MUSCLE MEMORY


 As a student of science the concept of memory always intrigued me and I have enjoyed reading about short term memory , long term memory, episodic memory , muscle memory etc..

But when I EXPERIENCED  my muscles playing out a tune that I had learn 35 years back, it was truly an AHAA moment in my life !
From the age of eight to sixteen due to my mother's compulsion I had learnt veena ( my heart would be out in the garden ! ). Somewhere somehow my muscles had held on....
On my 50 th birthday few months back, I had taken a resolve to CHALLENGE  myself to pursue a new skill. And I was exploring options. Our scriptures say,

" When the student is ready, the teacher appears. " A young mother came seeking admission for her child( he is a veena prodigy)and I was drawn by her enthusiasm. I had a lot of self doubt but she had faith in my abilities. I was spell bound when my hands started to move in sync with the lyrics. And every day, with child like enthusiasm I look forward to my 20 minutes of  " veena time" ( just before I go to sleep). Music is meditation. And I am experiencing it.

Our body is not flesh and bones. Not just the physical brain , but EVERY cell in the human body is an independent intelligent thinking unit ( In  his book " Biology of belief" , Dr.Bruce Lipton has proved this fact scientifically).
As an educationist, I feel that conventional curriculum focuses on lop sided development of a child.  An Integrated curriculum, with focus on fine arts, sports etc is a NEED for the growing child . Climbing trees, crossing streams, flying kites and floating boats are all joyful learning activities for a growing child ( and for the teacher aswell !). They are building their muscle memory simultaneously as every cell in the body is learning...
An inspired teacher's  well thought out lesson plan  can make a big difference in the child's retention of learning ..

Comments

  1. Inspiring blog mam..... We will learn new skills and also inspire our students to do the same mam.... Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us mam....

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  2. Wonderful to see your self experience,through which you saw education of a child with new light.wish you all the best in your new journey of exhilarating exploration 🤗

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    Replies
    1. I was suddenly filled with nostalgia when we talk about memories. Memories were not created purposefully but happened by instinct."When a Student is ready teacher comes in".true fact..but make a student to Listen does not mean hearing the words the other person is saying but have an intent to consume what the other person is saying, we are aware of the non-verbal aspects like the tone, the energy, the body language, the facial expressions, the Silences and the unspoken words.its so true we reflect them when there is an induced alarm from the self.some times we dont reflect what we focused and digested perhaps there is no need for the action-A glimpses from childhood memories.
      VIDHYA mam ,you are a wonderful educator who is making beautiful
      string notes with the children so as the team you have.when a super hero appears in front of me and asks for a wish I would opt for a time travel to become a
      student again.

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    2. Thanks a lot. Each of us are wonderful in our uniqueness

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  3. I was suddenly filled with nostalgia when we talk about memories. Memories were not created purposefully but happened by instinct."When a Student is ready teacher comes in".true fact..but make a student to Listen does not mean hearing the words the other person is saying but have an intent to consume what the other person is saying, we are aware of the non-verbal aspects like the tone, the energy, the body language, the facial expressions, the Silences and the unspoken words.its so true we reflect them when there is an induced alarm from the self.some times we dont reflect what we focused and digested perhaps there is no need for the action-A glimpses from childhood memories.
    VIDHYA mam ,you are a wonderful educator who is making beautiful
    string notes with the children so as the team you have.when a super hero appears in front of me and asks for a wish I would opt for a time travel to become a
    student again- SATHYA

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    1. Thanks for the complement!
      I am blessed to be workinf with children , for children....
      To enjoy being a child again, becoming a teacher is a good option !!

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  4. The last three lines are extremely true mam.

    We r receiving the enthusiasm through your writeups mam.

    An inspired leader build an inspired team .

    I was start reading the book "Biology of belief" and left and I will restart soon mam.

    Thank u mam.

    Always wondering about you

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  5. "When the student is ready ,the teacher appears" this line inspired me to set my goal. I realised that through your blog mam

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  6. Muscle memory is phenomenon. The skills that children experience in their childhood helps them tackle and initiate anything and everything that they face in life. Vidya, your playing the veena was no surprise, it's your muscle memory at play. I am sure children at Agustya will get exposure to all fine and gross motor skills that is going to help them develop into awesome multitalented individuals.

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    1. Yes namitha. Primary school is the right place to start. Touching the soyl of the child is the key.

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  7. Totally Rejuvenating and exciting to even hear of this experience and you have brought out a deep and profound connect .On reading such meaningful posts our awareness also moves into cell memory and childhood and the freshness of introducing new skills.My mom tried to teach me knitting when I was around 10 but as you rightly said my focus was outdoors and 2 days ago at 60, learnt knitting online from a cheerful young mother and the memory was seemless. Thank you Vidhya you truly added your Sparkle to all the viewers.

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    1. That's such a lovely message Karen. Waiting to see your knitted marvel..

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  8. Persuing a new skill stimilates the neurons and keep our brain healthy. Trying something new is an exercise and it will boost our brain. Timely message for me& Would like to follow you mam. Sakthi

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  9. Very interesting n inspiring write up vidhya ! Now I'm thinking what memories my muscles hold . Will dwell n delve on it . Thank you !
    Blessed are thou students and may you spread joy with your music ! More power to you ...

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