Wk 4: Reading response to Charlene Swoboda's Post on the Art of Possibility ch 9-12

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Wk 4-Reading-Sparking Possibility While Embracing EmotionMy oldest daughter, a violinist, at the BSO backstage tour. This weekend I attended Artscape in Baltimore, MD, with my oldest daughter. We went on a backstage tour of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Building. Here she is, (a first violist) on stage, with light shining upon her. I love the warmth in this pic and it reminded me of conductor Zander's "catch the spark" idea. Her spark is obvious!

I have learned much from chapters 9-12 in the Art of Possibility. Most of them I accept and will try to incorporate in my life, while one thought left me wary.

If I am to trust that the evolution I set in motion will serve me over the long run, then I must be careful in making good choices for myself along the way. Some of this means to stay focused on long-term goals rather than short term, immediate benefit. It might be tempting to take a job that pays ok not doing my passion but if I do an internship or take a lesser paying job temporarily that offers further training doing what I love (and still make my bills), I’ll end up seeing my long term visions through more effectively.

"Certain things in life are better done in person." Zander (2010, p 123.) Hopefully I don’t forget this in the digital age of quick emails and tweets. I’m also a firm believer that anyone who meets me in person will understand my enthusiasm and passion (catch my spark.)

Referring to “failing schools” just perpetuates the downward thinking spiral that ensures they fail. We need to create better points of reference and titles for our programs and places of work for fruition. Titles should reflect the benefits we envision they’ll bring rather than what has already transpired as negatives from past endeavors. It becomes our identification and therefore part of expectations and assumptions that need to be debunked. What’s in a name? A lot!

As Zander (2010) suggested, I will imagine people as invitations for enrollment, stand by ready to participate, willing to move and be ready, offering that which enlightens me, offering the spark to others, adding to their own sparks to create the "we".
My youngest daughter reflects at Ground Zero OK-I’ve bought into most of what this book has presented until I got to chapter 10. Having read past it and through to the end, chapters 11 and 12 kind of explain some of 10 making it more acceptable. Maybe 10 was written to be shocking enough to capture readers’ attention, only to get partially retracted shortly afterwards?

“When we blame others we lose our power.” (I thought, according to previous chapters that all that perception of power was invented anyway?) I agree that if we always blame others, we don’t accept responsibility to make changes necessary for ourselves. Blame is a waste of energy for the most part. However, I don’t believe that “whatever happens is within the realm of my consciousness and choice” Zander (2010, p 142). Some things happen and we couldn’t fully fathom it all ahead of time.


Ground Zero-the brilliant 911 Memorial Case in point, I read the last book chapters as I was visiting the 911 Memorial last weekend, Ground Zero, in New York City (I think the architect Michael Arad and landscape design firm, the Peter Walker Group, were brilliant BTW.) No one can tell me that the people who went to work that day as usual could have imagined what was about to happen to them. Yes, we live in a world that includes terrorism and evil doings, but it’s unreasonable to go around assuming it is part of our daily living or not because our minds are busy with other productive things as they should be...

“If I feel resistance to the way things are as I’m present, if I feel wronged, a loser, or a victim, then I tell myself that some assumption I made is the source of my difficulty” Zander (2010, p 143).

I totally disagree. Things are difficult not only because we make assumptions (although sometimes that is true, granted), but also because we’re emotional human beings and that’s how we are made. To just experience circumstances as thoughts void of feeling isn’t realistic or healthy. We need to feel. We are made to feel. It’s how we experience that which touches us deeply for meaning. Even if the families of those who perished in the towers that day know that terrorism is a fact of life, it doesn't make it any less difficult in having lost the ones they've loved and still love.

