Seems to be a theme for me the past couple of weeks but the power of music has really blasted me in the gut...in a good way. My car had some recent problems with the fuel pump so I had to take it in earlier in the week to get it fixed. Guess they tend to wear out when you have a car with 199,385 miles on it (did I mention I am the only owner and its a 2002?). I have an iPod cord that hooks into my deck and I am constantly listening to it when I drive. Now that I have a 50 mile commute everyday to work and back i have appreciated my over 2000 songs even more. So when I had to take my car into the shop and was driving my wife's car which is sans radio (someone broke into it two weeks ago and stole everything out of it) I found myself missing my music.
The more I thought about it and the music on my iPod the more I realized that I had some stuff on there that was duplicated, of poor quality because I "borrowed" it from a file sharing site, or that the name of the song/artist was misspelled and so forth. So I spent some time in my iTunes cleaning everything up so when I got my car back my music experience would be even better. Needless to say it was and I am even more aware of just how powerful music can be whether it is driving on the freeway, singing in the shower, or worshipping God with my praise band.
So am I to look at my fuel pump going out and costing me hundreds of dollars as a blessing? Hmmmmm..........
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wk 4 Comment on Sarah Hodge's Blog
The example of the boss not listening to changing the perspective to a more positive one taught me a very important lesson. I love this example and part of the book because it teaches us to be problem solvers. Instead of carrying the attitude, “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve,” we become enlightened as to asking ourselves “Where do I go from here?” I believe there is an appropriate time to evaluate past experiences and mistakes as to not repeat them again. However, the problem comes when we start dwelling on them so much, that we lose our focus on what happens next. We get so stuck in the past, that we forget the here and now and the possibilities of what can happen next in the future.
“Love is neither about self-determination nor sacrifice. It is a context in which two people build the life they want together” (Zander & Zander, 2000, p.158). I learned this lesson a while back. I think this can relate to all types of relationships whether with a spouse, a friend, or a family member. The great thing about relationships is the opportunity to serve and care for someone more than you do about yourself. It is not a burden and does not feel like a sacrifice because bringing them happiness also instills in you that same feeling. Joy comes from serving them and doing things to make them happy. When you have two people doing that for each other, you have an extremely happy relationship. This isn’t an easy thing to do, but working at it is part of the building process. And through the may experiences, you get wonderful results.
Sarah -
I completely agree with your statement that "the problem comes when we start dwelling on them so much that we lose our focus on what happens next". Too many times I have found myself focusing on my past failures to the point that it makes it hard for me to forgive myself and move on even though I know better. I don't do it often, however often enough that your first paragraph resonated with me a lot.
I always find it funny when people say that relationships are a 50/50 split in everything. I believe that it should be 100/100 because if you are constantly doing things for the other person and they are doing the same then happiness is a result no matter what. Just like you said though this is not an easy thing to do but the results will speak for themselves. Nice post miss Sarah
“Love is neither about self-determination nor sacrifice. It is a context in which two people build the life they want together” (Zander & Zander, 2000, p.158). I learned this lesson a while back. I think this can relate to all types of relationships whether with a spouse, a friend, or a family member. The great thing about relationships is the opportunity to serve and care for someone more than you do about yourself. It is not a burden and does not feel like a sacrifice because bringing them happiness also instills in you that same feeling. Joy comes from serving them and doing things to make them happy. When you have two people doing that for each other, you have an extremely happy relationship. This isn’t an easy thing to do, but working at it is part of the building process. And through the may experiences, you get wonderful results.
Sarah -
I completely agree with your statement that "the problem comes when we start dwelling on them so much that we lose our focus on what happens next". Too many times I have found myself focusing on my past failures to the point that it makes it hard for me to forgive myself and move on even though I know better. I don't do it often, however often enough that your first paragraph resonated with me a lot.
I always find it funny when people say that relationships are a 50/50 split in everything. I believe that it should be 100/100 because if you are constantly doing things for the other person and they are doing the same then happiness is a result no matter what. Just like you said though this is not an easy thing to do but the results will speak for themselves. Nice post miss Sarah
Wk 4 Comment on Abbie Toy's Blog
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous-
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us: it is in everyone,
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
-Marianne Williamson
I found this quote in Ch. 11 (Frameworks for Possibility) in our textbook, and it opened up a world of possibility for me! I have so much fear in my life (which I mentioned in the discussion boards for this week) and this quote identifies the fear, reminds me I am a child of God, and encourages me to be myself without fear!
