Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael M Piechowski

In episode 67, Chris and Emma were joined by Caitlin Hughes from the Divergent Dialogues podcast. Caitlin is an accredited mental health social worker and founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice based in Brisbane, Australia.We dive deep into the complexities of multi-exceptional neurodivergent identities, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of embracing our differences. We discussed the theory of positive disintegration as a liberating framework that offers an alternative to the pathology paradigm. Here are some highlights from our conversation:* The Power of Self-Understanding: Caitlin shares their personal journey of late diagnosis as an AuDHD PDAer, highlighting the profound impact this had on their self-perception. We talked about the importance of understanding ourselves and how this knowledge can lead to a transformative process of healing and self-acceptance. Our identities are multifaceted, and embracing our unique neurotypes can empower us to live authentically.* Depathologizing Difference: One of the core themes of our conversation is the need to depathologize neurodivergent experiences. Caitlin discusses how societal narratives often frame neurodivergent traits as deficits rather than strengths. By embracing neurodivergent identities and advocating for a more inclusive understanding, we can create spaces where individuals feel seen and validated. * The Role of Sensual Giftedness: Caitlin introduces the concept of sensual giftedness and how it plays a significant role in their practice. They explain how processing emotions and experiences through sensory modalities can lead to deeper healing. This perspective is particularly enlightening for those of us who may have felt misunderstood or marginalized due to our sensory sensitivities. Caitlin's insights remind us that our unique ways of experiencing the world can be powerful tools for growth and self-discovery.(Please note that at 23:44, Caitlin said granite when they meant to say “graphite” when referring to diamonds and granite).Caitlin uses their intersectional lived experience to therapeutically support neurocomplex & neuroqueer folks. They utilize somatic therapeutic modalities to support clients to heal systemic trauma and embrace their unique neurotype, strengths, and differences, empowering them to build a self-defined life of meaning and purpose. Caitlin has a Facebook group called "Neurodivergent Affirming Social Workers Collective" where they want to inspire and support other Social Workers to grow in their neurodivergent affirming practice. Caitlin is co-host of "Divergent Dialogues" a neurodivergent affirming podcast and blog on Substack which explores a blend of current research, lived and professional experience. Caitlin is currently completing a PhD with a strong interest in qualitative research in the area of autistic mental health.Links from this EpisodeCathartic CollaborationsDivergent Dialogues on SubstackEpisode 25: Multi-exceptionality, Overexcitabilities and Positive Disintegration with Chris and EmmaSocial media: @cathartic.collaborations (on Facebook and Instagram)Neurodivergent Affirming Social Workers Collective on Facebook2024 Dabrowski Congress videos (available for $15 USD)Head Office, Making Sense of My Mind (Emma's video)Mellow Out by Michael M. Piechowski is the book Chris recommended about overexcitabilities and personal growthBring Me the Horizon — Mantra (song on YouTube)InterGifted Hearing Voices NetworkExcerpt from Fragments from the Diary of a Madman by CieninMr. Sparkle (fun behind-the-scenes fact: this was in reference to a Mr Sparkle t-shirt Emma was wearing during recording!)Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe

In episode 60, Chris and Emma introduced the theory of positive disintegration in a nutshell. We did our best to make it as approachable as possible and kept jargon to a minimum. Our goal was not to deliver a scholarly presentation of the theory but one for the layperson going through positive disintegration. This introduction was created especially for the 2024 Dabrowski Congress for attendees who want to learn more about the theory behind the conference. Our hope is that it will serve for years to come as a primer for positive disintegration. As Emma often says, TPD is not only a theory but an experience, and those going through it appreciate a mirror that makes sense of their struggles. The topics we covered:- Background of Dr. Kazimierz Dabrowski- Nervousness, Psychological Tension and Big Emotions- The Five Types of Overexcitabilities- Types of Development, Developmental Potential and Multilevelness, and Multilevelness in Personality Growth- Hierarchy of Values, the Third Factor of Development (and Nature, Nurture, and the