tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10781180501446216802024-03-05T14:46:02.759-07:00Connecting 4excellencemoving
fourward, thinking
differently
about learning, living, leading and leisureKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04421027611597476357noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-27346462944537108432016-12-12T12:03:00.002-07:002016-12-12T12:04:36.500-07:00Experiment: What's Leading?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When you lie down in bed at night where's your head at?<br />
Ya okay, on the pillow but what are you thinking? Do you ask questions, give thanks, have a blank head or one filled with the to do list?<br />
<br />
I'm experimenting with leading.<br />
With all the leadership books and gurus, principles and models, qualities and approaches, blah blah blah, I think another angle might be interesting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukWwwCpTk2LS3JWd16vWmiwgZLbkEvYhyUQVrvLfT5JQNYilNmHlL3Gq-59R2Y7W3l0d9GIQB8OCb3LXsGKwzCVJl4T5vsE8ZzgFlW5RAHxDkjV6GNXBEMu4BQqY2lAuTzhgoTlGATNq5/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukWwwCpTk2LS3JWd16vWmiwgZLbkEvYhyUQVrvLfT5JQNYilNmHlL3Gq-59R2Y7W3l0d9GIQB8OCb3LXsGKwzCVJl4T5vsE8ZzgFlW5RAHxDkjV6GNXBEMu4BQqY2lAuTzhgoTlGATNq5/s320/IMG_3790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antigua, Guatemala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've looked at
<b>leadership</b>, what about <b><i>Leading</i></b>?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm curious what's <i><b>Leading</b></i>?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXGkFxcJPknlN_fK6nkmqxNqQovjpVePS2eJzlW_CQVPm5fc7lbOr800cHhC_5uekk5e-VzZ-LPKIaA3XVJund5VYbj-Uc-MmZIz5Qmh2PmTgTjY-2AE-dDmPo2n_tzcsALheYaaDoxiY/s1600/northernlightseast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXGkFxcJPknlN_fK6nkmqxNqQovjpVePS2eJzlW_CQVPm5fc7lbOr800cHhC_5uekk5e-VzZ-LPKIaA3XVJund5VYbj-Uc-MmZIz5Qmh2PmTgTjY-2AE-dDmPo2n_tzcsALheYaaDoxiY/s320/northernlightseast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearwater Lake, Manitoba, Canada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a little experiment: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you lie down in bed tonight, focus on what you want to lead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your subconscious self adventures as you sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you wake take a minute in bed to listen to the stories of the night and ask yourself:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are you leading?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How are you leading?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where is the path?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When is this happening?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who do you encounter?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why do you go there?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What do you think <i><b>Leading</b></i> is?</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-82069349653721168522016-06-24T09:14:00.000-06:002016-06-24T09:14:15.681-06:00The Americas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After 100 days in Central and South America the world is smaller, my experience is wider and my heart is more robust. Travel inspires thought and action. With new perspective everything becomes clear and hazy at the same time. I was told that Monet's eyesight was very poor. What he put on the canvas was what he actually saw. If you squint while looking at his work you see clearly. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-79653320214965499192015-11-06T11:37:00.000-07:002015-11-06T11:37:08.882-07:00Transition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you've ever participated or watched a triathlon there are two transitions, from swimming to biking then from biking to running. These two brief moments can be seamless or chaotic. When they go well it seems an easy move from the water to the bike, smooth dawning of shoes, glasses and hat, water bottle, feet in peddles and off you go. From kicking to circling not missing a beat. Then from circling to long fast strides as the juices and oxygen continue to flow, powering you on, without a blip moving from pedal power to people power.<br />
<br />
If chaotic, look out, the glasses fly off, wet feet don't want to squish into well worn shoes, legs can't find the rhythm and hat finds its way under another cyclist's tire, bikes collide, waterpack isn't quite right after a tossle with getting back up again. Bike legs are shaky hands can't seem to focus on fine tactile motions to get those runners slipped over the heel, bikes blaze infront and beside, water pack's almost done and the power gel is hotter than freshly brewed coffee.<br />
<br />
Ah transitions. There's more to them than one might think. They can be quick, painful, and/or easy and long. In any case it's how you act and react with them. Gracefully, hastefully, with splash and spirit, with melancholy and care, the joy of transitions.<br />
<br />
I'm in a transition now moving focus from 'Living' to 'Leading'. When I started fourward I decided on four main areas of concentration; learning, living, leading and leisure. I wrote "RECkless abandon' which focused on connecting people with play - leisure. Then concentrated on living - Showgirl Trapped in a Librarian's Body sculptural experience and sparkarts (Showgirl cards) emerged and continues to evolve. Now I'm transitioning into leading...on the road for the next 6-8 months, experimenting with travel and maps, building on play and sculpture, integrating wisdom along the way. Leading to what? Yes leading to what. This transition is not slow and painful, I'm giving it time and listening to where it needs to go. Leadership is about listening; to those around you, to the environment before us, to yourself. The actions that result are leading.<br />
<br />
What's leading you?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-88997570111871805812015-05-12T16:14:00.001-06:002015-05-12T16:14:26.828-06:00Sculpting <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever lost yourself in something?<br />
When you lose track of time and are so fully engaged that you don't even hear the bing of your phone or feel the vibration of the traffic outside...getting lost.<br />
<br />
I've been sculpting like a mad woman lately and have been lost a lot. And that's a VERY good thing!<br />
It started immediately when I started to sculpt. I was fully sucked into the process, the free feeling of no right or wrong, only play and unconscious intention. For some this might be difficult but I'd suggest trying it because it's got to be one of the most relaxing journeys to take.<br />
<br />
The reason I stepped into this realm was not to get lost, but to experience, and actually change how I was working. I've worked with others as a coach, supporting change and risk taking, and thought I needed a big dose of it myself. From teaching, facilitating, and coaching, I stepped into sculpting with full furry.<br />
<br />
Uncertain that this could actually become something, or become something I wanted to share with others, to hosting an exhibit of my work, I continue to learn about change, grow into it and evolve along the way.<br />