Abbie -
It takes a lot to talk about your fears especially on blogs and discussion boards so for you to do that is really cool. The quote you used reminded me of a MercyMe song entitled "Who am I" with a portion of the lyrics basically saying who am I that you would care to know my name that its not because of what I have done but who You are that makes me. Keep facing your fears head on with the strength of Him and charge forward with reckless hope and trust.
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us: it is in everyone,
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
-Marianne Williamson
I found this quote in Ch. 11 (Frameworks for Possibility) in our textbook, and it opened up a world of possibility for me! I have so much fear in my life (which I mentioned in the discussion boards for this week) and this quote identifies the fear, reminds me I am a child of God, and encourages me to be myself without fear!
Abbie -
It takes a lot to talk about your fears especially on blogs and discussion boards so for you to do that is really cool. The quote you used reminded me of a MercyMe song entitled "Who am I" with a portion of the lyrics basically saying who am I that you would care to know my name that its not because of what I have done but who You are that makes me. Keep facing your fears head on with the strength of Him and charge forward with reckless hope and trust.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wk 4 Reading - Art of Possibility Ch 10-12
The one constant with this book is it's ability to make me agree and disagree with it usually within the same paragraph and the last three chapters were no exception. The chapter on "being the board" was so far out there with what I considered random thoughts it was hard to figure out where it was going. When it finally did make sense I was so appalled at what it was implying that I wanted to call up the Zanders mysef and ask them if they really live their lives this way. For instance, "gracing yourself with responsibility for everything that happens in your life leaves your spirit whole, and leaves you free to choose again" goes against everything I believe in. Grace is a gift from someone else that you don't deserve but is freely given anyways and any notion of being able to "grace yourself" goes against the very meaning. Another example is "give yourself the power to transform your experience of any unwatned condition into one with which you care to live" is just another way of saying that it is all up to you and your power to create the truth and world around you. I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement and what it implies. I believe the Creator has the power and it is up to us to find ways to understand how awesome it is and how He intends to use us for His purpose. In the words of the band MercyMe, "how refreshing to know You don't need us, how amazing to find that You want us".
Then all of a sudden the book switches gears and I find myself getting past my appall-ed-ness and start to nod my head again. The story of the youth orchestra in Brazil is a great example of how using common sense and allowing kids to view things from a different persepective rather than being punished equals better behavior. As good teachers and parents we all know this to be true. The more you discipline the wrongs without praising the rights turns into unhappy kids with no motivation to do anything but that which will not get them in trouble. Kids are smart, they know when they screw up, and one of the best ways for them to learn is not to punish them to an extreme but rather allow them to figure out how to fix it. There is nothing worse than teaching seniors in high school (or now adults) who have had someone else tell them how to fix everything and have no concept of how to do it on their own.
I appreciate this book for what it was and I am glad it was part of the assigned reading for this course. I plan on using some of the ideas and concepts to help better myself but at the same time understand that my true meaning and purpose do not lie within me but in the grace of Someone else.
Then all of a sudden the book switches gears and I find myself getting past my appall-ed-ness and start to nod my head again. The story of the youth orchestra in Brazil is a great example of how using common sense and allowing kids to view things from a different persepective rather than being punished equals better behavior. As good teachers and parents we all know this to be true. The more you discipline the wrongs without praising the rights turns into unhappy kids with no motivation to do anything but that which will not get them in trouble. Kids are smart, they know when they screw up, and one of the best ways for them to learn is not to punish them to an extreme but rather allow them to figure out how to fix it. There is nothing worse than teaching seniors in high school (or now adults) who have had someone else tell them how to fix everything and have no concept of how to do it on their own.
I appreciate this book for what it was and I am glad it was part of the assigned reading for this course. I plan on using some of the ideas and concepts to help better myself but at the same time understand that my true meaning and purpose do not lie within me but in the grace of Someone else.
Wk 4 Publishing and Leadership Project 3/3
After looking at more opportunities to present my Keynote I have narrowed it down to the top two. My first choice would be to be able to present it for the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) at one of the many state and national conferences they hold each month. I attended the national conference in Chicago this past May and I have to say that I was not impressed with the presentations. The material was great, the resources were sound, the subject matter experts (SMEs) were very knowledgeable however they were attacking it with a business mind instead of a teaching mind. So I would love to show them how you can create trainings for businesses with a teacher's mind and show them the difference. My second choice is the E-Learn conference for Corporations, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education. The conference that is being held in Orlando just completed its submission so I would have to wait until the 2011 in the spring but I feel it would be a good place to present because of the healthcare side of things. I look forward to actually going through this process in month 12 and it would be pretty cool to say the least if I was actually able to present this in front of a larger audience.
