The fingertips are a treasury of sensations. Their nerve endings are so numerous that they can distinguish between the finest textures and the slightest temperature variations. If we fail to use our fingers or become 'finger blind' in childhood or youth, this rich network of nerves is impoverished, and our overall development is stunted. This loss is akin to blindness but even more profound. While a blind person may not be able to see an object, the fingerblind cannot grasp its true meaning or value. Imagine the potential loss if we neglect to develop these tactile skills in our children, a loss that could impact their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
Those who shaped our ancient traditions understood this well. They knew that hands are not just tools for grasping and manipulating objects; they are also the instruments of our creativity and understanding. When we neglect to develop our children's fingers, we are neglecting to develop their very souls. This stark contrast to the modern education system, which seems to have forgotten this wisdom, should ignite a sense of urgency for us to reevaluate our educational priorities.
Today's world is surrounded by a culture of information overload. We are constantly bombarded with data and are led to believe that the more information we have, the better. But this is a false and dangerous illusion. While information is essential, it is not enough. In fact, tactile skills are more crucial in this information age than ever. Research has shown that hands-on learning experiences enhance understanding and retention of information and foster creativity and problem-solving skills. We need to develop our capacity for direct, embodied experience. We must learn to use our hands and senses to explore the world around us.
The schools of our day have forgotten this essential truth. They are obsessed with imparting information and neglect the creative potential of the hands. This is a grave mistake. Some may argue that it's not feasible to integrate tactile skills development in the current education system due to time constraints or lack of resources. However, without the development of the hands, our children cannot achieve their full potential as human beings. It's time we start prioritizing this aspect of education and find innovative ways to incorporate it into the curriculum.
We must reclaim the wisdom of our ancient traditions. For instance, we can encourage our children to engage in activities like painting, sculpting, or playing with building blocks, which all require using their hands to explore the world around them. By doing this, we will help them develop their capacity for direct, embodied experience. When we do this, we will nurture their creativity, understanding, and very souls.
So, let's play the piano!
❤️