#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream; or better yet, join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Your Rainforest Mind” from with author Paula Prober
Hi all. Welcome. Thanks for coming. Paula Prober, here.
Thanks for coming out all! Let's take a min to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/9HOOKovR2K
Excited to hear from Been reading your blog all day!
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
Hi, folks - I'm Corin Goodwin, ED of GHF & mom to a pair of 2e teens.
Hi All! I'm a GT Specialist from NW Houston. Raised 2 gifted kids & married to a creatively gifted guy.
Hello! I'm Jade Rivera- educator, writer, and coach from Oakland, CA
Angela Timmons gifted coordinator West Elementary Jenks, OK
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on Wed. 10.00 am eager to hear abt book
Hi, Lisa - It's nice to finally make it back to . It has been way too long.
Hi. Gail Post from Gifted Challenges - psychologist, blogger, mom of 2, from outside Philly. Very humid night here
Tracy here from North Texas. Parent of two 20 something young men.
<-- advisor! Welcome, Tracy!
So nice to see you all here. Hope I can keep up!! :)
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
Hi, Fred. I'm from Earth. I have papers. You trust official papers, right?
Hi all, Marianne here. SENG PAC. Homeschool. Pediatrician. Blogger. May need to lurk tonight. Fantastic topic & guest!!
Question 1 is up on deck; let’s chat!
Jeremy from Connecticut. Interesting topic tonight!
A1) Gifted mind is like rainforest: complex, creative, sensitive, intense, lively, colorful, misunderstood
A1) I like the analogy of Rainforest being cut down; how so many gifted people feel all the time.
A1) metaphor helps people get what giftedness is without the stigma
Here! Wifi slow but here to support Paula and GHF Press team. <3
It's also a good way to visualize what is happening in the brain, after a fashion.
A1) RF most complex ecosystem; has ability to contribute in a big way. Not better than others, just more complex
A1) Love Paula’s perspective on gifted being multidimensional like the Rainforest; a vast resource for society.
Marie here, just checking in.
And full of Stone Age tribes and potenial wonder pharmaceuticals yet to be discovered...?
And that Rainforest can supply oxygen for all if allowed to thrive
A1) Rainforest mind: Diverse, rare & precious, essential for the survival of our planet, w/often undiscovered treasures.
A1) When something is deep, we often characterize it as having "layers". RFM expands that metaphor in a beautiful way.
Love the way categorizes gifted mind https://t.co/DvnoL5DIUA
A1) RF most complex ecosystem; has ability to contribute in a big way. Not better than others, just more complex
Wow. Love how you all are expanding this idea. Getting teary-eyed.
A1) So much complexity to the metaphor!
A1) To an outsider, the rainforest is messy, noisy, and has a bazillion wild critters and beetles. Inside, it's where I live.
A2) Self acceptance, understanding, self-soothing, relaxation strategies, mindfulness, artistic expression...
Love this. Ts need to take time to explore those "layers" https://t.co/Gp3y4YqrvQ
A1) When something is deep, we often characterize it as having "layers". RFM expands that metaphor in a beautiful way.
The "I" of the Beholder: A Guided Journey to the Essence of a Child by Annemarie Roeper (Amazon) https://t.co/h6WFh9wzjd
A2) Important to learn strategies early in life to counter sensitivities; it is a lifelong endeavor to find balance and peace.
A2) ...physical outlets, time in nature, spiritual practices, talking to a friend, visualization of container to hold emotions
A2: Creativity & music does it for me.
A)2. Looking into executive functioning skills to reach some of these characteristics in Ss
A2) Like a true rainforest, a rainforest mind must find the ideal niche to thrive, away from that which limits & inhibits growth.
A2) 1st, appreciate these are normal for gifted; then work on self-calming and self-expression to contain/release when needed
A2) Being with an animal or a pet can be helpful, too
A1 the rainforest struggles. It has been taken advantage of and has difficulty renewing itself. Gifted adults might feel this way.
A2) Acknowledge your sensitivities; recognize when you need to step back & chill out.
A2). I find Dialectical behavior therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy useful in gifted adults seeking to center themselves
Paula I love that....visualization of container to hold emotions! 💜 I see that totally!
https://t.co/LDlaxIk1xY
A2). I find Dialectical behavior therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy useful in gifted adults seeking to center themselves
A2) OEs & sensitivities respond in many cases to mindfulness, pursuing passions, awareness of what calms (different in each person).
Children especially like the visualization of the container.
A2) Introspection, self-reflection, meditation.
A2) Learning about other RFM individuals. Documentaries like, 20,000 Days on Earth or The Punk Singer (2 of my faves)
A2 Someone who understands and gets it. A mentor willing to support and guide. Someone who can help redirect that energy.