<br />
There's a whole new world out there and it could just be found when you get lost.<br />
<br />
Enjoy uncertainty my friends<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-65867527162984867502015-03-19T10:10:00.001-06:002015-03-19T10:10:15.663-06:00Remarkable Research<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Shawn Achor, leading researcher of the connection between happiness and success, author of "The Happiness Advantage" (2010) and "Before Happiness" (2013), recently posed this question:<br />
<br />
Would you rather (choose one, and yes we would all like both, a difficult decision):<br />
<br />
<b>Live a life filled with happiness without meaning.</b><br />
or<br />
<b>Live a life filled with meaning without happiness.</b><br />
<br />
Made me think. I'm curious what your choice is and why.<br />
<br />
I chose...<br />
<br />
ha, ha, I'll disclose it next time<br />
<br />
Until then live life fully<br />
with an open mind, kind heart and playful spirit,<br />
karen<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-32608911482584759732014-06-12T14:26:00.000-06:002014-06-12T14:26:24.715-06:00Facts. Explore them. Translate them. Employ them.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Business Success<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>70% of change efforts fail (Interaction Associates, 2008)</li>
<li>Which companies outperformed on three financial measures: Return on Equity +53%, Return on Sales +42%, Return on Investment Capital +66%? Ones with more women board directors than those with the least (Catalyst, 2011)</li>
<li>Culture eats strategy for breakfast (Peter Drucker)</li>
<li>90% of success is your inner game (who you are being) and 10% is your outer game strategies (what you are doing) (Eliason, 2014)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
On Creativity</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Openness to experience is intimately connected to creativity (Sawyer, 2008)</li>
<li>One needs both divergent and convergent thinking for creativity (Furst et.al, 2011)</li>
<li>Expertise and field impact creativity (Kowatarti, 2009, Furst et al. 2012)</li>
<li>Creativity typically demands some form of movement (Sawyer, 2012)</li>
</ul>
<br />
On Living<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. (Mark Twain)</li>
<li>To create change, "Be the change you want to see." (Gandhi) </li>
<li>Physical movement increases learning, "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." (Plato)</li>
<li>Be courageous, believe in yourself and trust in the journey.</li>
</ul>
<br />
What facts will you employ to translate your life adventure?<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-10606801277940101242014-05-15T10:35:00.003-06:002014-05-15T10:35:33.701-06:00Disruptive ISN'T a four-letter word anymore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
When was the last time you were disrupted?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebpdhGFYyOtWTWtMo_aYAz1nnyfyibNKXR3s5bklcuR0VDA2UpM8gOn3b2o5ZaR_AO73bcitdH0NxMxe-6mQj0MC2cZY4N99Umk4qEfE8MFmiC7WQQeUf_4Nl91lLXPRHjltoFNR9GxS6/s1600/spitball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebpdhGFYyOtWTWtMo_aYAz1nnyfyibNKXR3s5bklcuR0VDA2UpM8gOn3b2o5ZaR_AO73bcitdH0NxMxe-6mQj0MC2cZY4N99Umk4qEfE8MFmiC7WQQeUf_4Nl91lLXPRHjltoFNR9GxS6/s1600/spitball.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Something comes at you and you feel like you've been hit upside the head. You dismiss it or shut down or brush it off because it it would disrupt your life, your project, your world, your dream, your certainty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgapDIgDul6li4Pj3WfCEG1du9xBZYWsb3BsOT97oF0ne5XaDni4JZTTAe-BpW3Bw0sqWLdiJRZ1oLrfhGxhLZfBd1QMzlcI8XO2SXEAkLoXPpBjDBT9PMdtoEsXahhS9KTBTuYWHMkybS/s1600/uncertainty-project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgapDIgDul6li4Pj3WfCEG1du9xBZYWsb3BsOT97oF0ne5XaDni4JZTTAe-BpW3Bw0sqWLdiJRZ1oLrfhGxhLZfBd1QMzlcI8XO2SXEAkLoXPpBjDBT9PMdtoEsXahhS9KTBTuYWHMkybS/s1600/uncertainty-project.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It might jar you into new ways, solutions... clear you OUT so to speak. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbcR15X-dvCMooIFC8fH3hWdGVV-9MUaJfYtSLRqssbD53bTcXMjmAFW4pZllD8e3UwdS1Z1k4_FVrUIKj9g-BCEe1gEXPISSuZh_EZzijjyvco_E8D8fJcwwkulU2SPxc3brDzUKf904/s1600/pimple+billboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbcR15X-dvCMooIFC8fH3hWdGVV-9MUaJfYtSLRqssbD53bTcXMjmAFW4pZllD8e3UwdS1Z1k4_FVrUIKj9g-BCEe1gEXPISSuZh_EZzijjyvco_E8D8fJcwwkulU2SPxc3brDzUKf904/s1600/pimple+billboard.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Disruptive innovation (DI) is rethinking opportunities and developing a roadmap out into the future. It "sneaks in from below" When dominant structures, organizations and companies are intent on improving their existing services, products and systems to the point that consumers and citizens don't really know what they're using or understand the process/system that is at work, they miss simpler, more convenient, less costly ways, services or products.<br />
<br />
DIers' initially focus on the low end of the market and as they improve, they have mass appeal. At some point the existing system, product or service is replaced or collapses.<br />
<br />
A Harvard Business Review article asked, "Will disruptive innovation cure health care?" (Christensen, Bohmer, Kenagy, 2000) This could be asked of numerous social issues; homelessness, mental illness, inequity...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this highly transformative time and in order </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to make</span> </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">shift happen </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what are a few starting points?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Be disruptive </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or if that's not in your character, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Be open to being disrupted</b></span></div>
<br />
Eat cake, travel the world, drink champaign and dance into the dark!<br />
Karen<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-11362023117319492032014-02-11T13:03:00.001-07:002014-02-11T13:03:32.671-07:00Curious? Making Shift Happen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"We grow up being curious, then get cautious." </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Author Unknown</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm curious about a few things:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Why do we try to reduce duplication?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We use different methods of marketing to get the same message out, that's duplication. Offering similar initiatives, programs and services focused on the same outcomes are necessary too. I contend that we need duplication in order to be effective. People need to hear messages and have access to services in different ways, delivered by different people/organizations, that infiltrate different places and spaces if we truly want to make shift happen. There isn't one trusted messenger or service provider, one silver bullet, one funding source, one way to do things. Bottom line, society needs duplicate services that address specific needs to capture the attention, motivation and activation of those who fall outside of the mediocre majority.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b>Why are we addicted to mediocracy?</b><br />
