Breaking Cycles

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Nature and nurture are common terms in any discussion of heredity. I've been learning about intergenerational trauma which should probably be included in more conversations involving heredity. The term, in simplistic form, refers to trauma that will have effects on multiple generations. This can be seen in many forms such as the fact that children who experience abuse or divorce are more likely to abuse their children or get divorced. At first this seems counter-intuitive, but it makes some sense when the behaviour is seen as taught or modelled (albeit unintentionally) by parents or role models. The effects are long lasting and can take generations to break the cycle and heal.

The definition falls under the knowledge category, but this learning is also about attitudes/habits as I consider my own parenting, teaching, or the past/current/future state of First Nations populations in Manitoba.

Sharing is Caring

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The learning I share in this post isn't new in the strictest sense, but I have been considering it at deeper levels than ever before. I've been thinking about sharing, particularly the creation and distribution of digital media. Sharing is a fundamental community practice; there is no community without sharing.

The internet has made it so easy for individuals to participate in creating culture. We can share ideas and build community in a truly global way. It is amazing.

What I've learned recently is that while I have certainly developed my willingness to share, I still need to develop the practice of sharing. The practice of sharing is the part that actually helps the community (and me, too), so I have more learning to do in attitudes/habits and skills/strategies in order to become a more sharing (and caring) member of my communities.