Wk 4 Publishing and Leadership Project 2/3
So after looking more at the option of writing and presenting I have definitely decided that a presentation is in order. That being written, I have completed my Keynote slides and notes I am excited to present my rough draft in front of my classmates and JBB. The question now is where do I want to submit my idea for a conference? I looked at the options provided by JBB and one of them has some definite promise. The E-LEARN 2010 - World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education looks like an arena that would fit well with what my company does. I realize that my lesson on Excel isn't necessarily healthcare related but since my company is a behavioral health provider I thought it might be a great way to network and see what else is out there. Plus, if they have demos of software and what not that we could use for out expansion it would be worthwhile. It looks like that is the front runner for right now but will keep you posted.
Wk 4 Publishing and Leadership Project 1/3
I feel my AR site is well put together so I am interested to see what the powers-at-be feel about it. I had no idea that they wanted us to be able to submit this for publication/presenting so I am nervous but excited for the opportunity at the same time. Initially I am leaning towards presenting because I feel the project I choose along with my skill set lends itself to being better suited for a presentation. I didn't realize how much I had to create for the last week.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wk 3 Choice - Send your rain
Send Your Rain by Brenton Brown
Send Your rain
Send Your rain
Let Your healing fall on our hearts again
We are dry
We're crying out
Savior send the streams that will break the drought
Send Your rain
Generous God You pour out
Tender mercies on Your children
In Your grace hear us now,
Send Your rain
Send Your rain
As I sit here on my couch writing this blog I can hear the rain, wind, and thunder all around me as a monsoon storm descends upon the desert. I started to think about this new song we have been singing at church as a benediction before we dismiss and it has quickly become one of my favorite songs. It speaks to me in several ways as a literal send your rain because I live in Arizona and we desperately need the rain but more importantly it speaks of a quenching downpour of mercy and grace that no physical rain could ever satisfy.
I have had a very interesting last 11 months and the one image that has gotten me through is where I am standing with my arms open wide with nothing left in me while rain pours down over me. I imagine God pouring every ounce of blessing He has for me and I can do nothing to escape it. I may get soaked and not understand why but in the end I know that by sending His rain I will come to know the healing that only He provides.
Wk 3 Comment on Kathy Kellen's Blog
Am I ready to ignite new sparks?
As I continued the reading for this week I considered what I am passionate about...and about the practice of enrollment. The Zanders (2000, p. 126) list the steps to this practice:" 1. Imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment. 2. Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired. 3. Offer that which lights you up. 4. Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark. "
These are excellent reminders to me right now as I feel resistant to going back to work. EMDT is an all-consuming passion for me and I have loved having these past 3 months to focus fully on it! When thoughts creep in questioning how I'm going to finish this degree while starting the school year, I have to remind myself of the first 8 months of this program when I was teaching full time throughout!
Kathy -
One of the advantages you have since you teach music and now that you are almost done with FSO is the ease of which you can follow rule number 2 in your post. I have a sneaking suspicion your kids will move and inspire you in more ways than you thought possible and it won't necessarily be because of the vast improvement in their note reading skill or musical ability (those are givens) but the simple fact that you are ready to participate and willing to be moved and inspired.
After a short while I bet you will see a change in old grumpy assistant teacher person as well as she sees the results of the sparks in the room.
As I continued the reading for this week I considered what I am passionate about...and about the practice of enrollment. The Zanders (2000, p. 126) list the steps to this practice:" 1. Imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment. 2. Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired. 3. Offer that which lights you up. 4. Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark. "
These are excellent reminders to me right now as I feel resistant to going back to work. EMDT is an all-consuming passion for me and I have loved having these past 3 months to focus fully on it! When thoughts creep in questioning how I'm going to finish this degree while starting the school year, I have to remind myself of the first 8 months of this program when I was teaching full time throughout!
Kathy -
One of the advantages you have since you teach music and now that you are almost done with FSO is the ease of which you can follow rule number 2 in your post. I have a sneaking suspicion your kids will move and inspire you in more ways than you thought possible and it won't necessarily be because of the vast improvement in their note reading skill or musical ability (those are givens) but the simple fact that you are ready to participate and willing to be moved and inspired.
After a short while I bet you will see a change in old grumpy assistant teacher person as well as she sees the results of the sparks in the room.
Wk 3 Comment on Stacie Stoumbaugh's Blog
YOU CHOOSE, WHICH WILL IT BE?
