Wk 2 Topic 2

This is a great question because as much as music has been a part of my life, I have never considered the first song. I am quite sure it was American Pie, by Don McLean. I was in 4th grade when it came out, and remember quite well my homeroom teacher commenting on what a lovely job her bus attendants myself and Billy (standing at window shouting out bus numbers) were doing singing it between arriving buses. I ended up doing a research paper on it in high school, sang it in a band in college (yes, every verse) and debating the lyrics on the bus with a future ex girlfriend. As an extra added bonus I heard Don McLean in concert (he lives in my hometown of Camden, ME) sing it live, and have a signed copy of the original cd (have the album but was too big to lug around!). While it is catchy, the lyrics point to loss of innocence and something very special that we can't get back...oh but what memories we have of that special time.

Week 2 REading all of the above

I have found the book The Art of Possibility to be a real joy to read with its' integration of heartfelt stories and opportunity to practice what has been presented. Chapter 4 encourages the reader to declare themselves a contribution to the world and to throw ourselves out there as such. I love the disclaimer that we may not know how or why this is so. I believe the contribution I can bring is to add to any encounter a measure of sincerity and kindness. There are very few encounters that cannot be improved with those contributions, so I am sticking to it regardless of where I think it may take me.

In the following chapter he shares a story about apologizing to the cowbell section for missing an entrance that didn't exist. Orchestra members shared that few conductors had ever admitted mistakes and found that refreshing. I have observed that it is people who can do this that will really have a trusting, open relationship with others because they simply wear no mask. Ego is checked at the door and they can enjoy being themselves, human...no titles, to image to uphold. What an amazing transformation that would be if we could let go of that and be our true selves. An excellent segue to the next chapter about lightening up. The sense of entitlement some people feel as they go about their day does so little to protect them, and so much to keep them from really experiencing the joys of life. Such a burden to carry about thinking s/he is out to get us unless we beat them to the punch. Maybe just smile and say hello and make their day a little lighter....consider it just one of yours contribution to the world.

The ability to give seems such a rewarding experience that you would imagine being done by everyone on a daily basis. After all, we all appreciate receiving, but of course that doesn't occur without giving on the other end. As enjoyable an experience as it can be, it is not something all of us do consistently. In chapter three of The Art of Possibility the authors reflect on this practice by suggesting that we give A's so people have the room to realize themselves. I must admit that to me the most valuable thing we have to give is our time, and I feel people generally appreciate this. I never placed much emphasis on giving grades for the theater and photography I taught because it is quite impossible to put a letter or number on artistic expression. What is measured is the caring, time, improvement, ability and finally presentation of final work. They shared their gift with me as I did them, and the anxiety of taking chances and competing with others was minimized. Another important part of education is giving students the ability to overcome fears and believe in themselves and their abilities. When I consider where these fears come from I come back to the fact that what people worry about is not measuring up,about making mistakes and ultimately, about being judged. One of the greatest compliments a student ever shared with me was her love of my class because it was the one time a day where she didn't feel judged. In sports, classes, lunch, at home and at work she felt like she always had to perform to measure up lest she fail. She admits to always being anxious because that wasn't really her, and in my class the mask came off and she was able to be herself. Eight years later she let me know how much that meant to her and how she will never forget how it felt. She gave me one of the reward of teaching we all hear about and hope for, and while can never spend are priceless.

Universe of Possibility

It is interesting to note that we indeed live in a world of measurements. I must say I tend to avoid, overlook or undervalue them as they have a tendency to cause anxiety in people that isn't necessary nor productive. I do not care how I measure up to others, if gas is 5 cents less expensive 4 miles away or if I could save a buck by buying things elsewhere. It just isn't that important to me as it tends to require constant monitoring and thought. At the end of the day I rather just have fun, not just by going for an adventure but by learning something new, helping make peoples lives more enjoyable/less stressful or creating a new space by building or landscaping. I just figure if you treat people well, take off your mask and be yourself regardless of who you are spending time with, then you have created a situation where all things are possible. Giving is a particularly difficult concept for some people if they see others as takers or opportunistic so learning to trust is a particularly important trait. While I enjoy sports, in life I am not much of a score keeper as I am really too distracted to keep track of something I don't feel is that important. I believe it all evens out eventually whether you call it fate or karma, and being positive, optimistic and hopeful will lead to good things.