Is the "rainforest" associated exclusively with ? Or with other traits too? https://t.co/LrJ1V5X1La
A1) To an outsider, the rainforest is messy, noisy, and has a bazillion wild critters and beetles. Inside, it's where I live.
A2) Find gifted peers. Consider counseling, support groups
A2) Study the Stoic philosophers.
I have been trying to calm myself with reflecting on how we in the US at least do have still some gifts that other nations do no.
I don't view giftedness as a trait. It's more holistic.
The global nature of also helps me appreciate the gifts of other nations as well.
The global nature of also helps me appreciate the gifts of other nations as well.
Q3) How can Rainforest Mind (RFM) adults redirect their passions to lead to positive outcomes? https://t.co/E2IBptTAzs
A3) Career: OK to change paths over lifetime. Find job with variety, depth, challenge. Use creativity to craft career that works.
Agreed. It's neurological.
A3) : Recognize as a complex challenge on many levels.
A3) For me, it meant creating a career entirely on my own terms in which I do something different every day.
A)3 rainforest mind adults perfectly suited to help mentor Ss who are the same
A3) Realize there’s nothing wrong with being passionate. Passion drives our humanity.
A3) We must learn discernment and the strange magic of chaos, too. We have to conserve energy for us; know others may lag in seeing
A3) Flexibility. Life is a series of stages. Each a rung along the path. One can only recognize the pattern in reverse. Be confident
A3) Depends on the outcome they want... but hopefully it will include their passion, curiosity and sense of purpose
A3 volunteer for those things you have a passion for. Coach a robotics team, mentor GT learners with solar excitability, etc.
A3) Know that having lots of passions is not dysfunctional or shallow but multipotentiality, part of being RFM.
I did pause about using that word but came up with it quickly. Whatever you call it... What's the answer?
Yes! And channeling that passion into mechanisms for doing good. <3
A3) Be true to yourself. Many RFMs have the ability but lack the confidence to cut their own path, suffering from imposter syndrome.
YES! So healing RT A)3 rainforest mind adults perfectly suited to help mentor Ss who are the same
You mean are there other traits? Well, you could read the book ;-)
A3) Always seek curiosity, play, self-directed learning, and helping others. It's the journey not the goal.
A3) Understand that most of human progress wouldn’t have happened without passion; a desire to make life better.
A3) Like everyone, we must learn to collaborate effectively.
A3: I think being a mentor is important especially for those that might not have the resources and thats what I try an put out there
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
How to redirect to positive outcomes. Love the rung analogy and seeing big perspective only in retrospect. https://t.co/bgJHfMQO2N
A3) Flexibility. Life is a series of stages. Each a rung along the path. One can only recognize the pattern in reverse. Be confident
I'd be more concerned with the lack of it. We're here to LIVE. https://t.co/KcAfAJcQkF
A3) Realize there’s nothing wrong with being passionate. Passion drives our humanity.
A4) Parents may unconsciously pass on dysfunctional patterns to kids. Awareness/processing them with good counselor can help.
A3) We may need to come to terms with mixed messages about the value of giftedness
It is really easy to do this. I've seen it a few times and engaged in it myself. Really, really easy to do. https://t.co/g32pQYydwe
A4) Parents may unconsciously pass on dysfunctional patterns to kids. Awareness/processing them with good counselor can help.
A4) Gifted adults should not consider seeking professional help as a weakness; life should be lived to its fullest w/o regrets.
Yup! We see that a lot when parents discover their child is and then revisit their own childhood.
A3: Came across this 14 yr old whom was going to give up chello cause of bullies an he's Adhd showed his mom SENG info! She 💜 it.
A4) Counseling models self-care for kids & healing is best gift to them. Can help you self-actualize and live your purpose.
I trust this is a stage. A growth period. I hope! https://t.co/97xjNIWYJA
I have been trying to calm myself with reflecting on how we in the US at least do have still some gifts that other nations do no.
A4) Gain support/perspective/self-awareness, overcome self-deprecation, misunderstanding
A4) As an outlier you're destined to misunderstand and be misunderstood.
A4) Because we're notorious over-thinkers. Too self-critical, too hyper-focused, no amount of perspective in the world can help.
A4) Professional help should be considered when every life becomes negatively impacted by emotions.
A4) Important to work through own biases and prejudices--even the perhaps one-time useful ones--to see child journey is not parents
A4) It's important to work with another person to reconcile those misunderstandings.
A4) Gifted adults may still have unresolved emotional baggage left from their childhood treatment
A4) Not being at peace with one's self/one's life/one's direction or unaware of how one can move forward may be reasons to see help.