Third Factor)- Unilevel vs. Multilevel Disintegration- Positive Maladjustment, Spontaneous Multilevel Disintegration, Pain, and Self-Reflection- Challenges in Discovering and Acting on Values, and Organized Multilevel Disintegration- Transforming Overexcitabilities into Tools for Growth- Lifelong Journey of Personal Growth, and Personality as an Achievement- Resources, DC2024, and Final Thoughts Register for DC2024 at https://dabrowskicenter.org/registerIf you want to join one of Chris's courses this year, click here to register your interest and receive more information. We created Dabrowski 101 as a video and podcast episode. You can watch the video on YouTube.Quotes “The prefix over attached to ‘excitability' serves to indicate that the reactions of excitation are over and above average in intensity, duration, and frequency” (Dabrowski, 1996, p. 7, Multilevelness of Emotional and Instinctive Functions). "Making multilevelness the central concept in the approach to development means that we have to apply it to every phenomenon under scrutiny. It means that we are using a new key, or paradigm, with which to approach human behavior and its development. It now becomes less meaningful to consider, for instance, aggression, inferiority, empathy, or sexual behavior as unitary phenomena, but it becomes more meaningful to examine different levels of these behaviors." (Dabrowski, 1996, p. 10)“Discovering in ourselves higher levels of development, higher tendencies, and sensitivities, we simultaneously create them.” Dabrowski, 1994, "The Heroism of Sensitivity," an interview in Advanced Development Journal. "Do not run from yourself but conquer yourself!" P. Cienin, 1972, p. 40, (Existential Thoughts and Aphorisms). “Movement from “what is” to “what ought to be” opens a channel for resolution and direction of developmental tensions. When this channel is not open, as in unilevel disintegration, the tensions lead to severe psychosomatic illness, psychosis, or suicide.” Dabrowski, 1977, p. 43, (Theory of Levels of Emotional Development, Vol. 1) “Crises are periods of increased insight into oneself, creativity, and personality development” Dabrowski, 1964, p. 18, (Positive Disintegration) More resources* Download a PDF with the list and short definitions of dynamisms at https://dabrowskicenter.org/1977 * For more on "nervousness" and the history of overexcitability: https://dabrowskicenter.org/origins * The book we mentioned on the slide with five types of OE was "Mellow Out," They Say. If I Only Could" by Michael M. Piechowski.* Download Table 1 from Mellow Out, Forms and Expressions of Overexcitability* The following papers from Michael M. Piechowski include case studies of moral exemplars that shed more light on the higher-level dynamisms:* Piechowski (1990): Inner Growth and Transformation in the Life of Eleanor Roosevelt * Piechowski (1992): Etty Hillesum: “The Thinking Heart of the Barracks”* Piechowski (2009): Peace Pilgrim, Exemplar of Level V* Podcast episodes we mentioned:* Episode 2: Overexcitabilities and Pseudoscience* Episode 8: Surviving Disintegration* Episode 33: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery with David SweeneyConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe

Welcome to the first official “From the Archive” post. We've added DC Archive to our Substack navbar, where you'll find posts like this one with media shared from our Dabrowski Center archive. The presentation featured in this post was given by Dr. Michael M. Piechowski at the 12th Annual Hollingworth Conference for Highly Gifted in Manchester, New Hampshire, in May 1999.This audio recording was converted to mp3 from a cassette tape Michael sent to Chris in June 2018. The handout was discovered in a box of transparencies and documents Michael shared with Chris in May 2021. For those who are new here, Michael joined us on Episode 48 of the podcast. Click here for more posts and episodes mentioning Michael.Only the first 45 minutes of the recording were available. The rest is missing in audio, but you can find it in the handout. Visit the Substack post for the handout and transcript. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.positivedisintegration.org/subscribe