If we all are shooting for the middle, the edges will still be intact. And in order to make shift happen those edges have to explode as well. Seems to me that the majority of services, products, initiatives, funding, etc. are focused on the mediocre middle. What would happen if we put more focus on the edges, like the Olympic Own the Podium program? Seems that our elite athletes are excelling so what if we apply that same expectation and focus on the other edge, those who have little; hope, security, income, health? If we're trying to build a culture of wellness perhaps it's those who are least well that we need to engage, and I don't mean consult, provide for or determine their needs. I mean collaboration and integration of wisdom and action with those on the edges. Determining solutions together, actioned by the people because they decided what they want and need is going to make shift happen. <br />
<br />
<b>Why is stuck a four letter word? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Picture an elephant stuck in the mud. While this may appear to be a difficult situation, it is a time to settle in and sit in the moment. To soak in what lies around, reflect on synergies and determine possibilities. It's common to think that we will always have homeless people. I think people who are homeless will take over the world! Just like I believe we will eradicate cancer. Do I live in a dream world? At times yes. Think about women in the Middle East, a short time ago it was not a possibility to even think there would be gender equality, or that India or China would become economic powerhouses globally. They were stuck and have been 'sitting in the moment' for some time. Now look how they are making shift happen!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>What do we need to do to make shift happen? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're doing it, whether we see it or not, shift is occurring. We're shifting from efficiency to learning, from individual to community, from singular to plural. We need to recalibrate our base premises of how we work, who we work with, and what we believe are the limitations and possibilities. Let's continue to push what duplication means, shift from mediocracy to collision of wisdom, and to embrace our stuckness through curiosity. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay Curious My Friends, Stay Curious!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-43541079939019145522013-12-19T13:15:00.001-07:002013-12-19T13:17:24.989-07:00Find the Fat on Christmas Trees<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://trendandtonic.thefuturescompany.com/visual-insights-december-2013-infographic/">Visual Insights: December 2013 Infographic</a><br />
<br />
Click on the link above to discover more about Christmas Trees.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-61244262987893720272013-12-12T13:27:00.002-07:002013-12-12T13:28:12.581-07:00Questions On the Road<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I was traveling in the most obscure places in 1984 Coke was everywhere. It astounded me! Part of me was disgusted, another part intrigued. Barefoot Nepalese sherpas carted stacks of Coke bottles up the Himalayan mountains, markets in Calcutta had Coke stands, you could buy a Coke in roadside Bangladesh and Ethiopian cafes.<br />
<br />
What?<br />
<br />
How did they do that?<br />
and<br />
What can I learn from Coke...<br />
towards transformation, innovation, energy, learning, living, leadership and leisure?<br />
<br />
Check out the <a href="http://vimeo.com/thementalward/colaroadtrailer" target="_blank">trailer</a> for "The Cola Road," a documentary that's coming out soon.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-6024945020588885142013-09-08T09:02:00.000-06:002013-09-08T09:02:44.496-06:00flex your DO muscle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
if you are an entrepreneur you WON'T be reading this...<br />
you'll be out there doing it!<br />
<br />
What's IT?<br />
it's taking action<br />
strategizing, researching, searching for new/better ways to make things work<br />
it's looking at things differently, connecting odd dots or old dots in new ways<br />
<br />
Figure out what your IT is and make IT happen<br />
stuck figuring out your IT? check out the millions of resources online, in bookstores, through formal education, from mentors, etcetera, to get your IT 'cause <b>everybody's got an IT </b>(if you think you don't have an IT then that's your IT)<br />
<br />
The most important factor?<br />
you've gotta <b>DO</b> the work<br />
<br />
to make something happen<br />
make the world a better place, make money doing it, make others think, act, imagine, feel, discover<br />
<br />
in new ways, with new services, systems or products, with new partners, through new processes...<br />
<br />
Flex your DO muscle!<br />
<br />
until the next new DO<br />
make IT happen<br />
Karen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-51885505841535561572011-12-13T11:45:00.004-07:002011-12-13T11:45:39.156-07:00Evidence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
that working out at work works!<br />
Check out this <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/q/#.Tuecv4KGLRw.blogger">CBC interview working out at work</a> and see how tread mill desks in the office are transforming work culture...do you have room?<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-73315254480054189052011-12-03T13:33:00.001-07:002014-01-12T15:15:35.331-07:00Relationships and Science Collide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The preface in, "The Power of Giving," by Azim Jamal and Harvey McKinnon, is powerful.<br />
<br />
<b>Relationships and Trust</b><br />
Azim and Harvey invite me in to their living room to have a conversation, as if, "we were in a room with you, perhaps drinking tea...having a chat about life, about your contribution, and your future. Together we will have some laughs, share ideas, feel inspired by each other, each of us learning something from one another, as good friends do." <br />
<br />
<b>Scientific Evidence </b><br />
"Doing good deeds can improve health, and make you happier scientist suggest." They quote Erin Anderssen's article in the Globe and Mail:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A British poll of volunteers found that half of those surveyed claimed that their health had improved while they were volunteering. Twenty percent of them claimed they lost weight, too, which is a higher success rate than any diet we know. Maybe our next book will be a diet book - although maybe this book is actually a diet book and we don't know it. Let us know if you lose weight after volunteering. </blockquote>
<b>Collision</b><br />
The way Azim and Harvey spoke to me and the subject of giving hooked me.<br />