I am surprised that a musical conductor would negate this since music stems from and relies upon passionate feeling in the originator of the music through its composers and performers, as well as the audience. I embrace that emotional connection that helps me relate to that which resided outside of my realization before. (Yes, I totally cry through good music, books, movies, and dance performances.) I accept that sadness, loss, and pain are difficult but necessary as they are part of life as I experience it, not because my assumptions are wrong, but because I feel passionately in a connected way! Difficulty is OK then and it happens regardless of my assumptions. I don’t seek it out expecting it or not expecting it, but experience it all, emotions included. The author approaches this subject with a way too logical approach that distances him from feeling with acceptance, if things just are the way they are indeed, as he claims them to exist.

The awesome Rebirth Brass Band we saw play this weekend at Artscape. Rebirth is a good way to end my comments on a book about the Art of Possibility!

What I’ve learned in my life, having lived with a physical disability (faulty collagen in my genes that doesn’t always hold my body together as it should) is to let go of assumptions and blame. Instead of focusing on loss, even though pain has been real, I’ve learned to focus on what I can still do in new ways (and after recent surgery). It’s all about focus, attitude, presence of mind, and flexing with life. I don’t have time for anything else because it’s not worth it. I think Zander would agree with that as it creates the most possibility in life.To learn more about EDS, visit the Ehlers Danlos Foundation.
SourcesZander, B. & Zander R. (2000). The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
pics by me, Charlene, with an i-pod and digital camera taken on trips last week to New York and Baltimore.
Posted by Charlene Swoboda at 2:23 PM
I have learned much from chapters 9-12 in the Art of Possibility. Most of them I accept and will try to incorporate in my life, while one thought left me wary.
If I am to trust that the evolution I set in motion will serve me over the long run, then I must be careful in making good choices for myself along the way. Some of this means to stay focused on long-term goals rather than short term, immediate benefit. It might be tempting to take a job that pays ok not doing my passion but if I do an internship or take a lesser paying job temporarily that offers further training doing what I love (and still make my bills), I’ll end up seeing my long term visions through more effectively.
"Certain things in life are better done in person." Zander (2010, p 123.) Hopefully I don’t forget this in the digital age of quick emails and tweets. I’m also a firm believer that anyone who meets me in person will understand my enthusiasm and passion (catch my spark.)
Referring to “failing schools” just perpetuates the downward thinking spiral that ensures they fail. We need to create better points of reference and titles for our programs and places of work for fruition. Titles should reflect the benefits we envision they’ll bring rather than what has already transpired as negatives from past endeavors. It becomes our identification and therefore part of expectations and assumptions that need to be debunked. What’s in a name? A lot!
As Zander (2010) suggested, I will imagine people as invitations for enrollment, stand by ready to participate, willing to move and be ready, offering that which enlightens me, offering the spark to others, adding to their own sparks to create the "we".My youngest daughter reflects at Ground Zero OK-I’ve bought into most of what this book has presented until I got to chapter 10. Having read past it and through to the end, chapters 11 and 12 kind of explain some of 10 making it more acceptable. Maybe 10 was written to be shocking enough to capture readers’ attention, only to get partially retracted shortly afterwards?
“When we blame others we lose our power.” (I thought, according to previous chapters that all that perception of power was invented anyway?) I agree that if we always blame others, we don’t accept responsibility to make changes necessary for ourselves. Blame is a waste of energy for the most part. However, I don’t believe that “whatever happens is within the realm of my consciousness and choice” Zander (2010, p 142). Some things happen and we couldn’t fully fathom it all ahead of time.

