Heart-based right brain enrichment programs and early learning centers

By a Teacher

I  remember my first experience palming.

Joyce, one of the teachers from school, came back from an accelerated learning conference with many mind-stretching exercises to share. One of them was -- you guessed it -- palming!

Joyce showed us many of the new techniques at our faculty meetings. After a brief introduction to palming, we each found a comfortable position and covered our eyes with cupped hands.

As I sat there, at first I was aware of the person sitting next to me. I wondered what she was experiencing.

"Clear your mind of all thoughts, if you can," Joyce said.

"Okay. That's easy," I thought. "Hmmm. I wonder what I'll make for dinner tonight. Ooops. No thoughts. Okay. I do have some leftover chicken in the... No thoughts! I wonder how long this is going to take... No thoughts!! What is this supposed to do, anyway. No thoughts!"

It certainly was not easy to clear my mind. Every time I tried to erase one thought, another would pop up.

When we completed the exercise, my eyes felt great. But the fact that I couldn't still my mind concerned me.

So I practiced at home. Each time I palmed, I was able to lengthen the amount of time I could still my mind.

And I found that even if I could do it for a few seconds, not only my eyes, but my mind -- and even emotions -- felt clearer and brighter.