“But our universe is alive with sparks. We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force. Abundance, rather than scarcity, is the context.”
~Zander & Zander
As I read this book, I have to shake my head and laugh. I’ve read these concepts before. They are beautiful and positive; just what a downtrodden, negative world needs to hear. Then it hits me. Oh ya…this is all biblical truth. Yes. These are biblical principals spoken throughout the bible by Jesus himself. Take for example the 4 practices for chapter 9, “Lighting a Spark.” Every one of these principles is about investing positive life into others.
Stace -
You hit the nail on the head with the passion = ignition and how Zander uses music while you use the power of words. I have always been jealous of those who are able to express their thoughts eloquently through words and since this book has taught me not to view you as a competitor I will just praise you instead of getting a second masters degree in english just to be a better writer. On a less sarcastic note, I love how you correlated the principles of the spark and related it to the Bible and how much we can do for others without actually doing anything that the world views as important.
By the way, you are lucky masters programs as so expensive otherwise it would be on like donkey kong!
“But our universe is alive with sparks. We have at our fingertips an infinite capacity to light a spark of possibility. Passion, rather than fear, is the igniting force. Abundance, rather than scarcity, is the context.”
~Zander & Zander
As I read this book, I have to shake my head and laugh. I’ve read these concepts before. They are beautiful and positive; just what a downtrodden, negative world needs to hear. Then it hits me. Oh ya…this is all biblical truth. Yes. These are biblical principals spoken throughout the bible by Jesus himself. Take for example the 4 practices for chapter 9, “Lighting a Spark.” Every one of these principles is about investing positive life into others.
Stace -
You hit the nail on the head with the passion = ignition and how Zander uses music while you use the power of words. I have always been jealous of those who are able to express their thoughts eloquently through words and since this book has taught me not to view you as a competitor I will just praise you instead of getting a second masters degree in english just to be a better writer. On a less sarcastic note, I love how you correlated the principles of the spark and related it to the Bible and how much we can do for others without actually doing anything that the world views as important.
By the way, you are lucky masters programs as so expensive otherwise it would be on like donkey kong!
Wk 3 Reading - Art of Possibility Ch. 7-9
"So much attention is given to mistakes and criticism that the voice of the soul is literally interrupted" (p. 103). If I could get away with posting this quote as my entire blog and receive full credit I would because I feel it encapsulates everything that is wrong with our educational system. I found myself remembering the speech given by Sir Ken Robinson during a TED conference and the correlation with killing creativity in the classroom. I also created a quick little video about it if you would like to check it out.
The way the Zanders talk about how "mistakes can be like ice, if we resist them we may keep slipping into a posture of defeat" (p.102) resonates with me in several levels. First off, I have learned over the years that mistakes are part of life and that the more you look forward to learning from them the more enjoyable everything becomes. I was notoriously hard on myself (still am a little) when I was growing up and this made it hard for me to enjoy life's experiences. I felt that I should be able to do everything perfect the first time and if I didn't then I was letting everyone down. Secondly, I can see how students are brought along with this notion of you better not screw up because if you really knew what you were doing you wouldn't make mistakes. I bring up my AP Econ kids a lot but they are such a source of whats wrong with education when they should be the source of what is right. Instead of fostering exploration and creativity while allowing for risk taking and thereby mistakes, we try and make sure we drill just the facts into them so that they can receive their A+ in a weighted class and make their GPA rise over a 4.5. If we could just "start from what is, not from what should be" (p.111) and help them to realize that the more they enroll in the class of life just how easy it would be to generate "possibility and lighting its spark in others" (p.128).
My goal from now on is to help my students, whether they are adults at my company or the future ones I will have when I return to teaching, that "if we include mistakes in our definition of performance, we are likely to glide through them and appreciate the beauty of a longer run (p. 102). For everyone deserves to enjoy the process as much as the outcome and I can't wait to see the smiling eyes of future mistake makers.
The way the Zanders talk about how "mistakes can be like ice, if we resist them we may keep slipping into a posture of defeat" (p.102) resonates with me in several levels. First off, I have learned over the years that mistakes are part of life and that the more you look forward to learning from them the more enjoyable everything becomes. I was notoriously hard on myself (still am a little) when I was growing up and this made it hard for me to enjoy life's experiences. I felt that I should be able to do everything perfect the first time and if I didn't then I was letting everyone down. Secondly, I can see how students are brought along with this notion of you better not screw up because if you really knew what you were doing you wouldn't make mistakes. I bring up my AP Econ kids a lot but they are such a source of whats wrong with education when they should be the source of what is right. Instead of fostering exploration and creativity while allowing for risk taking and thereby mistakes, we try and make sure we drill just the facts into them so that they can receive their A+ in a weighted class and make their GPA rise over a 4.5. If we could just "start from what is, not from what should be" (p.111) and help them to realize that the more they enroll in the class of life just how easy it would be to generate "possibility and lighting its spark in others" (p.128).
