Michelle Obama recently had her book published, titled: “Becoming”. Several decades ago I wrote my Calming Down book for my class I was teaching at Highline Community College and the first section of the four sections is titled “Becoming”. I feel validated. Thank you, Michelle.
I am often asked to explain Calming Down: A Daily Self-Management Course.
I find it very challenging to explain the course because the dynamics are different from quarter to quarter due to new students. The format is the same and the book, always being updated, is the same. The interaction in the class is of utmost importance and so much happens in the four three hour sessions! At the end of the course, the students relate that they learn so much from each other and enjoy the guided discussions using the book for tips, ideas, and inspiration. I created the class in 1987 and have taught it every quarter since at Highline College and now at Bellevue College and I am grateful for the continued interest.
I feel that one of my strengths as facilitator is my many experiences I have had with many people for several decades. I believe that the classes need to be a safe, comfortable, nonjudgmental environment. I am committed to being nonjudgmental, to listen to each student and to encouraging each student to share. Here are some brief summaries of the four sessions:
(1) Becoming: This section focuses on how we became who we are and what we want to be, to do, and to have in life. What we focus on in life determines, to a great extent, what will happen to us and to those around us. This section has twelve pages, three are homework pages.
(2) Changing: This section focuses on changing what we want and need to change once you have a clear idea of what you would like to change and the kind of changes that needs to happen. We can never change another person but we can change ourselves and the way we engage with another person. Our changed behavior can be a catalyst to another person changing. This section has nine pages, two pages are homework.
(3) Intending: This section focuses on the action you need to have in order to make your life less stressful, angry or anxious and more responsible by responding more and reacting less to life’s conflicts. Intention is a strong word—much stronger than an affirmation, wish or desire. This section has eleven pages and three homework pages.
(4) Committing: The fourth and final section is the final part in the learning process of this course. A student-in-life may spend his/her entire lifetime obtaining knowledge but without committing the knowledge into action, it is of no real value in our world. The section has eleven pages.
I hope this helps to explain my Calming Down class,
Roberta
Calming Down Explained
