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.