A4) To alleviate suffering, challenge hurtful thoughts and feelings, negative behaviors
A4) Kids need to grow up seeing mental health pros as resource. Never know when they will need it but we can model engagement w it
A5) Know diff btwn intrinsic (healthy) & extrinsic (unhealthy). RFMs aim for harmony, balance, justice and precision. (intrinsic)
A4 it can be frustrating/isolating when people don't get you. Outside help provides support and shows you how to relate to others.
A4: I believe as gifted adults we always will need a support system because of our natural sensativities
Outside perspective and guidance can help undo years of suppression, confusion, and misunderstanding. Learn to cope, then thrive.
YES!! RT A4: I believe as gifted adults we always will need a support system because of our natural sensativities
A5) Need to prioritize what’s worthy of striving for “perfect” & what can just be excellent or even mediocre bc not important
A5) Set realistic expectations, get support to survive "failure" experiences, take risks to be imperfect
A5) perfectionism is often bias to one's own metrics. Collaboration done right in relationships, work can reveal shortsightedness
A5) Make perfectionism work for you; not against you. Strive to do your best, but realize failure isn’t the end.
A5 a trusted friend or mentor who can help you step away and give perspective.
Speaks to me! Can't get there without wholeness! https://t.co/MOqyKvZQpK
A4) Counseling models self-care for kids & healing is best gift to them. Can help you self-actualize and live your purpose.
A5) Extrinsic comes from early pressure to achieve, please others, not disappoint or from dysfunc family behaviors. Complicated.
So is there one? A support system, I mean. And does being an obsolete gifted kid = gifted adult?
A5) practice abolishing absolutism. Refute perfectionist standards with reality. Replace "I must" with "I'd greatly prefer".
A5) Determine what success will look like *before* you start a project. When you reach it, stop there and celebrate!
A5) Ignore the unachievable phrase "Do your best". Seek in most cases "Good enough". Not everything needs perfection.
A5 Model - "good enough."
A5) learning about "wabi sabi" helped me break perfectionism
I believe there is a support system 1 you surround yourself with & professionals
Great advice! Sometimes hard to do! https://t.co/hfAzyHrhNn
A5) Determine what success will look like *before* you start a project. When you reach it, stop there and celebrate!
Yes! Then aim higher. 👍🏽 https://t.co/6G76sUQj7m
A5) Determine what success will look like *before* you start a project. When you reach it, stop there and celebrate!
A5) Great book—Procrastination by Burka, Yuen. Dialogue w/inner critical voice in journal/art or get counseling if trauma in family
You never IMO outgrow gifted....as I was dx 2E so late, but it all added up!
Briefly, wabi sabi is Japanese aesthetic that values imperfection
A5) As the Russians say, "The best is enemy of the good enough." (Or was it Gudenov?)
A5 I think being able to admit you struggle with this and being able to identify the struggle is key. Knowing is half the battle!
Will have to investigate further! https://t.co/yiJTFKMxBm
Briefly, wabi sabi is Japanese aesthetic that values imperfection
Procrastination I feel a little bit comes from underlying fear. A hurdle to overcome
Why not give yourself the highest expectations? You might surprise yourself. But be patient and forgiving. https://t.co/oR8vKApVYD
A5) Make perfectionism work for you; not against you. Strive to do your best, but realize failure isn’t the end.
Love ! Learn so much every week! https://t.co/1hAysLJmZW
Briefly, wabi sabi is Japanese aesthetic that values imperfection
A5 I often have to set a timer. When times up I must move on!
I do to and not feel bad about it!
A5) With kids, most dangerous perfectionism is grafting our dreams to their roots--be it academic, professional, social aspirations
Final question of the day coming up!
(sheepishly raises hand) I use my microwave more as a timer than a food prep device
Q6) Should adults consider being tested for giftedness if they were not identified as a child? https://t.co/Kwm3mQ8r5t
A5) An Amish quilt has an error somewhere intentionally because only God is perfect.
A6) IMO, not necessary to get tested. Determine RFM from traits.
ABSOLUTELY! Cause it helps them on their path to wholeness!
A6) Very expensive endeavor - may not like what they find out...
A6) That's difficult b/c so few qualified testers for adult giftedness. :-(
A6) good assessment tool in The Gifted Adult by Jacobsen. Can be RFM and not test well.
A6) Testing reveals various strengths/weaknesses, variabilities, and adult needs to be open to learning this informaiton
A6) I do not advocate adult testing unless it is to find peer groups (ie MENSA) or uncover LDs. Very useful in those cases.
