There is a consistent pattern in the conferences sponsored by the Potts Family Foundation, such as its Raising Resilient Oklahomans! summit March 7 in Edmond. First, they update the cutting-edge scientific research on early education and on cognitive concerns, like the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Then, national and local experts pioneer new ways of articulating these challenges in ways that advance a constructive search for solutions.
The summit used new research and a new vocabulary to provide a deeper understanding of long-understood truths. Dr. Jennifer-Hays Grudo and several others repeatedly cited the long-respected term “growth mindset.” To build resiliency, we must teach our children – and teach ourselves – to move from a fixed to a growth mindset. Especially when it is explained so powerfully, as in the documentary Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope (trailer above), the science of how our brains develop and how to help create brain health is an invaluable tool for healing humanity.
Better research
The documentary featured Dr. Robert Anda, who also spoke at the conference, and others who have led the study of trauma. The film puts a human face on the effects of multiple ACEs. It is also a reminder of how far we have come since 2008 in understanding how and why “toxic stress” causes so much cross-generational harm and why we need trauma-informed social and educational policies.
[For more on this story by John Thompson, go to https://nondoc.com/2018/03/19/...or-healing-humanity/]
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