When I ponder the project our children are undertaking as “forensic psychologists on a quest,” I remember the words of Maria Montessori:  “We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic but it is somewhat beauty and poetry.”

As a school leader, I treasure this particular project and see it as an opportunity to guide our students to access the depth of treasure they have within themselves. It is an intersection of science and imagination. By understanding the science of psychology and the fact that they have a subconscious world, our children will be able to access their minds more deeply and tap into their authentic creativity. They can even become more empathetic toward family and friends.  I believe this quest will further the scientists and mathematicians in our young people as well as the artists and philosophers.

As a parent, I am more deeply touched. I already have gained an insight into my boys that surprises me. Each night, Charlie and Sam have kept their dream journals dutifully by their beds. In the dark hours of the morning, they scribble notes.  I decided to join their journey and do some scribbling each morning, too.

We share our nighttime experiences at breakfast or on the drive to school.  It is a tender awakening for me. Charlie’s first dream taught me that he experiences more stress about school than I imagined. He has a fear of getting lost, getting left behind. Sam, too, has worries of which I was unaware. He dreamed he was in a hospital and no one knew how to save him. To see these words written in his sweet, tiny handwriting brought tears to my eyes.

In the wonderment of our active and happy lives, I forget that my children bear much and have a world within themselves to which I have no access unless they know how and are willing to share. I am grateful they are young enough to be open to sharing their deep, even dark thoughts. I aim to be a trustworthy listener for them and support them on this quest.

Feel free to come observe during project time. I think you will gain an even deeper respect for your children as they courageously engage in the lifelong process of understanding who they are.

For some good, easy reading on the subject of the connection between the subconscious and the imagination, I think you’ll enjoy the following: (Don’t let the “1957” date turn you off.)

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/06/01/the-art-of-scientific-investigation-beveridge-2/