Ground Zero-the brilliant 911 Memorial Case in point, I read the last book chapters as I was visiting the 911 Memorial last weekend, Ground Zero, in New York City (I think the architect Michael Arad and landscape design firm, the Peter Walker Group, were brilliant BTW.) No one can tell me that the people who went to work that day as usual could have imagined what was about to happen to them. Yes, we live in a world that includes terrorism and evil doings, but it’s unreasonable to go around assuming it is part of our daily living or not because our minds are busy with other productive things as they should be...
“If I feel resistance to the way things are as I’m present, if I feel wronged, a loser, or a victim, then I tell myself that some assumption I made is the source of my difficulty” Zander (2010, p 143).
I totally disagree. Things are difficult not only because we make assumptions (although sometimes that is true, granted), but also because we’re emotional human beings and that’s how we are made. To just experience circumstances as thoughts void of feeling isn’t realistic or healthy. We need to feel. We are made to feel. It’s how we experience that which touches us deeply for meaning. Even if the families of those who perished in the towers that day know that terrorism is a fact of life, it doesn't make it any less difficult in having lost the ones they've loved and still love.
I am surprised that a musical conductor would negate this since music stems from and relies upon passionate feeling in the originator of the music through its composers and performers, as well as the audience. I embrace that emotional connection that helps me relate to that which resided outside of my realization before. (Yes, I totally cry through good music, books, movies, and dance performances.) I accept that sadness, loss, and pain are difficult but necessary as they are part of life as I experience it, not because my assumptions are wrong, but because I feel passionately in a connected way! Difficulty is OK then and it happens regardless of my assumptions. I don’t seek it out expecting it or not expecting it, but experience it all, emotions included. The author approaches this subject with a way too logical approach that distances him from feeling with acceptance, if things just are the way they are indeed, as he claims them to exist.
The awesome Rebirth Brass Band we saw play this weekend at Artscape. Rebirth is a good way to end my comments on a book about the Art of Possibility!
What I’ve learned in my life, having lived with a physical disability (faulty collagen in my genes that doesn’t always hold my body together as it should) is to let go of assumptions and blame. Instead of focusing on loss, even though pain has been real, I’ve learned to focus on what I can still do in new ways (and after recent surgery). It’s all about focus, attitude, presence of mind, and flexing with life. I don’t have time for anything else because it’s not worth it. I think Zander would agree with that as it creates the most possibility in life.To learn more about EDS, visit the Ehlers Danlos Foundation.SourcesZander, B. & Zander R. (2000). The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.pics by me, Charlene, with an i-pod and digital camera taken on trips last week to New York and Baltimore.Posted by Charlene Swoboda at 2:23 PM

My Response LINK:

Thank you Charlene for you honest interpretation of the writings. I have gone back to reevaluate this idea of the 9/11 happenings. I think that taking what you need from the book and letting the rest go is a good idea. After all, isn't that what we do on our life journey? Take the good, leave the rest. I am amazed at how all of our classmates connected with the authors, but particularly yours resonated. I love the picture of your daughter. I also went ahead and looked at your "dream space" video. I have been an art teacher for the last 20 years. I am excited at how you are incorporating new and emergent technologies into the field you love. This is an inspiration to us "art types." I wish we had chatted sooner. Good luck to you and keep in touch.

Leadership Post IV

Career Goals: My career goals consist of joining creative community of Instructional Designers, Graphic and Multi-media Designers and academics and applying, and honing the skills developed at FullSail. I realize now that FullSail has opened more doors of possibilities. I didn't even know what an Instructional designer was when I began the program. Now I am on a track to become an instructional designer. It's funny that the more doors are opened, the more doors you begin to seek out. This is an active role in living instead of following the path laid out before you. I think of it as the game of Life. Instead of following the prescribed path, you create your own. Did anyone else feel constrained by the game of Life? 



Thinking back to beginning the program, my main thoughts were to enlist in a program of thinking more in-depth about the academic subject matter. In addition, I was instructed to attain my Master's degree within five years.  As I spoke with my colleagues at the college I teach at, I always felt like I was missing out on something. I didn't have the understanding that they had in their academic fields. I didn't understand the pedagogy of higher education. 


In addition, as I look at my Mac that I am typing this on, I see tremendous possibility. I know, now, the power of the software and what we can do with it. I'm anxious to continue to learn more. I have been watching Lynda tutorials. I have insatiable intellectual curiosity to learn as much as I can. I want to contribute to this body of knowledge. 