Jen REBranded

It has been my good fortune to be acquainted with you as a team member from the start as I really do need to make the connection in order to understand a bit what motivates people. Not only are you quite a quick thinker but passionate and caring about what you believe and not just mailing it in. Thanks for that as we all could use a dose from time to time to remind us what we're here for! Look forward to future boosts and hope to send some your way if ever you need!

Thoughts while doing AR project

Considering the fact that I am now teaching adults who are often new to technology I became fascinated with the study and endeavored to learn what made the two groups so distinctly different, and more importantly how I could bridge the gap between them. I myself could have been left back in the old country had it not been for the schools need for someone to advise yearbook, and one very tech savvy (and eventually patient) student yearbook editor. The year was 1998 and as photography teacher I was just learning of digital imaging, though the technology was more cost prohibitive and of lower quality to be considered an improvement. At the same time we inherited an Apple 3G, some publishing software and the responsibility of creating the school yearbook. The teacher became the student (not an easy, but necessary and important transition) and spent the year playing catch up as years of computer knowledge was bestowed upon them in a trial by fire manner. While humbling at times, it was one of the most challenging and growth provoking periods in my career, and helped me immensely as the technology improved. It is interesting to note that the editor discovered through the process that he possessed the skills and desire to teach, thus changing his original career plans to become a doctor and entering the field of education. Just linked in with him and he is doing quite well. A well timed "thank you" to his first student reminded me what I love about teaching, and how the rewards are not always monetary or immediate!

The Art of Possibility Rosamund and Benjamin Zander 2000

I find it intriguing that the author references the use of art to bring a human face to institutions (business, govt, religious, education) and build interpersonal connections. So many in these realms look at art as something performed by different “special” people in its assigned place, whether it be a gallery, concert hall, stage or museum. I spent 25 years helping students discover the artist within them whether they expressed themselves with photography or on stage, knowing full well that their experience would be memorable and hopefully useful as they continued to learn and grow. Their world is changed by discovering this ability, and ideally it is shared with others on their journey.

I am currently on a different journey than I have ever embarked upon previously with no real maps or guides to follow. To quote songwriter Paul Simon “my mind’s distracted and diffused”, and I do believe this book is exactly the discovery I need to “transform my entire world”.

I appreciate Roz’s description of her trip down the Kennebec. Having taken that trip several times as a chaperone of students and once with my father for his 60th birthday present, I have found few experiences as simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating. While I was never thrown from the raft, I watched a student with much bravado get tossed in the class 5 rapids the author describes, visions of her very protective father not wanting to give her permission and me telling him how safe it was flashing through my head as the guide scooped her up and pulled her back in. Or my father not only remembering to keep his “toes to nose” upon getting dumped, but never letting go of his paddle in class 4 rapids lest the competing rafting crews get it for a souvenir. Obviously both of these adventures could have turned out terribly, as could the rest of our lives if we fail to take chances and live. And that is what you remember and grow from in the end, facing fears and the unknown to experience living. Must admit am feeling a bit out of the boat myself, but am not looking back or for excuses as to why this is, but forward to what is the next opportunity. How fitting to be reminded that it is all invented anyway, and to have the encouragement of this quote “we might as well invent a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the life of those around us”. I appreciate the inclusion of those around us, especially now when technology can leave us so disconnected from human contact. Perhaps that is why web 2.0 has gained the popularity it enjoys as it gives us so many ways of somehow trying to stay connected.

As with all things will try to keep in perspective and simplify, trying my best to not make assumptions or judgements about what I experience. Invent possibility, not look around for them. This sounds harder than it sounds, if that makes any sense.