My goal from now on is to help my students, whether they are adults at my company or the future ones I will have when I return to teaching, that "if we include mistakes in our definition of performance, we are likely to glide through them and appreciate the beauty of a longer run (p. 102). For everyone deserves to enjoy the process as much as the outcome and I can't wait to see the smiling eyes of future mistake makers.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wk 2 Choice - Wimba Archive Thoughts
It was nice of JBB to go over the AR site in detail especially the abstract and the publishing/leadership project. I feel my AR site is well put together so I am interested to see what the powers-at-be feel about it. I had no idea that they wanted us to be able to submit this for publication/presenting so I am nervous but excited for the opportunity at the same time. Initially I am leaning towards presenting because I feel the project I choose along with my skill set lends itself to being better suited for a presentation. I didn't realize how much I had to create for the last week so I am glad I viewed this when I did so that I can start working on it.
Thourn was in rare form with his humor in the chat box and the questions that Stacey Robinson asked definitely cleared up some things that I was confused about as well. I am definitely going to have to get with my classmates to make sure I am on top of everything that is required this month.
Stay tuned for the process of how I choose my final publishing/leadership project.
Thourn was in rare form with his humor in the chat box and the questions that Stacey Robinson asked definitely cleared up some things that I was confused about as well. I am definitely going to have to get with my classmates to make sure I am on top of everything that is required this month.
Stay tuned for the process of how I choose my final publishing/leadership project.
Wk 2 Comment on Abbie Toy's Blog
Wow...the next three chapters in our textbook, The Art of Possibilities, were extremely eye-opening for me! Ever read something that makes you feel self-absorbed, small-minded, and ashamed? That's how I felt when I read about making your life a contribution, instead of focusing on competing and playing games on a daily basis. Committing your life to being a contribution forces you to take the focus off of yourself and on to other people!
I don't think it was a coincidence that yesterday during the church service I attended, the pastor spoke about Jesus's life being focused around pleasing his Father. This is how we should live our lives, focused on pleasing our Father. I think one way of doing this is living our lives to be a contribution to others. I feel like I'm finally getting the message that is so desperately being directed at me.
@ Abbie
It is awesome how you have incorporated the reading and your experiences to make a change not only for yourself but for your students as well. It is amazing how much different you feel when you do the same thing yet focus on why is this important for someone else instead of yourself. This might even translate to your new marriage huh? haha
I don't think it was a coincidence that yesterday during the church service I attended, the pastor spoke about Jesus's life being focused around pleasing his Father. This is how we should live our lives, focused on pleasing our Father. I think one way of doing this is living our lives to be a contribution to others. I feel like I'm finally getting the message that is so desperately being directed at me.
@ Abbie
It is awesome how you have incorporated the reading and your experiences to make a change not only for yourself but for your students as well. It is amazing how much different you feel when you do the same thing yet focus on why is this important for someone else instead of yourself. This might even translate to your new marriage huh? haha
Wk 2 Comment on Sarah Hodge's Blog
Starfish story-I’ve always loved this story because it is not about how many but about simply making a difference. This can very easily relate to teaching. So often we get caught up in numbers that we forget the person behind each number. Every student is an actual person and not just some lifeless object categorized under a certain letter of the alphabet. Each of them are stars waiting to be discovered. In a world where there is so much negativity and an unreasonable “standard” of what one should be like according to the media, it’s no wonder that many of our own students may feel like they are stranded on the shore, far from where they belong. Our job as teachers is to put them back into the ocean to help them realize that they are needed out there; that their contributions are gladly accepted; and that they too can make a difference. Even if we feel we may have only made a difference in one student’s life, it makes all the difference. Often times we don’t even see the impact we have on students. They usually go unknown. Think of the stories you hear on the radio or from others of how their teacher made a great impact on them. That teacher was probably completely unaware of it. As we do our best to be positive and treat them as the cherished and treasured starfish they are, the rest is up to them to continue steadfast on their journey.