<br />
I've been negotiating a Partnership with Money for a couple of years now (the notion of money confuses me). As our negotiations proceed it is clear that this can not be an exclusive partnership. The exchange of value, service, learning, all of that, isn't based on an exchange of money alone. Promotion, goodwill, services, future opportunities, in-kind exchanges play a key role as well. What stands out is the importance placed on this partnership with money compared to the other value exchanges (are we willing to exchange values?). Money is where the buck stops in the larger context of society.<br />
<br />
It's similar to weighting quality of life, how do we quantify it? Do we have to? How are we moving into new partnerships? and What and who are we partnering with? The assumption is we have to weigh the importance or value in order to get support so we can grow, spread, share...<br />
<br />
I'm not sure I want to weigh the importance or value...it seems that when we start weighing, we start judging, we start losing and winning. That's not the assumption I want to start from.<br />
<br />
This collides with the notion of our consumer society - more is better, we need and desire more. I assume that economics drives Money (which I question). The number is number one; quality, human value, the future, in-kind are rolled up and quantified.<br />
<br />
My negotiations with Money have been eye-opening. Listening to a potential partner who is an animate, global influencer with forceful momentum, a partner whose power spans the most affluent to those poverty-stricken, impacts and affects each of our lives. This partner is apparently controlled by governments, but we can burn and melt, print and use it to make intricate origami forms with. This partner is virtual, like an avatar or virtual learning campus, like thoughts and feelings, like quality of life, something that we value but is hard to quantify...It's attached to my bank card, I rarely carry cash (but am starting to). Money is an idea, an understanding, a value, a number. It's like quality of life, we have a different ideas of what it is, and globally have different understandings and assumptions about it.<br />
<br />
Based on science and the relationships we broker I question the collision of Money with Quality of Life. What assumptions can I reframe to stumble on an outrageous partnership with money?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Being kind is the simplest way to become who we really are." Piero Ferrucci</blockquote>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-77844443808393119322011-11-30T14:15:00.001-07:002011-11-30T14:25:40.304-07:00How to WOW<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently I was up in Grande Prairie and did a keynote for their WOWposium. It was on how to give exceptional customer service at their new Multiplex (<a href="http://www.themultiplex.ca/">http://www.themultiplex.ca/</a>).<br />
<br />
<b>Here's one way to WOW:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://youtu.be/M0D3jKLz6sA">http://youtu.be/M0D3jKLz6sA</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">See <b>another way</b> to include fun and physical activity by viewing Fast Lane's video on their slide:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://youtu.be/W4o0ZVeixYU">http://youtu.be/W4o0ZVeixYU</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;">Karen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-74866744925561258582011-10-09T22:34:00.004-06:002011-10-09T22:40:50.482-06:00How to Start Taking Action: People and Politics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are many ways to start taking action. Here's one example:<br />
I was at a gathering this week and we were put into pods, groups of 10 people who met every day to share their learnings and explore ideas that had been presented each day. At our last meeting we started talking about how to access the political system and build political clout. As we talked people seemed interested in tips and timing. One of our group members, Linda, had a wealth of knowledge and experience on the topic, so we started making a list of what the path might look like. I said I'd pull together the information Linda shared, 'Linda's List,' and send it out for all to add to, share and use. That was all good and we went our own ways for lunch.<br />
<br />
The CEO of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Brock Carlton, just happened to sit at my table for lunch. What perfect synchronicity. We discussed this notion of accessing the system and creating a stronger voice. At the most opportune time (his mouth full of salad) I told him about our 'Linda's List' and adamantly invited him to share his knowledge and add to it. After he agreed I looked him in the eye, gave him my business building block and said (while using my peace fingers pointing back and forth between our eyes) that I would look forward to his response, we had witnesses and would expect his reply. All in good fun of course.<br />
<br />
Later I heard that in his afternoon session Brock mentioned our discussion and was surprized that people on the ground may not know 'how to' access the system. He made note of our message and it was on his radar.<br />
From a small group of people to a 10 minute conversation, a spark ignited.<br />
<br />
<b>There is possibility in each one of us to start taking action.</b> How will you?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-41406746418585953402011-09-29T14:22:00.003-06:002011-09-29T14:37:47.265-06:00My Kind of Research<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<blockquote>
<b>"Talking explores history. </b><b>Doing rewrites it."</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
- National Geographic Magazine</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
That is a revolutionary perspective. We know so much, we have access to all kinds of information and are bombarded with messages galore on the importance of health, recreation, wellness, and how to live well. Packaging that entices and inspires us to act is important still, unless we DO IT, the chance of changing the world is slim, and doesn't everybody want to change the world?</div>
Okay maybe not.<br />
<br />
So I'm working away building "Showgirl Trapped in a Librarian's Body," a resource in my creative connection Snackseries, and BANG! It hit me, all of the work I do IS my research. Not revolutionary in itself but until I connected the dots, I hadn't looked at it this way. It put what I do into new perspective.<br />
<br />
As I facilitate workshops, teach courses, speak at conferences, and coach leaders I am actively researching. Now that's MY kind of research! Last year I taught a course at Mount Royal University and together with the students, used the course as an informal applied research study (results will be shared in the Snackseries) on how we as facilitators, instructors, and teachers build more meaningful connections with participants. My work is my research.<br />
<br />