In episode 48, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Michael M. Piechowski, close collaborator of Dr. Kazimierz Dabrowski and a scholar in the field of gifted education. Michael's work has expanded our understanding of the theory of positive disintegration and the qualitative experience of giftedness.We covered many topics in this episode, from Michael meeting Dabrowski in Edmonton in 1967 to his retirement from Yunasa last summer. We learned about Michael's early work with the theory and conducting research, the transition from science to counseling and pursuing a second doctorate, rethinking the levels of development, and understanding the importance of the unilevel and multilevel processes.Michael talked with us about the research he did with Dabrowski that provided a foundation for his work. We learned about the creation of his original Overexcitability Questionnaire, his second dissertation, Formless Forms, and his two papers from more recent years called Rethinking Dabrowski's Theory. We discussed why he felt it was necessary to rethink the levels and what case material was applied to this work.This episode was recorded at Michael's home during Chris's visit to Madison, Wisconsin, and the format is conversational. We learned more about what Dr. Dabrowski was like as a person and how to pronounce his name correctly. Michael also talked with us about what areas of research he'd like to see replicated or built on in the future.Links from this episodeVisit the Piechowski Archive on the Dabrowski Center's websiteMichael's book Mellow Out is available via Royal Fireworks PressMichael is co-editor of Living with Intensity and Off the Charts.He is a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Educational Advancement.Michael mentioned co-creating Yunasa with two of his dear friends who have also been podcast guests: Episode 19 with Stephanie Tolan and Episode 35 with Dr. Patty Gatto-Walden.Chris has written posts about Michael with links and photos to accompany this episode, including:Who is Michael M. Piechowski?Celebrating a Lifetime of Resilience, Scholarship, and InfluenceMy Experience of Being a StudentMajor works that were mentioned:Michael's 1975 monographFormless FormsLysy & Piechowski (1983)Rethinking Dabrowski's Theory: I. The Case Against Primary Integration (2014)Rethinking Dąbrowski's Theory II: It's Not All Flat Here (2017)Michael's ResearchGate ProfileEpisode 18 with Rachel FellEpisode 36: Fostering Gifted Growth at YunasaQuick Bite, Two Years of Positive Disintegration (Episode 46)Emma's video on Positive Disintegration using the Matrix analogyDeborah Ruf's new book The 5 Levels of Gifted Children Grown Up and her Substack accountWomen's Ways of Knowing by Belenky et al.Michael's 2008 chapter has more on conserving vs transforming growth, as well as Barry Grant's work.Table of forms and manifestations of overexcitabilityConnect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookDabrowski Center and Positive Disintegration Podcast Community on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you! Get full access to Positive Disintegration at positivedisintegration.substack.com/subscribe

In episode 43, Chris and Emma delved into the topic of trauma and disintegration, spurred by a question from our Facebook community. We discussed that while trauma can act as a catalyst for disintegration, it is not a prerequisite. Disintegration can also be triggered by other life events, such as a spiritual awakening or the recognition of social injustices that demand action.We emphasize that personal growth is more closely linked to the experience of dynamisms rather than trauma alone. Living through trauma doesn't guarantee growth; it's the internal dynamisms that play a pivotal role in one's development.Our conversation also covered the third factor dynamism, a key element guiding an individual's development toward higher or more ethical choices. We explored how self-reflection and value alignment contribute to this complex decision-making process. We encouraged listeners to not only ponder their core values but to also assess whether their actions genuinely align with those beliefs—are you walking your talk?We acknowledged that stepping out of one's comfort zone is often easier said than done. Real transformation involves a multi-faceted approach: deep self-reflection, choices that align with your values, and a concerted effort to break free from unproductive habits and behaviors.Looking ahead, we're excited to announce “Ask Me Anything” episodes. We invite our listeners to submit their questions with the subject or hashtag #AskMeAnything. You can connect with us through Facebook, Instagram, or via email at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.com. We look forward to your engagement as we continue to explore the many dimensions of positive disintegration. Links from this episodeWe discussed Dr. Michael M. Piechowski and the thread that runs through his writing about “the work of inner transformation.” We're planning an Interesting Quotes post on that topic. Emma's video on Planning Authentic Action With a Process Flow covers the topic of thinking about how you will walk your talk.The Neurodiversity Podcast was mentioned.Connect with usPositive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookDabrowski Center and Positive Disintegration Podcast Community on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!

