In an effort to get the Matrix up and running in as many classrooms and schools as possible, I will be offering a series of live webinars. I will be presenting the Matrix and how it can be used to promote cooperation and collaboration. There will also be opportunities for questions and how to utilize the psychological flexibility point of view in various contexts.

The first event will be held November 18 at 6 PM. Check out my Facebook page to register.

I hope to see you there!

Image courtesy of MakersMischief 

Have you ever heard of Horse Whisperers?

Horse Whisperers are a respected lineage of horse trainers who, over the years, have promoted gentle and humane ways of working with young colts and troubled older ones to get them on the right track and develop cooperation with humans. Individuals like Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and the contemporary Buck Brannahan have promoted the notion that humans need to get to know the horse by establishing what they call “willing communication” with soft words, well-timed nudges, pats and encouragement. Their teachings are honed from countless trial and error interactions where they notice what works and what doesn’t. It is a patient and persistent approach in the face of resistance and fear on the part of reluctant horses. They know when to lean in or take a firm hand. They call it “feel”. Occasionally they will need to “wave some red flags” but only long enough to get the horse’s attention so they can get back to the work of collaboration.

Tom, Ray and Buck are big proponents of “making the right thing easy to do”. They way they do this is to set the horse up for success, start where the horse is, be on the side of the horse, communicating through sounds and gestures that humans are accepting and non threatening. Experience tells horse whisperers that when they can establish these conditions the horse will come through and learn to be a willing partner.

Read more

Here is a brief clip about using the Matrix to promote psychological flexibility with your learners.

The challenging aspect is to promote psychological flexibility in ourselves.

Learning can be both wonderful and troubling. Here is a clip about influencing troubled learning with the psychological flexibility of the Matrix process.