The upcoming "Leading with Creative Intention"workshop I'm hosting at the ARPA conference in October (<a href="http://www.arpaonline.ca/">www.arpaonline.ca</a>), is about how we as leaders can use different strategies and techniques to develop new processes, ideas, products, and services that are effective, and how we can facilitate a more creative team/work environment. A big part of this is our mindset, how we look at things. If we believe that we can produce valuable creative solutions we are more likely to do so, and we can teach ourselves to be confidently creative by intentionally focussing on and using techniques to support creative action.<br />
<br />
Doing THIS is my research and this informs the evolution of my practice.<br />
<br />
What does your research look like?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-15319934115611071882011-09-23T12:42:00.001-06:002011-09-23T12:42:12.992-06:00Thank you!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please and Thank you are things we learn to say when we're growing up. Parents remind their kids to thank others and we're expected to thank people who work on events and projects. Oprah's pushed us to start gratitude journals and to recognize all the things we have to be appreciative for. It's a part of our culture.<br />
<br />
We sometimes forget. We forget that we are lucky to live in a country where we are safe from war, we forget that we have clean water and support services, we forget all the wonderful things that our community has and offers us on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
For the ACE Communities initiative one of the first things we do when gathering in rural communities is to start by asking community members to share the successes that community has had, the places, spaces and activities that residents are happy to have and be a part of. It's a way of saying thank you to community, that big notion of the whole rather than the parts, and to recognize that we have lots to be thankful for. Community offers us great experiences, feelings, relationships and connections. Community is the sum, it's a pervasive atmosphere that surrounds us, embraces us, excites us and nourishes us. <br />
<br />
I'd like to thank a community that I was a part of this morning, the Alberta FCSS Directors Network.<br />
Thank you for smiling and laughing, plugging your noses and for creating a strong sense of community that spans geographic boundaries, and especially for taking part in our Spelling B! Your connections are far reaching and your Self-care Evolution Revolution has just begun, HA!<br />
<br />
Thank-you!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-80389553904893560072011-09-01T00:47:00.002-06:002011-09-12T12:03:39.158-06:00in my back alleyWhen I was a kid I’d put on my rubber boots and head out the door on back alley adventures. I wouldn’t go far, down the backyard path, past our small garden and there I was. No fence separating me from the watchful eye of Mrs. Gerbrandt or the bathroom which I never wanted to visit until the very last second because I might miss a local earthworm or ladybug passing by. The storm drain met me with either a pool of fresh rocks that needed to be cleared and sorted through for gems or with torrents of runoff water that was deliciously dirty. The water was muddy brown the magnificent colour of gravel and oil, it smelled like dirt, felt gritty and tasted similar to the after-taste of freshly picked carrots – the dirt part, sort of. Dirt from the garden tasted better, somehow more nutritious likely because it was attached to the carrot.<br />
<br />
My back alley was like a clean white beach waiting for someone to enhance it: build a reservoir and then pile a mound to create a castle, the next obvious development would be a moat and then sturdy sticks and shells washed up by the ocean to adorn the primitive structure. If you were lucky tiny sea creatures would cruise in with the wash, inhabiting the pool for a short time, mostly it was seaweed or broken shells. The tide always washed the site clean to prepare for a fresh engineering feat.<br />
<br />
In my back alley I’d find interesting stones that would fill my pockets until they bulged from my muddy, wet, polyester plaid pants. And sticks would appear out of nowhere so that I could carve out new tributaries leading to a waterfall that fell into no man’s land somewhere under the grate. It wasn’t often that a car would pass by because there were no garages that led vehicles to safety behind the bungalow row on my block. Our neighbours didn’t have a fence so we had flowers and trees between our yards. I could see their huge lush garden, corn twice the height of me, rows and rows of peas, potatoes and things I’d never seen before. Our raspberry patch was conveniently located adjacent to our path and just steps away from that storm-water drain so if I needed something to tide me over until my shift was done I didn’t have far to go. I excavated, developed and managed my watershed carefully ensuring the well-being of local flora and fauna. When I retired for the day I was satisfied. Until…<br />
<br />
I got shut down<br />
<br />
The safety officers (mom and dad) received a complaint, likely from the Big Wigs (those one or two cars who drove by). They were concerned that it wasn’t safe for me to be out there, having no reflective gear, barricades, flashing lights, I may be in danger of getting run over. What, a back alley is a speedway? It wasn’t meant for cars it was for the natural wonders of the world to flourish, so that my engineering prowess could proliferate, my design and development learning would expand and skills mature. There were probably inside informants as well…Mrs. Gerbrandt, Ronny Karasen’s mom. But somehow I don’t think Mrs. Gerbrandt was in cahoots with the Big Wigs because we had a good working relationship, similar engineering interests. We constructed and sailed ships together…in the kitchen sink. I protested the shut down but to no avail. Safety officers can be so difficult to work with, especially when you’re 4. So whenever I could I’d detour down to the alley and check on the streams and waterfall. If caught my reasoning was that a blockage would negatively impact our entire watershed, Big Wigs and all, so it would be negligent on my part not to do spot checks. I had to ensure the block would not suffer a major flood.<br />
<br />
Now I walk down back alleys whenever I can, looking at fences and garages, graffiti, garbage bins and gravel. Every once in a while I’m greeted by open yards, trellises, gardens, and a peek into the lush lives that exist behind well-manicured front yards. I don’t eat the dirt anymore. I reminisce about early engineering experiences and enjoy the hidden wonders.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-80813832997198652332011-03-11T16:00:00.001-07:002011-03-11T16:11:50.650-07:00Glad and WellHow does he do it? Blink, The Tipping Point, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, all Malcolm Gladwell publications. It's a wonderful thing to see and hear and be engaged by a humble and brilliant person who softly commands and engages others on a different level. Malcolm opened the mic for questions during the second half of his presentation and did not disappoint. The first part of his presentation weaved together historical accounts of the US battle between the north and south slavery plight together with the recent financial crisis. Unfolding the fall of overconfident experts leading the way, ones who we put trust and faith in to do the right thing, was the emergent theme, the caution, the view from a journalistic perspective.<br />