In episode 41, Chris and Emma talked with Catherine Zakoian, MA, NCC, LPC, a counselor and educational consultant from Boulder, Colorado. Catherine is also the author of Raising Gifted Children: A Practical Guide for Parents Facing Big Emotions and Big Potential.We discussed emotional tension and the issue of confronting our individual shadows, as well as the shadow in groups, such as families and communities. Catherine shared valuable insights on navigating this type of inner work, which can be helpful for individuals and clinicians on their personal growth journeys.Catherine shared her experiences of applying Dabrowski's theory in her clinical practice, offering practical guidance for therapists and clients alike. Whether you're just starting to study the theory or working on yourself, you'll find plenty of worthwhile nuggets in this conversation.We talk about Catherine's expertise, which extends to educational consulting, where she provides guidance to schools and organizations serving gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) populations. She also shared some of her insights from working with gifted children and their families, offering practical advice for parents and educators.Catherine and Chris know each other thanks to participating in the Dabrowski Study Group that was recently mentioned in one of our posts on Substack.Links from this episodeRaising Gifted Children: A Practical Guide for Parents Facing Big Emotions and Big Potential by Catherine ZakoianWe discussed past Dąbrowski Congresses. Consider joining us at the 2024 Dąbrowski Congress!Learn more about the Dabrowski Study Group in Chris's post, The Positive Disintegration Study Group.Episode 28 with Kate Arms was mentioned.Catherine mentioned Michael M. Piechowski's 1975 monograph (PDF download).Chris mentioned the Parents of Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Kids Facebook group.Connect with us!Positive Disintegration on SubstackVisit the Dabrowski Center websiteFacebookInstagramThe Positive Disintegration YouTube ChannelAdults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookDabrowski Center and Positive Disintegration Podcast Community on FacebookThe Tragic Gift blog by EmmaEmail us at positivedisintegration.pod@gmail.comPlease consider supporting the podcast to help fund this work through the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Find Positive Disintegration MerchIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!

In episode 35, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden, an American licensed psychologist with offices in Colorado and Florida. Patty applies the theory of positive disintegration in her practice with the highly and profoundly gifted.Patty studied with Dr. Michael M. Piechowski as a graduate student when he taught at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the late 1970s, and he introduced her to the work of Dąbrowski and Maslow. Years later, they reconnected, became close friends, and worked together as Senior Fellows to help create Yunasa, a camp for highly gifted children run by the Institute for Educational Advancement.We learned about Patty's early work with the profoundly gifted in her role as the Director of Guidance and Counseling at University High School at the University of Illinois. She described falling in love with that population, and she's worked with PG individuals of all ages ever since. She talked with us about her holistic approach to the gifted, which is the basis of her book, Embracing the Whole Gifted Self. Patty talked with us about the necessity of honoring all five domains of the self: intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social. Patty shared the importance of seeing gifted individuals as whole people and more than their minds.How can therapists of the gifted serve this population well? Patty shared several ideas on this topic from her own experience. Understanding one's own levels of giftedness and empathy is critical when working with clients. We learned some of the essentials for clinicians and how they can prepare themselves to be present and grounded in their work.In the final part of our discussion, Patty talked about the life journey inward toward the Golden Core, or our inner guidance system. Discovering our meaning and purpose in life and facing ourselves courageously are parts of this journey.Links from this episode:Patricia Gatto-Walden, Ph.D. (Patty's website)Embracing the Whole Gifted Self (Patty's book)Yunasa (IEA website)Piechowski archive (Dąbrowski Center website)Social links and other info:Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/positivedisintegrationpod)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/positivedisintegration_podcast/)Twitter (https://twitter.com/DabrowskiPod)Join the Adults with Overexcitabilities group on FacebookJoin Dabrowski Center and Positive Disintegration Podcast Community on FacebookPlease, consider supporting the podcast. Positive Disintegration is brought to you by the Dabrowski Center.Subscribe here for the Dabrowski Center's monthly newsletter and information about the 2024 Dabrowski Congress.If you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review. Thank you!Thank you for listening to Positive Disintegration. Please share! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positivedisintegration.substack.com