@ Sarah
I completely agree with your statement of how teachers need to make sure that they make their students realize just how important they are to not only the "ocean" but to themselves as well. If we do that, then when it is up to them, they will realize that life is more than just a competition and will be able to be happier more productive people. Nice post!
@ Sarah
I completely agree with your statement of how teachers need to make sure that they make their students realize just how important they are to not only the "ocean" but to themselves as well. If we do that, then when it is up to them, they will realize that life is more than just a competition and will be able to be happier more productive people. Nice post!
Wk 2 Reading - Art of Possibility Ch. 4-6
After reading the next three chapters in the book, I sensed a subtle change in the soap box that the Zanders were upon and I agreed with more of what they said this time around. The story about "Sarah's Move" struck a chord with me on a personal level because it sounded eerily similar to an experience I had with a bunch of youth kids. One night during a tremendously busy week I had scheduled a Bible study at a local Starbuck's with some of my youth kids and had contemplated canceling it because I didn't think I would have enough time to do that and get everything else I needed to get done. However, a few hours before I was going to let them know I wouldn't be able to make it I received a text from one of my kids that said how excited they were because they had invited a friend to come. Obviously I couldn't tell them I wasn't coming now so I did my best to try and get everything done before I left. When that didn't happen I was muttering under my breath as I drove to meet everyone. After sitting down I could tell that the invited friend was a little nervous so I made a conscious effort to make them feel at ease. Needless to say my kids brought me out of my hurried funk with their teenage humor and questions and by the end of the study I felt like Ben after his meeting with Sarah and her friends.
The other part of the reading I really connected with was the idea about how if you strip away the pride, the entitlement, the ego and the myriad of opinions we all have, others "instantly feel the connection" (p. 89). This follows the stories about following rule number six which basically says to quit taking yourself so seriously and realize that everything will work out so just calm down. I wish I could take this back to my old high school district and make them use the two-way facing plaques that state remember rule number six. If people would just take the time to stop, evaluate, strip away usual thought processes, and then see what the needs are (especially of others) can you imagine what might happen? I can and I must say it makes too much sense which means it will never happen.
Zander, B & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
The other part of the reading I really connected with was the idea about how if you strip away the pride, the entitlement, the ego and the myriad of opinions we all have, others "instantly feel the connection" (p. 89). This follows the stories about following rule number six which basically says to quit taking yourself so seriously and realize that everything will work out so just calm down. I wish I could take this back to my old high school district and make them use the two-way facing plaques that state remember rule number six. If people would just take the time to stop, evaluate, strip away usual thought processes, and then see what the needs are (especially of others) can you imagine what might happen? I can and I must say it makes too much sense which means it will never happen.
Zander, B & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Wk 1 Choice - McSherry Says...
For the last 4 years I have been a part of something that I look forward to each time it draws closer. It is something that gives me a chance to express my thoughts and epiphanies in almost complete anonymity under an alias that shall remain nameless. Have any idea what it is? Here are a few more hints: the day that starts it all has 11 other guys from around the country making fun of each other while reading magazines about other men, our outlook on life depends on how other people do while wearing tight pants, and we even put money down even though the odds of getting it back are around 8.3% Clear as mud now?
I am talking about Fantasy Football.
The phenomenon that is Fantasy Football is something of a peculiar sight especially if you are unaware of just how important it is to the existence of some. However it is not watching countless hours of football just in the hopes that a backup running back will somehow gain 16 yards so that you can claim victory over a fellow competitor, but the way it enables men to bond in such a way that used to take long camping trips to crappy sites while it rained and everyone was in the same tent for three days. That close knit, I know more about you than I care to share yet now have so much ammo for discussion board posts you better hope you don't piss me off but I kinda hope you do so I can use it against you kind of close.
One of the greatest parts of my month during football season is when I write a post on our discussion board that discusses anything and everything from politics to music to pop culture to sports. Yet since I go by an alias, was invited to join this league by a friend who knows everyone but no one else knows me, and they still haven't met me, I can get away with almost everything and it comes across as genius. There is something so cool about being able to invent someone that is you, and yet isn't you at the same time. The other guys read my posts and have to imagine everything from there is no way he actually believes that right? Is it even a he? How can we be sure this person actually exists? What about his comment about the commissioner? Did he really mean it the way I think he did?
Now, for those of you reading this with a confused Keanu Reeves after taking the red pill look on your face then you are one of those that hasn't come to understand the phenomenon. If you are laughing out loud and have a wry I just moved 11 spaces even though the dice said 10 in Monopoly so I would land on Boardwalk and not that stupid Tax space look on your face then you know exactly what I mean. Either way, the day that starts it all off is 3 weeks away and I couldn't be more excited. Let the bonding begin!