<br />
Prior to going to this event, we sat for dinner, excited to hear what he would say, interested in what he was about, curious about his underlying motivations, ready to challenge, with high and few expectations.<br />
<br />
Assumptions and preconceived notions were turned upside down, challenges were quieted, and minds were inspired. Malcolm explained that he was a journalist, not an expert, not an activist, but one who reports on what he sees, hears, reads, taking fact and circumstance to build connections into meaning. This seemed to quell tension, to sooth hearts and minds to open willingly so that his message could be heard. It made him, his ideas, his knowledge, accessible to the audience. He shared complex ideas in simple, understandable ways. <br />
<br />
The question period embraced a transparent and open dialogue with an impact far greater than the questions and answers themselves. It provided interaction and involvement from the masses, us regular people with normal lives who are affected by the big decisions made at levels that we are not a part of. It provided an opportunity for us to nurture and test our assumptions, explore connections, reveal the genius that lurks in coffee houses and at kitchen tables around the country. It provided awareness of what surrounds us on a daily basis, a desire and ability to be heard, a movement of the mind and of the power of story-telling. <br />
<br />
Our after event discussion was sharpened and blasted open a plethora of ideas and laughter, thoughtful reflection and satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's our responsibility to keep experts/leaders and ourselves in check by questioning, creating systems that allow for transparency, dialogue and openness to ensure humility. To do this we need diverse opinions, expertise and experiences that affect decision-making so that catastrophic decisions are diverted. If our 'inner circles' are rich in diversity we have a better shot. Paraphrasing Malcolm, ignorance and stupidity from someone who is ignorant is just stupidity that can be dismissed but ignorance and stupidity from experts is catastrophic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-68107621736984717992011-02-22T17:17:00.001-07:002011-02-23T12:47:38.516-07:00Literacy of any kind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hal6myUzWusFz8XFzUB3MH5irU_Oq7MSGhse8nW8z-yFYmi-bF5zCMt-35DewORoAqL6JleUKHwQHT9lBXlia6T4XXxhNqDj4gFPsv0R2YGbxwIXk6VBMjSkM806rRQtaLDC3HY8DO3l/s1600/Wardrobe+Malfunction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I'm tickled by the ever-expanding literacy dialogue. It started with reading and language/culture, then engulfed physical and is chomping on leisure. I'm curious about CREATIVE literacy - understanding, enhancing and applying creativity in our lives; at work, play and home. A session that I've had success with, Leading with Creative Intention, encourages leaders to explore and expand their leadership ability using my POPE principle - Prepare, Open, Practice and Experiment.<br />
<br />
In one session five groups had the challenge of presenting 'skipping' routines. One group was given a long skipping rope, three were given short ropes and the last had no rope at all. All presented unique routines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxvO5sJi5B_PMOv04mU_1kQIbtTECBExykb5NK7t8g8LJsXTtoSBgicQ_slrPzlHW5Th7IM_c1EdTyThqkzyUKNJW8F-vUE2Oot9AAH5UV1jpkOoqQ0zgl5csvg_IHNvDYn4XMILIhG4c/s1600/DSC01991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxvO5sJi5B_PMOv04mU_1kQIbtTECBExykb5NK7t8g8LJsXTtoSBgicQ_slrPzlHW5Th7IM_c1EdTyThqkzyUKNJW8F-vUE2Oot9AAH5UV1jpkOoqQ0zgl5csvg_IHNvDYn4XMILIhG4c/s320/DSC01991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEF_jbT-HuQ9oAH9y5kg_nlfj3dyuIUymtchm0QQJRcsCaQRfjhBb4fZvG1_WX17zix13NpRuODFc0si2pcs7zSF7jQc7xv9Wj_dcoQUB0Uw5RyTnHaLvQth6fAdbwBR1f0UjnRWR5Oj4/s1600/DSC01984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> The one with the long rope laid the rope on the floor and jumped over it while reciting a childhood nursery rhyme and falling down on the floor at the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEF_jbT-HuQ9oAH9y5kg_nlfj3dyuIUymtchm0QQJRcsCaQRfjhBb4fZvG1_WX17zix13NpRuODFc0si2pcs7zSF7jQc7xv9Wj_dcoQUB0Uw5RyTnHaLvQth6fAdbwBR1f0UjnRWR5Oj4/s1600/DSC01984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEF_jbT-HuQ9oAH9y5kg_nlfj3dyuIUymtchm0QQJRcsCaQRfjhBb4fZvG1_WX17zix13NpRuODFc0si2pcs7zSF7jQc7xv9Wj_dcoQUB0Uw5RyTnHaLvQth6fAdbwBR1f0UjnRWR5Oj4/s320/DSC01984.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The second and third collaborated by tying their ropes together and performed a synchronized swimming/modern dance type of routine, holding onto the rope in a circle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ08tyFE7Ke8e73zRTFmYxmZT1YzQSpdoGsTa6kRC9c_WEfohPbQzGYXJvyKBWGXRifF-uwojZaxxTfFuMUIITYmc_GBJxdMypo7ZVlAN4LuncUQKAJJZf8pS5YR53E7EkQ68wRtrrSRE/s1600/DSC01995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ08tyFE7Ke8e73zRTFmYxmZT1YzQSpdoGsTa6kRC9c_WEfohPbQzGYXJvyKBWGXRifF-uwojZaxxTfFuMUIITYmc_GBJxdMypo7ZVlAN4LuncUQKAJJZf8pS5YR53E7EkQ68wRtrrSRE/s320/DSC01995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The fourth with their rope, had two turners and the others skipped through the turning rope in a fluid routine, with only a few missed beats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_yTwUs2-SKF6hnmngx3z4VVndafam8MImF-YNkRkJtkWceZRQ-rV396TGN3aRIAFicwVWXfJxm2IfG1OaJQYpZQhp5Z6BATtbtF1KWLaR9GjAIVp4YnCy7tA1eK55U8sjYXz8HnsC8zj/s1600/DSC01997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_yTwUs2-SKF6hnmngx3z4VVndafam8MImF-YNkRkJtkWceZRQ-rV396TGN3aRIAFicwVWXfJxm2IfG1OaJQYpZQhp5Z6BATtbtF1KWLaR9GjAIVp4YnCy7tA1eK55U8sjYXz8HnsC8zj/s320/DSC01997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The fifth group who had no rope at all used their wild imaginations and focused on 'skipping' as they tossed a pen around their circle, skipping every second person, then expl expla expla explaa ined wh wha wha what they they they were do do do do ing as they ski ski skipped their wor wor wor words.<br />
<br />
Now how can that occur more often?<br />
The power of our creative selves far outweighs the limitations we place on ourselves and others. By <b>P</b>reparing ourselves to intentionally look for unusual and creative opportunities, <b>O</b>pening our minds and senses to accept new stimulants and to provide and/or embrace opportunities, <b>P</b>racticing and playing with unique experiences so that we feel comfortable in them, and then continuing to <b>E</b>xplore our creativity with intention, we build creative literacy.<br />
<br />
It's time we embrace literacy in all aspects of life.<br />
Interested in a creative literacy snackshop? Let's talk! <br />
<br />
Karen<br />
www.fourward.ca Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-51622533620656301392011-02-06T16:12:00.000-07:002011-02-06T16:12:57.907-07:00Moment to MovementA snowflake falls, then another.<br />
They look exactly alike.<br />
