Bootcamp: Day 2 & 3
"Levi, how do you feel at the end of Day 3?" asks Mama. Immediately Levi smiles and makes a loud happy trill sound. Oh how my heart soared!
On Day 2 Levi was able to do a double-session with his Oral-Facial Specialist and Pamela Curlee, co-founder of the Svetlana Masgutove Educational Institute (R), who worked on breathing techniques. There are many reflex points on the face that connect directly to the cranial nerves. These reflex patterns are important for breathing, swallow, sucking, sound/speech, vision and hearing, just to name a few.
Each day after these sessions, Levi's eyes are always much brighter, more balanced and the movements of his face are clearer.
Reaching his arms while keeping them connected to his core. Open fingers during tummy time. Increased range of motion with stretching and twisting. Each day these movements are becoming easier
Surprise, pool time! Levi did one of his sessions in the warm pool with a Specialist from Poland who works extensively with kids in the water. She kept things moving at a fast tempo and it was exciting to see Levi adapt to well and stay engaged through a very challenging session. He has come a long way in being able to deal with stress and change. This is one of the many benefits of MNRI. We are looking forward to doing this again on Day 4.
Every Bootcamp has a tough Sargent. The kind who gets you to work harder than you every knew possible. The kind that believes you can achieve your dreams. The kind whose experience, depth of knowledge and generous heart can lead you through the hardest parts of growth. Levi sees his Sargent in the 6th session, the final hour of the day.
This reflex pattern is called Hands Pulling, Mama calls is circle crunches. From laying on his back Levi is circled around to one side, slowly pulled up to sitting - during which Levi's job is to tuck his chin down toward his chest. Then reverse, back to laying down, all without going into his stress patterns of spasticity. It is terribly hard work! Each time around Levi works so hard to engage his core muscles and figure out the neuro reflex pattern that is being asked of him.
This is just one of many full-body reflex patterns Levi works on in his last and toughest session of the day. His ability to work at this level is a tremendous testament to his growth over the past year.
On Day 2 Levi completed his Assessment with Dr. Masgutova. Lots of growth was evident as a result of completing his rigorous MNRI home program. Great work Nkuku and the home team! She customized his home program to reflect his specific needs this year.
Dr Masgutova is always working to improve her methodologies and adapt the work to every neurological challenge. She invited Levi to participate in a de-breifing session at the end of Day 2 with the full team of Specialists. While working with Levi for 60 minutes, she demonstrated several new adaptations to her techniques.
From birth Levi has been a teacher. It was so beautiful to witness him rise to the challenge of a 7th session of the day with Dr Masgutova while being witnessed by a room full of Specialists.
We thank you for your prayers and encouragement as Levi and I work though the rigors of Bootcamp.
We also ask for you prayers for Dr Masgutova, whose son died less than two weeks ago. We are so grateful for her continuing to host this conference in Minnesota while grieving the loss of her beloved son who was also an innovator within MNRI. Her commitment to the families and children of MNRI is simply incredible.
All of the developments we are seeing in Levi in these eight days, are an exquisite gift in light of her personal grief and loss.
Thank you Dr. Masgutova
