. This affirmation, initiated from the early stages of teaching togetherness, results in the individual internalizing a sense of self-worth. With the expansion of the circle of friends, the person’s self-esteem grows stronger, forming a robust foundation for their journey towards a fulfilling life.
In the realm of Gentle Teaching, the process of stretching transcends mere caregiving—it becomes a profound odyssey of transformation, guiding individuals from brokenness to a place of strength, connection, and altruism.
John J. McGee,
PhD
