Barbara Janelle By Sean Turner (06/14/10 11:44:30)
Our class meeting with Barbara Janelle was one of the most encouraging and enlightening class experiences I have ever had. Her relaxed yet strong presence in the room was very apparent from the moment I walked in. Her calm speech and general demeanor made me a little nervous and fidgety in the beginning to be honest, and I felt that there were some awkward silences at first. However, pretty soon I found myself to feel extremely tranquil and more receptive to the messages that she and the other animals in the room were giving me. It was obvious to me that Barbara was communicating with me and altering my feelings without even actually speaking directly to me. I felt that the most effective exercise was the one where she had us approach one another. I never realized how much one's body language can have on another individual, and how instantly it takes effect.
The tree exercise was also a new experience for me. I have always loved to play and climb and have spent many many hours in trees. However, I had never actually attempted to communicate with them. The tree that I chose was a huge old one that overlooks the lagoon. I became extremely relaxed when I had my back to it for a couple minutes, so relaxed that I forgot to follow the specific instructions, like the question asking, that were given to us before we left the room. I felt like it was actually another being that I was spending time with. I wondered if the tree was enjoying this experience as much as I was. I also wondered if the tree appreciated this interaction as much. Perhaps it was a very moving experience for the tree as well because it is definitely not used to people touching it or being so close to it for such an extended period of time. Now, every time I pass that tree near the art building I acknowledge its presence and I often even spend a couple minutes relaxing with it.
Our class meeting with Barbara Janelle opened my eyes to many ways of nonverbal communication. She taught me to drop my preconceived notions about other life forms, and that we are all constantly exchanging energy and information. She also encouraged me to be a more calm person, and much more receptive to other species' countless ways of communication. [Write Comment]