Personal Goals:
I have spoken in previous posts at length about how attaining a Master's Degree at FullSail has transformed my personal life. After be reunited with my son, I am going to carry the momentum that gave me the confidence to accomplish that into my personal life, into everything I do. I have developed this theory that is, more than likely, influenced by many of my readings. The theory is that we exist in frequencies of thought. Some stay static in this frequencies all of their lives. Some are at ground zero, others are free of the constraints of judgment by others.  They are frequencies of consciousness. As we move through stages of our lives, we, in turn, attract others in that same frequency. How did I know I was moving through these frequencies? I began "attracting" like magnets more healthy people into my world. These people, I know now, are mirrors of my self. 


Leonardo DaVinci is one of my motivating heros. Another one who followed in his footsteps, Steve Jobs, is also my hero. Steve Job's commencement speech that we watched at the beginning of the class was so appropriate. The day I had my students watch it in class, ironically, was the day that Steve passed. What an impact he had on the world. When he passed, it was like a ripple effect that sent shock waves through the planet. The rest of us will just ride those waves and contribute to the vast knowledge base of all of those who contributed to his dream. He has left us an extraordinary gift of opening doors to possibility. Here's some more commencement SPEECHES to define your sense of possibility:  

http://shop.holstee.com/products/holstee-manifesto-poster#.UBXs7DGe53k

Wk 4: Reading response to Justin Fishel's Post on the Art of Possibility ch 9-12

Here's Justin's Post:

Wk. 4 Reading Blog Post: The Art of Possibility (9-12)

This weeks reading was in regards to finishing up Benjamin and Rosamund Stone Zander’s The Art of Possibility. This read has been easy and full of ways in which individuals can begin to make personal adjustments to enlighten themselves with new, never experienced before possibilities. Here is the breakdown of what I believed to have been the most enlightening ideas presented within the final chapters.

Chapter 9- Lighting a Spark
What I received most about this chapter was that its message was about trusting in people that they are that ‘A’. By doing this, you as an individual are allowing their spark to enlighten you. If we do not allow this to occur then we are subjecting to the word ‘no’ that in turn places us in the downward spiral. This downward spiral does not lead to possibility.

Chapter 10- Being the BoardWhat I learned most about this chapter’s reading was that we are in control of ourselves. We are the board of the game of life in which we are participating. When unwanted occurrences happen, we will tend to self reflect and determine what steps we took that led us to the position we are currently in. If we can learn how to be the board, we are able to keep track of the path in which we wish to stay on in life.

Chapter 11- Creating Frameworks for PossibilityThis chapter stood out the most with me through these final chapters. Creating Frameworks for Possibility points out that we as individuals must create and maintain these ‘visions of possibilities’. By doing this, we are able to keep our own lives and dreams on track along with creating possibilities for others, even those we do not personally know.

Chapter 12- Telling the WE StoryThis heading could easily be used within the elementary classroom. Telling the WE Story suggests just that. Instead of being so fixated on ourselves and our own dreams and aspirations…lets shift from I to we. This message is also reinforced within the Coda of The Art of Possibility.

My response LINK:

My first response is: Have you ever worked in institutions where the 'downward spiral' is rampant? I'm beginning to transfer knowledge learned in the microcosm that we call the classroom to the larger society as a whole, including businesses and corporations. My second response: I, too, am looking for additional material to read concerning this topic. Because the Zanders have enlightened me so, I don't want the book to end. I purchased it on audio in order that I may listen to it on my way to work in the morning. My third response: After my coursework at FullSail and experience in the classroom and on-line, I see an emerging collaborative culture forming. Thanks for pointing that out. Good Luck to you. Kathy

Wk 4 Reading: The Art of Possibility Ch 9-12

As I start this week's post, I'm hesitant because it is so personal. Let me share my FaceBook post:

It's an understatement to say that I have carried the small spark that the authors were discussing. Here's the quote:

