i've been thinking about motivation recently
and the role it plays in skill-development.
we occupational therapists know well
how essential motivation is.
~
our profession has theories
built around the premise
that motivation is an essential driver
of human occupation.
i have been thinking about this
in relation to children
and the drive to become skilled with tools
(in my world, that's usually a writing tool).
why would a child ever care to
use something other than his or her hands,
which are very efficient tools themselves?
motivation (and its friend, social reward).
motivation to mimic the adult;
motivation to please the adult.
yes, motivation becomes internal -
but much of motivation
(i think)
originates in the external world.
we want to imitate because
we want to please.
we want to assimilate,
and we want to master
those occupations we see valued
by those around us.
AND
occupations are therapeutic, too.
~
occupational therapy is the creative and scientific discipline
of utilizing meaningful occupations to enable a person
with mental or physical disabilities
effectively participate in their life.
~
we help people 'do' their life!
so i was particularly taken
with this painting by Jacob Lawrence
"In The Garden"
which depicts his experience,
while recovering from a mental health crisis,
of gardening as therapy!
YES!!!
this. this. this.
is Occupational Therapy!!!
and here's
my meaningful occupation
this weekend...
(my motivation :
i did not want to stuff
everything into my pockets!
oh, and i wanted to follow the rules &
not have my too-big purse
confiscated!)
...sewing a little purse to take
to the football game!
I love OT!
