Reaching In All Directions: Stretching the Limits of Imagination & Managing the Feeling of Adolescent Insanity - Tapa dura

Reaching in All Directions begins as an all out discussion of adolescent contemplations, through which the self that is without a solidified identity is let loose to explore the depths and potential of one's imagination. As is evident in the multiplicity of characters that comprise the discussion, there is a great deal of confusion and a variety of attitudes that come to hash about this handling of imaginative overload. As they all get closer to unearthing their inevitable transition to a more independent adulthood, it is as if their imagination is perpetually out for one last hurrah. In fear of losing their originality to the conventions of adulthood, the repressed power of imagination is frantic to at least scribble some initials in that wet cement of soon to be permanent identity.

After emotions have somewhat subsided, Reaching in All Directions moves forward in terms of adjustment stages and delivers more organized, concrete words to capture the often un-organized and unspeakable mental events that make up what might be called the adolescent "hardening of cement." In a promotion of self-awareness and personal agency, the period following discussion stumbles upon a number of tactics to help recognize and order the coming changes in the self. From the adolescent who can't find the right word to the mother of that adolescent who has forgotten what it is like, take a step back to the open scenery of the Meta-Conscious and reach in all directions.