In episode 19, Chris and Emma were joined by Stephanie Tolan, an author and long-time advocate and champion of the gifted. This episode was inspired by Stef's chapter in the book Living with Intensity called “What We May Be: What Dabrowski's Work Can Do for Gifted Adults.” We've had enough feedback from listeners to know that we needed a deeper dive into the theory's levels of development and that we needed to push back a little on the established dogma. We're grateful for Stef's willingness to join us for this conversation about Dąbrowski's levels. Stef talked with us about her realization that there are more people at the highest level of development than Dąbrowski acknowledged in his writing. We talked about how her beliefs about consciousness and higher-level development have changed over the years. We discussed exemplars, reincarnation, and the limited understanding that we currently have about the levels of development and their many permutations. Resources mentioned during this episode:Stephanie S. Tolan's websiteLiving with Intensity by Daniels & Piechowski (from Gifted Unlimited, LLC)Lives of Positive Disintegration by Michael M. Piechowski (links to ResearchGate)A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War by Joseph LocontePeace Pilgrim websitePeace Pilgrim's works are available for download in multiple languages for free.Support the podcastIf you enjoyed this episode on Apple or Spotify, please remember to click on the stars and leave a rating or write a review.Thank you for listening to Positive Disintegration. Please, feel free to share! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positivedisintegration.substack.com

Gifted and exceptional children seem more inclined to gender nonconformity and they represent a significant proportion of the ROGD teens discussed in Dr. Littman's research. Sasha and Stella explore why there may be a link between brilliance and transgender identity. Links: https://www.sengifted.org/post/overexcitability-and-the-gifted#:~:text=Dabrowski%20identified%20five%20areas%20of%5BText (“Overexcitability and the Gifted”, by Sharon Lind) https://www.thirdfactor.org/intensity-gender-dysphoria/ (“Where Overexcitability and Gender Dysphoria Meet,” by Jessie Mannisto) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252672020_Gender_Identity_and_the_Overexcitability_Profiles_of_Gifted_College_Students (“Gender Identity and Overexcitability Profiles of Gifted College Students” Researchgate  (2009)) https://4thwavenow.com/2017/06/25/gender-dysphoria-and-gifted-children/ (“Gender Dysphoria and Gifted Children,” by Lisa Marchiano) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0202330#sec019 (Dr. Lisa Littman) https://www.amazon.com/Living-Intensity-Understanding-Sensitivity-Excitability/dp/0910707898 (Living with Intensity: Understanding the Sensitivity, Excitability, and the Emotional Development of Gifted Children, Adolescents, and Adults, Edited by Susan Daniels and Michael M. Piechowski) https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/ (Carol Dweck & Mindset) https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224 (The Social Dilemma Film) https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Wool-Kids-Parents-Paranoid/dp/1781173206 (Cotton Wool Kids: What's Making Irish Parents Paranoid?, by Stella O'Malley) Extended Notes How do the Irish reward/acknowledge/talk about “exceptional learners” and gifted individuals? Educated American parents want to know how gifted their children really are. Children who are exceptionally gifted will be placed in a different learning program to help them accelerate. Kids can get set up with the expectation that they're going to be exceptional all the time, and that leads to a lot of disappointment in life. Why are gender dysphoria and “giftedness” linked? How do you define a “gifted” person? Sasha believes a lot of gifted people really struggle with depression in their teenage years as they see all their peers having fun and they “just can't relate.” It's very lonely being intelligent. Intense kids crave really deep relationships and are dissatisfied by superficial relationships that are very common during the teenage years. Stella has noticed that a lot of teens aren't “that into” music anymore. It used to be a huge part of her identity when she was growing up. If you have a growth mindset, you're able to handle failure much easily. Everyone in life is “in a process.” Nobody starts out great. Do you have a fear of failure? It's a very common experience! Companies are savvy and they want you to get excited, emotionally, so that there's more engagement on their platforms. It's common for teenagers to have a big sense of imaginability, but these can really go “off the rails,” so to speak, with brilliantly gifted kids. What's concerning is children taking on more video games instead of going outside and being physical to expend all that energy. It impacts your health and your brain. Life is safer for our children today than ever before, but at what cost? If you're not pushing your body beyond its limits, what's next? You're pushing your brain and you'll seek more and more dangerous behavior online. In gifted education, there is a desire to discover new ideas and gender identity is so cutting edge. This podcast is partially sponsored by ReIME, Rethink Identity Medicine Ethics: https://rethinkime.org/ (Rethinkime.org) Learn more about our show: https://linktr.ee/WiderLensPod (Linktr.ee/WiderLensPod) Support this podcast

