Reading between the lines; Seeing between the frames
Meeting Summary of ‘Pre Conquest Consciousness’ by E. Richard Sorenson
Webinar Planning and Documentation Importance
In the meeting, Mila and Jinan discussed the upcoming webinar on ‘Toy Free Childhood’ and the importance of documentation in their work. They also mentioned the recent 3-day observation workshop in Kerala and the idea of developing an annual book on the state of documentation. The meeting also touched on the importance of attending various workshops to build knowledge and understanding. The participants included Priscilla, Sandra, Fina, Svetlana, and Ian.
Challenging Western Cognitive Science Paradigms
Jinan discussed the importance of reading and understanding without mental constructs. He criticized the Western world’s cognitive science, particularly its focus on mental processes, and suggested that the mind creates stories based on limited information. Jinan also emphasized the need to understand children as autonomous beings with a natural propensity to create knowledge, rather than being taught what to learn. He shared an article that resonated with him, which he believes can help shift perspectives on modernity and children’s learning processes. Jinan encouraged the group to share their own readings and observations, emphasizing that their basic paradigms will dictate their understanding.
Navigating Loss and Regaining Innocence
The team discussed the profound impact of an article they read, which highlighted the vast gap between the world they live in and the one they were raised in. The article shed light on the innocence and trust of indigenous communities, and how their ways of being were disrupted by the imposition of new, less loving ways of life. The team members shared their personal experiences and emotions, with some feeling a deep sense of sadness and loss, while others felt a sense of grief and nostalgia for their lost innocence. The discussion also touched on the idea of unlearning and reconnecting to regain what was lost, with some members expressing hope and others feeling a sense of hopelessness. The team also discussed the importance of trusting words and the potential for distrust when language is overemphasized.
Indigenous Treatment of Disabilities
Jinan explains that in Indigenous communities, people with disabilities are treated as normal individuals without labels like “disabled.” Instead of using problematic terminology, they simply describe the person’s condition using neutral language. Jinan shares examples of how an autistic child and a paralyzed dog were treated with acceptance and care in these communities without undermining their individuality. He contrasts this approach with modern society where disability labels and treatments can be psychologically damaging. Jinan argues that indigenous cognition allows for freedom and natural understanding, unlike modern literate societies shaped by reading and analysis. Overall, he highlights the inclusive and sensitive treatment of disabilities in illiterate indigenous communities.
Spontaneous Friendships and Deep Connections
Mila discussed the concept of spontaneous, instinctive friendships that go beyond ordinary discourse, likening it to the term “fast friends” in modern times. She shared her personal experience of forming deep connections quickly with others, which she believes can be beautiful but also fleeting. Sandra echoed Mila’s sentiments, recalling her own experience of forming a deep connection with someone quickly, which led to a co-living arrangement. Both agreed that these connections are not something that can be thought or forced, but rather arise from a heartfelt liking for someone. Svetlana added that these connections involve a deep, intuitive ability to feel each other on a different level, which cannot be fully expressed in language.
Embracing Hypersensitivity and Emotional Connections
The team discussed the concept of hypersensitivity and its implications in modern society. They agreed that being hypersensitive is not a flaw, but rather a basic function of humans that should be embraced. They also touched on the topic of emotions, with Svetlana sharing her experience of being startled by big emotions in her son. Madhuri reflected on the intentional divisions that have been brought into society, suggesting that without these divisions, people might be more inclined to care for each other. The team also discussed the idea of disasters being necessary for people to realize their interconnectedness.
Challenging Linear Learning Models
Ian discussed the prevailing learning model in the K-12 education system, which equates time on task to learning and often results in a homogenization of attention spans. He noted that group work and reflection on the process of group work are rarely incorporated into lesson plans. Svetlana agreed, suggesting that this model is based on a linear, rather than nonlinear, approach to learning. JINAN criticized the Western approach to education, arguing that it imposes a linear, written knowledge system on children, rather than allowing them to create knowledge in a more natural, nonlinear way. JINAN suggested that understanding how children learn could provide insights into how humanity should function, and advocated for deeper observation of children rather than relying on mental images created by reading books.
Reclaiming Natural Cognitive Process Discussion
In this discussion, the group explores the idea of reclaiming a natural cognitive process by understanding how children learn without preconceptions. Jinan suggests revisiting the previous reading material, replacing the framing of “PRE-CONQUEST CONSCIOUS” versus “POST-CONQUEST CONSCIOUS” with “illiterate” versus “literate” perspectives. Svetlana shares her reflections on the Western tendency to seek solutions rather than simply understanding. The group considers potential next readings, including suggestions from Sandra on a Native American concept related to the “mind virus” of Western thought. Jinan proposes doing short presentations based on the current reading material to make the discussions more participatory. The conversation centers on deepening the understanding of natural cognition by drawing insights from various sources.
Thriving in Illiterate Societies Discussed
Ian initiated a discussion about the concept of ‘thriving’ in the context of illiterate individuals in literate societies. JINAN questioned the definition of ‘thriving’, which led to a broader conversation. Fina shared her personal experience of living with an indigenous community in rural Mexico, highlighting the adaptability and learning abilities of the children she observed. She noted that despite being in a state of extreme social vulnerability, these children were able to thrive and learn quickly, eventually becoming successful chefs. The discussion ended without a clear resolution on the definition of ‘thriving’, but it was evident that the conversation was centered around the adaptability and resilience of illiterate individuals in literate societies.
Indigenous Pedagogies and Sociosensuality Discussed
In the meeting, Fina discussed the importance of learning from indigenous pedagogies that do not involve formal transmission of knowledge. JINAN emphasized the need to reevaluate the concept of trial and error, suggesting that it is a modern invention. JINAN also suggested inviting individuals with firsthand experience of natural cognition to share their experiences. Mila and Sandra discussed the concept of sociosensuality, with Sandra highlighting the connection between sensuality and consent in modern society. Sandra also shared her thoughts on the erotic nature of breastfeeding and the guilt many mothers feel around it. The group agreed to differentiate between motherly feelings and sexual feelings.
Modernity, Tradition, and Body Needs
In the meeting, Jinan discussed the difference between modernity and tradition, emphasizing that modernity responds to the mind’s needs, creating artificial needs and theories. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the body’s needs and how the mind can only guess, not accurately understand the world. Svetlana and Jotsna shared their thoughts on the topic, with Svetlana emphasizing the importance of knowing where things come from and Jotsna discussing the bifurcation of things. The group also discussed the possibility of meeting again to discuss more personal topics and the importance of understanding children and the body. Priscilla and Fina joined the email group, and Ian asked about the existence of contract law based on verbal agreement, to which Jinan responded that he didn’t think it existed.
AI-generated content may be inaccurate or misleading. Always check for accuracy.