Wk 1 Comment on Kathy Kellen's Blog
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How are my thoughts and actions reflections of a measurement world?
I looked at that pattern of nine dots with the instruction to connect them all with only 4 lines, and immediately saw the box, and the dot in the middle that was unconnected. Seeing the "Possibility" figure on page 14, my reaction was, "why didn't I think of that???" So at this moment since my thoughts are still focused on a grade that is incorrect from a previous course, I guess I am in the measurement world. Is this where I want to remain? NO!
When I am focusing on the people in my life and building connections, but still realizing that I am shaped by assumptions of life in this world, I feel that I am getting closer. My desire is to be open to possibility, to silence the negative voices. "You are more likely to be successful, overall, if you participate joyfully with projects and goals and do not think your life depends on achieving the mark because then you will be better able to connect to people all around you."(Zander, 2000. p.21)
@ Kathy
"My desire is to be open to possibility, to silence the negative voices." I think this is something that if successful could be the most important aspect of FSO for you. You do great work, you have applied so much of what you have learned directly to your classroom, yet those negative voices creep up in your head. Silence those voices! Trust in the process and free yourself of worry. Give yourself an A.
August 6, 2010 5:25 PM
How are my thoughts and actions reflections of a measurement world?
I looked at that pattern of nine dots with the instruction to connect them all with only 4 lines, and immediately saw the box, and the dot in the middle that was unconnected. Seeing the "Possibility" figure on page 14, my reaction was, "why didn't I think of that???" So at this moment since my thoughts are still focused on a grade that is incorrect from a previous course, I guess I am in the measurement world. Is this where I want to remain? NO!
When I am focusing on the people in my life and building connections, but still realizing that I am shaped by assumptions of life in this world, I feel that I am getting closer. My desire is to be open to possibility, to silence the negative voices. "You are more likely to be successful, overall, if you participate joyfully with projects and goals and do not think your life depends on achieving the mark because then you will be better able to connect to people all around you."(Zander, 2000. p.21)
@ Kathy
"My desire is to be open to possibility, to silence the negative voices." I think this is something that if successful could be the most important aspect of FSO for you. You do great work, you have applied so much of what you have learned directly to your classroom, yet those negative voices creep up in your head. Silence those voices! Trust in the process and free yourself of worry. Give yourself an A.
August 6, 2010 5:25 PM
Wk 1 Comment on Stacie Stoumbaugh's Blog
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
”It’s all invented anyway, so we might as well invent a story or a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the life of those around us.”
~Zander & Zander
Just like the shoe salesman that saw endless possibilities with Africa, I too want to be that educator who sees endless possibilities within the classroom. My students are ready for an incredible classroom experience, because they have never experienced the true worth of learning. Life in and of itself truly is all about perspective. With each experience and every encounter our perspective tends to bend and change. How much more should this be when we are shaping the way people learn. Zander and Zander remind me of these premises while I read their book, “Art of Possibility”.
@ Stace
So you think your students are ready for an incredible classroom experience huh? The more and more I think about that statement, the more I wonder if they truly know what that would be if it hit em in the face. They have been so pre-wired to the way public education shovels "learning" that when you go back and teach the way I know you want to, it will be tough for them to accept. Don't let that discourage you for they will start to understand just how incredible what you are shoveling is and how it will make them better learners and people.
August 6, 2010 5:10 PM
”It’s all invented anyway, so we might as well invent a story or a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the life of those around us.”
~Zander & Zander
Just like the shoe salesman that saw endless possibilities with Africa, I too want to be that educator who sees endless possibilities within the classroom. My students are ready for an incredible classroom experience, because they have never experienced the true worth of learning. Life in and of itself truly is all about perspective. With each experience and every encounter our perspective tends to bend and change. How much more should this be when we are shaping the way people learn. Zander and Zander remind me of these premises while I read their book, “Art of Possibility”.
@ Stace
So you think your students are ready for an incredible classroom experience huh? The more and more I think about that statement, the more I wonder if they truly know what that would be if it hit em in the face. They have been so pre-wired to the way public education shovels "learning" that when you go back and teach the way I know you want to, it will be tough for them to accept. Don't let that discourage you for they will start to understand just how incredible what you are shoveling is and how it will make them better learners and people.