Nadya Abo-Shaeer was identified as a gifted child but choose not to embrace nor identify with this label. As a gifted teenager and collage student she immersed herself into studying as much and diverse as she possibly could. She is leading a typical life of a multipotential gifted neurodiverse person but only realised that so much of who she is and her own story is tied to this identity. Now she is starting to embrace her intensity and her bubbly personality and living her life to her full potential. Letting go of false expectations from society and embracing herself the way she is: an amazing and gifted person.TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Gifted humans feel very strongly about inequality such as race and gender issuesInterdisciplinary studies are very appealing to the multipotential gifted humans who just need to know multiple subjects in depthbeing gifted and thirsting for knowledge can also be overwhelming at timesIt is in the gifted nature to care deeply and we might here the phrase “don’t take things so seriously” a lotGifted people deeply process emotionsBeing gifted is a way of being and there are other people like you out thereAs a gifted person you probably hear people call you “too intense, too much” or they tell you “you care too much”When someone tells you you are gifted, your first reaction is probably “Thank you, but no thank you. I am going to opt out of this.”Gifted people don’t like loud noises, bright lights or open officesGifted attunement -> find the right space for “where” you can be this specific part of yourselfGifted people do not feel better or superior to other people, they rather feel not enough! Giftedness can sometimes feel more like a disability or a weaknessGifted parents know that it gets easier once your (gifted) children get older. You are not alone and knowing about your own giftedness and having the vocabulary helps and empowers you.As a gifted person you might need more support because you are navigating things in a way with takes more energy and complexityThe key is to harnessing your intensity (as Aurora Remember shows us)MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Aurora Remember’s podcast and community Book Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara NerenbergBook Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels, Michael M. Piechowski

In 1953 Mildred Norman renounced "an empty life of money and things" and dedicated herself to promoting peace. She spent the next three decades walking through the United States to spread a message of simplicity and harmony. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll describe her unusual life as a peace pilgrim. We'll also admire Wellington's Mittens and puzzle over a barren Christmas. Intro: In 1956, Navy pilot Tom Attridge overtook his own rounds in a supersonic jet. Flemish artist Cornelius Gijsbrechts painted a rendering of the back of a painting. Sources for our feature on Peace Pilgrim: Peace Pilgrim, Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words, 1992. Peace Pilgrim, Steps Toward Inner Peace, 1964. Kathlyn Gay, American Dissidents: An Encyclopedia of Activists, Subversives, and Prisoners of Conscience, 2012. Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking, 2001. Peace Pilgrim's website. Michael M. Piechowski, "Giftedness for All Seasons: Inner Peace in a Time of War," Henry B. and Jocelyn Wallace National Research Symposium on Talent Development, University of Iowa, 1991. Michael M. Piechowski, "Is Inner Transformation a Creative Process?", Creativity Research Journal 6:1-2 (1993), 89-98. Michael M. Piechowski, "Peace Pilgrim, Exemplar of Level V," Roeper Review 31:2 (2009), 103-112. Amanda Kautz, "Peace Pilgrim: An American Parallel to a Buddhist Path," Buddhist-Christian Studies 10 (1990), 165-172. Roy Tamashiro, "Planetary Consciousness, Witnessing the Inhuman, and Transformative Learning: Insights From Peace Pilgrimage Oral Histories and Autoethnographies," Religions 9:5 (2018), 148. "Introducing Peace Pilgrim," Equality 15 (May 1969), 3. "Peace Pilgrim's Progress," Equality 1 (May 1965), 3. Ann Rush with John Rush, "Peace Pilgrim: An Extraordinary Life," 1992. Peace Pilgrim, "On Foot and on Faith," The Sun Magazine, February 2020. Katharine Q. Seelye, "Overlooked No More: Emma Gatewood, First Woman to Conquer the Appalachian Trail Alone," New York Times, June 27, 2018. Steve Taylor, "Peace Pilgrim: A Way to Wakefulness," Psychology