On closer inspection they are different.<br />
<br />
A leader gives individuals each a single, white piece of paper and asks them to fold it, then fold it again. They are asked to cut the top right corner, then fold it again and cut the bottom right corner. Again and again they are directed to fold and cut. The group opens their papers and all are different. <br />
<br />
Each snowflake combines to create a blanket of snow. Piles and whisps, directed by the wind and collected by the land in formations and peaks that glisten.<br />
<br />
All papers resemble lacy, white snowflakes that decorate the walls to celebrate winter. Together they collect to invoke an atmosphere of diversity and unity, seasonal change and annual rhythm. <br />
<br />
One action, intentionally or not, snowballs reactions that knowingly and unknowingly impact us. The combined actions collectively generate a landscape shaped by ideas, will, experience and need. <br />
<br />
We have the present moment; mine, yours, our neighbors, people across the world. Together they build drifts and banks, mountains and swirls of action and silence, space and focus. Our moments culminate into movements when each flake joins the other to create an atmosphere in rhythm, when the the snowplows join the charge to pile and scrape each one, clearing the way for movement. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2yP93JyPugpTJCpSYLuLofWKM3JK_9euqx3cePLsmYoOAOiLJ-39ZKcVAqI9Toq6H6ULaj5gUym7IImtiHHarFbU9S20Q6e7LM5cRdGRCUTGxHamnvaVMbEyD8zbyVVqtMjIXAjFgZQ/s1600/snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2yP93JyPugpTJCpSYLuLofWKM3JK_9euqx3cePLsmYoOAOiLJ-39ZKcVAqI9Toq6H6ULaj5gUym7IImtiHHarFbU9S20Q6e7LM5cRdGRCUTGxHamnvaVMbEyD8zbyVVqtMjIXAjFgZQ/s1600/snowflake.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-16817204633623901862011-01-03T16:33:00.000-07:002011-01-03T16:33:06.238-07:00Watching the Thinker<blockquote>"The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not your mind - the thinker. The moment you start <i>watching the thinker</i>, a higher level of consciousness becomes activated. You then begin to realize that there is a vast realm of intelligence beyond thought." Eckhart Tolle </blockquote> When was the last time you were reminded of something that had a profound impact on your life? When I read "A New Earth" by Tolle a few years ago like many, I had a hard time getting through the first 60 pages. Then I became so indulged in it and pushed into a place that I had not before ventured, I couldn't put it down. It was like beams of sunlight penetrating thick cumulonimbus clouds. I had to concentrate, to loosen the reigns of my thinker. There were three stories that resonated so deeply which brought me beyond thought and into that vast realm of which he speaks. I initially likened this realm to intuition, however it is something more. I don't know that there is a word to describe it, spiritual, ecological, illogical, nothing quite captures the essence. <br />
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In the past few days I've seen quantum shifts in various sectors. The shifts are not "From - To" rather they are an interesting combination. We 'teach' our 2 year-olds - I listened to an interview with an early education specialist, she discussed a climate of belief: for children to be sucessful they have to gain basic knowledge prior to going to Kindergarten...free play is not desired but rather a push for more structured learning so once they enter school, they can be successful, more able to make decisions, problem solve, think creatively. Less freeplay, more structure earlier on to be better prepared for what lurks ahead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXmaEzyoWp0U7eQ0xiCvCCGM7vYkc-2_6EBjXhN3_fUkUvEkmbMyLXnUWpBPHYAyGVs3cxfseo2snzon1uEFg0c_Dy8QEwIdu6GzSp1_lHlp4VWDo3LQw5DgNq5ESi1-fPO50Z5J2a74y/s1600/Alexis+dancing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXmaEzyoWp0U7eQ0xiCvCCGM7vYkc-2_6EBjXhN3_fUkUvEkmbMyLXnUWpBPHYAyGVs3cxfseo2snzon1uEFg0c_Dy8QEwIdu6GzSp1_lHlp4VWDo3LQw5DgNq5ESi1-fPO50Z5J2a74y/s320/Alexis+dancing.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>I'm all for playing; structured, unstructured have equal importance, they combine to provide space for understanding, creativity, inspiration, and motivation.<br />
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Our evolution is interesting.<br />
Are children <i>watching the thinker</i> (watching adults)?<br />
As adults if we were to <i>watch the thinker</i> what would evolution look like? <br />
How does building more structure into young childrens' lives in the hopes that it will move them to a more creative, spiritual, ecological and intuitive process, affect evolution and in what way does it tie into a new realm?<br />
Are adults evolving into spiritual, intuitive, child-like beings (with more experience, knowledge, possibly wisdom)?<br />
<br />
What does quantum evolution look like? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbHvbgVnzZTTjVMhD5Pw1hmt_Wkw41YnXV31bYcilN1ACO9Y1Pxy3h0caEEpWWTXUl3dFKPbnNvNeezRWK9xVhEC8CNhgeoK69EohIuLg09QCJXTAahQSdChGM4678FZqFStq5cgXADex/s1600/Alex+and+Syd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbHvbgVnzZTTjVMhD5Pw1hmt_Wkw41YnXV31bYcilN1ACO9Y1Pxy3h0caEEpWWTXUl3dFKPbnNvNeezRWK9xVhEC8CNhgeoK69EohIuLg09QCJXTAahQSdChGM4678FZqFStq5cgXADex/s320/Alex+and+Syd.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Is anything quantum just way more complex, simple, misunderstood?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-13820006743512222162010-12-17T17:20:00.001-07:002010-12-17T17:22:41.018-07:00ROAD TRIP<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">places to go, things to see</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a time to wonder, to be</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">in the moment </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">into the future </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">amazements hidden amongst the trees</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">of Grasshopper Galleries and Candy Stores</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">off the main road and into the heart</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to see spirited treasures </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">travel the road </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">many have passed by</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">wonder</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">what would appear </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">lure or spark</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a new beginning</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">right in front of me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">what if fairy tale endings and Once upon a time beginnings</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">sang and flew </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">like Peter Pan and Wendy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">or Alice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">in Wonderland</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A Lion or Scarecrow or Tin Man