Breaking the Math Phobia Barrier: A Journey to Unlocking Potential
During my school days, I developed a natural flair for mathematics. Concepts came to me effortlessly, and I could solve problems even before my teacher finished explaining them. Teaching came as naturally as breathing to me, leading me to enthusiastically help my classmates, siblings, and cousins with their math homework.
Forty years ago, when my first daughter started school, I eagerly seized the opportunity to teach her math, hoping she would inherit my natural talent. I believed that genetics and natural inclination would do the rest. However, to my regret, my daughter did not share my affinity for numbers; in fact, she thoroughly disliked math. My well-meaning efforts backfired, and what started as a supportive endeavor turned into an emotionally charged battlefield.
A Deeper Understanding of My Daughter's Struggle
I became frustrated, impatient, and often let my emotions get the better of me. My daughter's disdain for math grew with each passing day, influenced by our tense interactions during lessons. She managed to scrape through her school finals but her dislike for the subject shaped her academic and career choices significantly. Today, she is a renowned psychologist with a PhD, specializing in the application of mindfulness to psychology—a field she loves and excels in.
For years, I carried a deep sense of guilt and regret, feeling that I had failed as both her math teacher and her father. I blamed myself for not understanding her needs and for pushing her too hard instead of nurturing her natural inclinations.
Revisiting the Learning Environment
Fast forward several decades, after my journey into awareness and spiritual transformation, I found myself with another opportunity to teach math: this time to my grandchildren. My approach had changed considerably, and with it, the dynamics of learning.
Creating a Supportive and Engaging Environment
This second chance came with the wisdom gained from my own growth and past mistakes. I no longer focused on traditional teaching methods but instead created a supportive and engaging environment where learning became a shared journey. I realized that almost every child can learn to excel in math when the teaching approach is based on understanding, patience, and joy.
To my pleasant surprise, I found that it is possible to unlock every child's potential in mathematics—not through traditional methods but by fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. The act of slowing down, breathing consciously, and creating space for exploration rather than pressure has transformed children's relationship with math.
The Impact of Conscious Breathing and Focused Gazing
The first thing we do together is practice conscious breathing. Before every session, I engage in Focused Gazing and Conscious Breathing (FGCB) and guide the children to do the same. This simple breathing practice creates a sense of calm and focus, helping children center themselves and approach math with a clearer mind.
Whenever they forget a formula or struggle to understand a question, we pause and return to this practice. This approach has yielded miraculous results. I have witnessed children who were once terrified of math begin to embrace it with curiosity and confidence.
Approaching Math as a Shared Adventure
Ultimately, I have learned that overcoming math anxiety is less about teaching techniques and more about creating a safe, supportive, and joyful environment. Children thrive when they feel heard, understood, and free from judgment. By approaching math as a shared adventure, we not only solve equations but also build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning.
By incorporating these elements into my teaching, I have helped my grandchildren and their friends overcome their math phobias, leading to a more positive and productive learning experience for all.