Today, June 8, 2016. Paul Venesz, "7th Peace Pilgrim Celebration," [Vineland, N.J.] Daily Journal, Sept. 24, 2014, 9. "Peace Pilgrim Nominated to Hall of Fame," [Vineland, N.J.] Daily Journal, May 28, 2014, 1. "Peace Pilgrim Is Eyed for Hall," [Vineland, N.J.] Daily Journal, Oct. 23, 2013, 1. Braden Campbell, "Author of New Book on Peace Pilgrim to Take Part in Egg Harbor City Celebration," Press of Atlantic City, Sept. 11, 2013. Kate Murphy, "Walking the Country as a Spiritual Quest," New York Times, March 2, 2013. Zak Rosen, "Peace Pilgrim's 28-Year Walk for 'A Meaningful Way of Life,'" All Things Considered, National Public Radio, Jan. 1, 2013. Jason Nark, "Peace Pilgrim's Message Carried On," Philadelphia Daily News, July 19, 2008, 7. Sandra Malasky, "Peace Pilgrim Walked the Walk," Peterborough [Ont.] Examiner, July 2, 2005, B4. Bernard Bauer, "A 25-Year Hike," Berkeley [Calif.] Barb 28:2 (Oct. 26-Nov. 8, 1978), 3. Chet Briggs, "Peace Pilgrim Comes to Town," [Austin, Texas] Rag 1:15 (Feb. 20, 1967), 7. "Peace Pilgrim," Ottawa County [Ohio] News, Sept. 25, 1953, 2. "Heard in Lawrence," Lawrence [Kan.] Journal-World, June 29, 1953. Listener mail: Wikipedia, "Mittens (cat)" (accessed Oct. 10, 2020). Eleanor Ainge Roy, "'The Best Thing About Wellington': Mittens the Cat Has Paws All Over New Zealand Capital," Guardian, March 3, 2020. "The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens," Facebook. "Celebrity Cat Mittens 'His Floofiness' Awarded Key to the City by Wellington's Mayor," 1 News, May 22, 2020. "Feline Groovy: Mittens Unlocks More Hearts With Key to the City," Wellington City Council, May 22, 2020. Katarina Williams, "Wellington Feline Celebrity Mittens Awarded Key to the City," stuff, May 22, 2020. Eleanor Ainge Roy, "Celebrity Cat Called Mittens in the Running to Be New Zealander of the Year," Guardian, Aug 19, 2020. "Jock VII Takes the Helm," International Churchill Society (accessed Oct. 10, 2020). "Jock VII of Chartwell," National Trust (accessed Oct. 10, 2020). Laura Silverman, "Meet the Long Line of Ginger Cats Who've Taken Up Residence in Winston Churchill's Home," Telegraph, July 20, 2020. "A Perpetual Pussycat," Futility Closet, Oct. 21, 2013. Peter Black, "RIP Doorkins Magnificat," Blogspot, Oct. 5, 2020 "The Story of Doorkins Magnificat," Southwark Cathedral, accessed Oct. 10, 2020. This week's lateral thinking puzzle was devised by Sharon. Here are two corroborating links (warning -- these spoil the puzzle). You can listen using the player above, download this episode directly, or subscribe on Google Podcasts, on Apple Podcasts, or via the RSS feed at https://futilitycloset.libsyn.com/rss. Please consider becoming a patron of Futility Closet -- you can choose the amount you want to pledge, and we've set up some rewards to help thank you for your support. You can also make a one-time donation on the Support Us page of the Futility Closet website. Many thanks to Doug Ross for the music in this episode. If you have any questions or comments you can reach us at podcast@futilitycloset.com. Thanks for listening!

Do you know kids living on the fringes? Kids living on the fringes are the passion of today’s guest, Heather Boorman. Heather is a writer, public speaker, podcaster and  Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Heather is the founding member and therapist at Boorman Counseling, LLC in Western Wisconsin. Additionally, Heather serves on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Association for the Gifted and Talented. Heather will be speaking with Aurora at the San Diego Emotional Needs of the Gifted  (SENG) Conference in July. Heather is the co-host of the Fringy Bit Podcast and has a book, The Gifted Needs Workbook, coming out August 1. I hope to have some copies available for pre-release at the SENG Conference. Heather is a homeschool mom to three fringy kids which further fuels her advocacy for kids living on the fringes. More in this episode:  • Being real is freeing! • Chances are that you contributed to the giftedness of your children. • Claim your own giftedness. • Until we can model our giftedness, misperceptions by others will continue to exist. • Confidence comes from really knowing yourself; faults and positive traits. • Intensity for adults may mean going “full in”.  • Gifted children may process themselves inwardly. • Internal intensity may make deep connections with others difficult. • Children need the security to be/express themselves. • Culture may inhibit one’s ability to express himself.  • Mindfulness helps me have peace and calm. • Introverts need personal time to be able to focus on themselves. • The Fringy Bit Podcast helps you to you understand your own/ kids’ fire. • Everyone struggles with doubts and fears.   Resources: How to donate to help keep the podcast going via Patreon:  The Fringy Bit Podcast  The Fringy Bit Episode with Aurora SENG Conference  Boorman Counseling  Wherever You Go, There You Are, by Jon Kabat-Zinn Living With Intensity, by Susan Daniels and Michael M. Piechowski Self Reg, by Dr. Stuart Shanker Connect with Heather: Facebook