August 6, 2010 5:10 PM
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wk 1 Reading - Art of Possibility Ch 1-3
Mixed is probably the best way to describe my feelings on the first three chapters of Art of Possibility. I found myself nodding vigorously at the points I agreed with and shaking my head profusely at those I did not. To follow the example set by Zanders in the book, I need you to give me an A so that you will not jump to conclusions about my reaction but rather listen to where I am coming from and then you can decide whether or not you agree with me.
Much of what constitutes my core values originate from parents who were both teachers and leaders at church walking and talking the good Word. Right away I noticed how much this book promulgates the predominate way of thinking that the truth is what you make of it. How your life can be more joyful and satisfying if you change your focus and realize that "the only grace you can have is the grace you can imagine" (p. 52). Why has it come to this? According to the book, "in our new global society, no institution has the wide acceptance to create values and direction for the majority of people" (p. 3). While I agree that no institution has this wide acceptance to create values I completely disagree that this allows for a self truth that trumps everything. I believe in a truth where grace comes from a source that allows for complete freedom that it not only defines us, but transforms us into exactly who we were created to be. The first three chapters stress the importance of what you need to do to realize "it's all invented" and that through practice we can achieve this new way of thinking which will result in the better life as stated above. However, what if I told you that if you tried so hard to not try so hard and let yourself be who you are in Him, it would not only give you the better life but actually best anything you could ever do on your own no matter what frame you put around it? Would you agree? Disagree? Either way, at least you would know why my head shook profusely while reading the first few chapters.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things I read that made me nod vigorously especially when it comes to the teaching aspect and how to live more in the universe of possibility. As a past teacher of Advanced Placement Economics, I saw first hand just how important grades were and how effectively they killed the process of learning. Here were these bright, dedicated, and hard working seniors taking a class that would require them to know graphs, charts, and how the tax multiplier is always less than the spending multiplier when it is applied to aggregate demand. Yet, almost to the student, they were worried more about what they would receive on the national test and if so and so would get a low enough grade so that they could slip into the valedictorian spot than the process of becoming life long learners. I would love to go back and practice the idea of giving the A to see what type of effect it would have had on them as students and as human beings. To really see what would have happened if I knew then that the "practice of giving the A allows the teacher to line up with [his] students in their efforts to produce the outcome, rather than lining up with the students against these standards" (p. 33). To get away from the "measurement world where you set a goal and strive for it and get into the universe of possibility where you set the context and let life unfold" (p. 21).
I would love to hear your thoughts, reactions, anything that adds to this post.
References
Zander, B & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Much of what constitutes my core values originate from parents who were both teachers and leaders at church walking and talking the good Word. Right away I noticed how much this book promulgates the predominate way of thinking that the truth is what you make of it. How your life can be more joyful and satisfying if you change your focus and realize that "the only grace you can have is the grace you can imagine" (p. 52). Why has it come to this? According to the book, "in our new global society, no institution has the wide acceptance to create values and direction for the majority of people" (p. 3). While I agree that no institution has this wide acceptance to create values I completely disagree that this allows for a self truth that trumps everything. I believe in a truth where grace comes from a source that allows for complete freedom that it not only defines us, but transforms us into exactly who we were created to be. The first three chapters stress the importance of what you need to do to realize "it's all invented" and that through practice we can achieve this new way of thinking which will result in the better life as stated above. However, what if I told you that if you tried so hard to not try so hard and let yourself be who you are in Him, it would not only give you the better life but actually best anything you could ever do on your own no matter what frame you put around it? Would you agree? Disagree? Either way, at least you would know why my head shook profusely while reading the first few chapters.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things I read that made me nod vigorously especially when it comes to the teaching aspect and how to live more in the universe of possibility. As a past teacher of Advanced Placement Economics, I saw first hand just how important grades were and how effectively they killed the process of learning. Here were these bright, dedicated, and hard working seniors taking a class that would require them to know graphs, charts, and how the tax multiplier is always less than the spending multiplier when it is applied to aggregate demand. Yet, almost to the student, they were worried more about what they would receive on the national test and if so and so would get a low enough grade so that they could slip into the valedictorian spot than the process of becoming life long learners. I would love to go back and practice the idea of giving the A to see what type of effect it would have had on them as students and as human beings. To really see what would have happened if I knew then that the "practice of giving the A allows the teacher to line up with [his] students in their efforts to produce the outcome, rather than lining up with the students against these standards" (p. 33). To get away from the "measurement world where you set a goal and strive for it and get into the universe of possibility where you set the context and let life unfold" (p. 21).
I would love to hear your thoughts, reactions, anything that adds to this post.
References
Zander, B & Zander, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
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