Although I am still learning, I find myself experimenting a lot with the different techniques, especially if we have some quiet time where we are just waiting for an appointment. I also really enjoy working on Emmett, if he happens to fall asleep in my arms. On those rare occasions, I feel like I can really explore how he moves or his potential to move and it is very interesting and mind opening.
I also find myself simply following his spine with my fingers or gently lifting an arm or a leg, when he is sitting on my lap. At this point, I'm not quite sure how all of the pieces fit together, but I am seeing small changes in Emmett and I can't help but think that what I am learning and doing is helping in this process.
If you ever have the opportunity to watch an ABM lesson or to participate in one, it is hard to believe that such slow, gentle movements can impact the way that someone moves and thinks in such a profound way. I never realized how much movement and the brain are connected until we found ABM 2 1/2 years ago. Emmett went from a toddler who could barely roll or sit up on his own, to a child who can crawl, cruise, and walk. When he started ABM, Emmett had very limited communication skills and seemed a bit disconnected from the world, but he is now communicating with pictures and is engaging with people like he never has before.
Several people have asked me if I think that Emmett would be where he is now without ABM. I do believe that he would be walking or at least close to it, but I don't believe that the quality of his movement or his connection with the world would be nearly as profound. Sometimes I like to go back and look at videos of Emmett when he was much younger or even when he first started walking and it's hard to believe that I'm looking at the same child. He has always had a sweet spirit and a love for people, but it's almost like someone flipped a switch and his mind and body just "woke up."
I realize that ABM is not going to magically make Emmett's genetic mutation disappear, but I do truly believe that it is helping him reach his full potential. I have seen so many subtle, but significant changes in him over the past 2 1/2 years and I can't wait to see what exciting changes are to come.
Emmett is my inspiration and the reason that I decided to write this blog and become an Anat Baniel Method Practitioner. Just a few weeks ago, I decided that the name of my business should closely relate to my inspiration, so starting in late spring 2017, Embracing Movement will officially open for business.
Embracing Emmett, Embracing Movement!