A6) 😳 Why not? I have "traits" (or whatever I should call them), but not the "smarts." Would be interesting. https://t.co/Yn5Mmpms1R
Q6) Should adults consider being tested for giftedness if they were not identified as a child? https://t.co/Kwm3mQ8r5t
A6: I say that as someone coming from a mis dx background & can appreciate the other perspective as well. I would think tho helps.
A6) IDK. I still think unless tests come with great counseling/coaching they fall short of nurturing socio-emotional growth for G2E
Couldn't agree more! https://t.co/G5HNvfEqDK
A6) That's difficult b/c so few qualified testers for adult giftedness. :-(
A6) It hasn't been necessary for me, but I already work with amazing professionals in the field and have from day one
There's a fun RFM "test" in my book!:)
I 2nd that! RT A6) good assessment tool in The Gifted Adult by Jacobsen. Can be RFM and not test well.
A6) Adults should question the purpose of being tested; is it necessary for understanding self?
but how do you know either of those without the test?
I just took it! SO FUN RT There's a fun RFM "test" in my book! :)
Yes otherwise I would have never finished college.
A6) Testing really only helpful if there is a question or problem to be solved. Just looking to see if you're gifted not good reason
Yes, I worry that a poor tester can make things even worse for the client. :-(
A6) Testing adults may be beneficial if part of diagnostic tests to resolve mental health issues.
I took the Mensa tests out of curiosity. It was an inexpensive way to get professional level IQ tests. Hilarity ensued.
Too complex to answer in tweets. Contact me. RT but how do you know either of those without the test?
what's so bad about finding out you're not gifted? Or at least not gifted enough to consider it a good investment? 😜
Especially if 2E is the real diagnosis.
Others around the gifted adult need to understand and value their thinking. Testing isn't necessary but awareness is!
Exactly! https://t.co/GrwgbVF0ky
Others around the gifted adult need to understand and value their thinking. Testing isn't necessary but awareness is!
undiagnosed ADD for example?
Yes, testing for 2e issues makes sense. May be hard to find good practitioner for this.
The problem is thew high risk of misdiagnosis that leads to even more potential harm.
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
I wasn't looking to see if I was gifted; I was looking out of curiosity. So, I took Mensa's tests to learn my IQ.
fair enough. I think it's helpful to get insight, and there may be less complicated ways to do that.
A6) Just very expensive venture - and getting a definitive IQ number can have an impact
Not just others *around* the gifted adults, but also the gifted adults themselves.
A6) Not all test well. Bad results may dampen motivation, self-esteem, self-efficacy. It's just a no. with no predictive properties.
I just want to know how much I admire her and how proud I am to know her. <3
So true ... https://t.co/mYWs08galg
The problem is thew high risk of misdiagnosis that leads to even more potential harm.
Very true, I didn't have a clue about OEs . Have directed other pros to it, found very useful https://t.co/s0L2I9qDCx
Others around the gifted adult need to understand and value their thinking. Testing isn't necessary but awareness is!
Thank you all so much for being here. What a lively group. But, of course you are. Passionate RFMs!
A6 I know adults who grew up feeling "broken." A test that can identify "gifted" needs can also provide understanding and validation
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
What Jade said! https://t.co/0bGcp4zhYw
I just want to know how much I admire her and how proud I am to know her. <3
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Embrace gifted complexities not always as challenges but as undiscovered superpowers. Find your niche & peers who accept & agree.
kinda like the limit of everyday tests in schooling. They're too often a score without context (or even relevance).
A6 I think testing is only necessary in certain cases. Just knowing tendencies and traits is helpful in most cases.
You can contact me if you have questions that I didn't get to!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Thanks so much, , , and TAGT
Thank you to our guest Paula Prober for joining us today!
RT Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
Thank you Paula Lisa and advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for a great
There will be no next week due to the July 4th holiday in the U.S.
THANKS SO MUCH to & & everyone here!
understood. The adult also has to know enough to put it in the proper perspective.
Our next chat will be on Tues July 12th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 13th July at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
Thanks to , & , fabulous GHF Press editor. You guys are all awesome! https://t.co/e7YWgXwO3M
Thanks so much, , , and TAGT
Thanks, great chat everyone!
Our guest will be Andi McNair to chat about as part of our Summer PD Series.
Thanks, Lisa, and Paula , and good luck with your book
you mean the time I took the test for a graduate student wasn't my official IQ? 😉
FT ~ It's nice to talk about 'grown ups' once in awhile! ;)
Grown ups? Does that mean adulting? https://t.co/muCnjsgyeK
FT ~ It's nice to talk about 'grown ups' once in awhile! ;)
Thank you and for a great chat, great resources, and great connections!
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts & comments today. That’s what chats are all about!
Thank you, Lisa for always bringing in interesting guests and ideas to !
Thanks for the chat. Learned how much I have to learn. (As usual.)
