Do you remember the era of “stereograms?”I loved them and always found it easy to find the 3-D picture hidden in the two-dimensional, computer-generated, graphic artwork. I wonder if being deaf and a visual learner makes it easier to find the hidden pictures or messages in a stereogram. I’ve embedded some of these graphic images below. Try it out, then let me know what you find and how long it took you!…
“Identity” essentially means how a person sees themselves in relation to their world. It means knowing who you are and how you fit into the rest of society. Forming your personal identity requires that you take all you’ve learned about life and yourself and mold it into a unified self-image, one that you and your community finds meaningful.
But what happens when a “hearing” person suddenly or gradually loses their hearing? Their identity, their sense of self and everything they thought they were — turns upside down! There is not just a loss of hearing, but a loss of identity and individuality in the context of life and what they believed would lie ahead.
Like social-psychologist, Erik Erikson’s description of Adolescents, a late-deafened person, whether they are 8, 17, 38 or 60, goes through a period of Identity vs. Role Confusion.…
This weekend is Easter. It is a Holy time for many. A time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal. It is a time to forgive, rejoice, give thanks, and to stay heart-centered. It’s Spring Break — a break from work and from school, a time when we focus on spending quality moments with each other and pampering ourselves.
I so much look forward to this time of year. I have more time to say hello to the neighbors, tend to the flowers in my backyard, call/VP/e-mail a friend, spread a little heart-shine, play and laugh with my son, and kiss my husband. It’s a generational family time and a much-anticipated personal quiet time. For me, I have made a conscious commitment this week to “slow down.”
Let me explain why. During the recent blog/vlog posts at DeafRead, my mind and heart went through a myriad of thoughts and emotions. It took much courage to put my comments out there, and even more courage to read and view the responses from others. Most of the responses were…