or Lady</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">of the Lake</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">in Mists that don’t break </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">beyond the sea</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">castles and carvings and Gaudi-like fair</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">would I have traveled that road over there</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What to my wondering eyes should appear</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">curious caches clustered with shiny </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">sparkling</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">that costs not a cent</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">nor a decent cup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">my hands can refresh and splash and turn</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the wheel of my choice to direct north, east, west or south </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a road trip</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">along</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the musical journey </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to see</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to be</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to free</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the astonishing </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the usual</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the fanciful </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">unfolding, unwrapping, unflapping, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">endearing, endangered, engendered</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">living artfully, actively, intentionally, fully</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">by foot, plane or boat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">automobile, bike or bus </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">floating, flying, trekking</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">air, water, under </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">ground</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">above, amidst, among</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">on, in or under</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">dipping and slipping, sipping, serving and flipping </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">whipping up a road tripping</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-67885580417342867062010-11-25T14:51:00.000-07:002010-11-25T14:51:27.033-07:00Looking for Questions?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9XLXKY7vGUTvjeTcP5dDe926Bd1gXe-Tz-C9XO1ucBB8SIwzag9wvPBdkovfWHpuLmiKgWcjhmiCUbkcvC_LvE_h3RM5zXaKROhSrKoaehhbuQ209UjYjLW6Dznn02F3uCF0fQvQcNg-/s1600/DSC01933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9XLXKY7vGUTvjeTcP5dDe926Bd1gXe-Tz-C9XO1ucBB8SIwzag9wvPBdkovfWHpuLmiKgWcjhmiCUbkcvC_LvE_h3RM5zXaKROhSrKoaehhbuQ209UjYjLW6Dznn02F3uCF0fQvQcNg-/s320/DSC01933.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: small;">What is this? Looking for an answer?</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Questions bring us together, answers drive us apart." </b></span></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Roman Koval, President, Ukrainian Centre for Common Ground</div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What if everything you said was in the form of a <span style="font-size: large;">question</span>? How would people react and would it be tough for you to do? Especially for more than a minute?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Do you think focusing on questions rather than on <span style="font-size: large;">answers </span>enhances collaboration, frustration, innovation, sustainability, ludicrosity, adaptability? Is this back-casting, starting with the long term answer and asking <span style="font-size: large;">questions </span>to the present? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">When is enough enough? Ever been around a four year-old, or an adult, who continuously asks why? And why does that get under your skin? Is it meant as a way to look at things in new ways and are we just tired of looking at things in new ways?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">How do I formulate insightful questions? And what assumptions do I have to clarify in order to be a catalyst for positive change? Where can I learn about and lead question-based discovery? Would that be useful or would it drive us apart? Do <span style="font-size: large;">answers </span>drive us apart or is that a place for us to start a conversation, to ask <span style="font-size: large;">questions</span>?</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1078118050144621680.post-33910832688985627602010-09-21T16:29:00.003-06:002010-09-21T16:36:05.053-06:00Absolutely Positive: A 2-4 for positive thinking<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Having a positive attitude towards any situation starts with awareness so when I recently facilitated an inspiring group of people over 55 (<a href="http://www.alberta55plus.ca/">www.alberta55plus.ca</a> ) we started by intentionally focusing on our attitudes, devised a positive dictionary and moved from the cerebral to the physical. How? We practiced biting our tongue (which signals the negative talker that something isn’t right) then practiced smiling at one another (ever practice smiling? It’s sure to evoke laughter, eye rolls and a little light-heartedness), then worked on speaking up with language that’s positive and solution focused. I’ve coined it the <b>BS<sup>2</sup></b> method: <b>B</b>ite your tongue, <b>S</b>mile, <b>S</b>peak up - stay solution focused/say or turn negative into positive. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">While the practice seems rather surface, and it is, the intent and outcome runs deep into how we act and interact with others. The physical manifestation, if turned into a habit in our brain and body, begins a change in thinking, action, process and outcomes. With a positive attitude, opportunities arise out of challenges, encouragement out of fear, strength out of powerlessness. Next time someone bites their tongue listen to what you’re saying and discuss solutions framed with positive language. </span><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHnLXdEU6DQn19_ITXVp94n5PQExMq_ey_f1Yt_JMZCKMSDinmk1vyae_O3p2CLrZ0vQ3wrDSo3iR41rEV692I_1evUUCE2L-LDlhCraj9P5GE4nSfzZj0KUh8xgTOcR__aKmp86KUerL/s320/DSC01028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calgary fog...lifting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHnLXdEU6DQn19_ITXVp94n5PQExMq_ey_f1Yt_JMZCKMSDinmk1vyae_O3p2CLrZ0vQ3wrDSo3iR41rEV692I_1evUUCE2L-LDlhCraj9P5GE4nSfzZj0KUh8xgTOcR__aKmp86KUerL/s1600/DSC01028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Check out my website <a href="http://www.fourward.ca/">www.fourward.ca</a> for Absolutely Positive: A 2-4 for positive thinking, posting soon. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0