When exploring my avenues and exit strategies after my divorce several years ago, I was avoiding costly litigation to gain custody of my son. My ex-husband had taken my son, 5 years old,  to Oregon - three states away. Although not that far, 600 miles, it might as well have been in China to me. I had no money, a costly mortgage, a teenage daughter who had needs and was trying to get through high school. In addition, I drove an unreliable 1986 Camry and worked two jobs late into the evening. I was also trying to free-lance websites on the side and weekends.  We had no money to heat the house in those cold Montana winters. Frequently, my pipes would freeze and we would have no water. This is when the predators set in. If you've been in this situation, you know what I'm talking about. You are trying so hard to believe that there is goodness in the world, yet you are so shattered, that the reality you create is bleak. I looked at FullSail. I knew on-line education was the only option for furthering my skills. My ex-husband had his master's degree and was able to find an excellent job in Oregon. He recovered quickly and within a few weeks, found a suitable partner and they began building their dream home upon the banks of the river in Portland. This set heavy toil on me relationship wise. I felt trapped. I applied to FullSail. They offered me a teacher scholarship, but it would still be a heavy price to pay. Soon, I will graduate. I am reunited with my, now 9 year old son and am exploring career options. I'm here to tell you that I am walking testament of the book Art of Possibility. I look at things different, invest in myself, can recognize perpetrators, and have a new gained sense of self and confidence. Although not confident and secure all the time, I view my experience at FullSail as a launching pad to view the abundance and see possibility in the world instead of entrapment. I have much work to do. 

Leadership Post III

My Leadership project describes the research completed during the last academic year I taught at Salish Kootenai College. As the primary instructor/director of the Media Design AAS degree program, I looked at effective recruitment and retention strategies of the students enrolled in the program. Throughout the year, we learned about emerging technologies in the Media Design field. Students employed Web 2.0 tools and presented culminations of their design work in on-line portfolio formats. The process included much student collaboration and self-directed technology learning. In addition, I systematically built learning modules based on the theory of the "flipped classroom" where students began taking ownership of their learning. Infused throughout the curriculum were culturally-based  as well as community-based components. These techniques enhanced learning, provided motivational factors and contributed to overall success in the program. 


I hope to share the research with other tribal college faculty in a presentation. I am frequently invited and attend many conferences nationwide to share knowledge. If this is not available, I will make efforts to publish in the Tribal College Journal. 

Leadership Post I
Leadership Post II

HERE'S MY LEADERSHIP DOCUMENT.

Wk 3: Reading Response to Julia Hutchinson's Post on the Art of Possibility Ch 5-8

Julia's Post:  

Week 3 / Blog 1 – The Art of Possibility (Ch. 5-8)
I started this week’s reading while on my train commute into NYC. The quiet ride (despite sharing a train car with 250 other riders) was briefly interrupted by my “Wow!” response to page 68:

 It’s so true! The conductor doesn’t make a sound at all. Yet it is his influence and ability to empower others to make beautiful music that counts. I immediately applied the principle to my role as an instructor. It doesn’t matter how great of a designer I may be. Any determination of greatness lies in the work that my students produce. It lies in my ability to help them become problem solvers and critical thinkers. The students our program graduates are, in many ways, a reflection and the product of the instruction they receive. Now, is it a direct correlation? Is there an absolute cause and effect relationship between the quality of instruction and the demonstrated competency of the student? No. There are too many other factors to consider. However, the principle of empowerment and influence simply cannot be undermined.

My Response:

HERE'S THE LINK.

I had the same "wha?" experience. I had never really reflected on it. What I love about listening to this book, particularly at my age, is that we process information on a deeper level due to more life experiences. A sentence may trigger a whole series of related matrices of thought and emotions. I additionally am a design instructor. At times, I go off on tangents too that are triggered. Lately, I have been much more aware of these triggers. I believe it is my responsibility to guide students through these same processes, yet teach them to filter unimportant ideas and concepts. I teach them to redirect those thoughts into creating designs. As a designer, the more in tune you are with the subconscious forces that influence your ideas, the better.

Wk 3: Reading Response to Justin Fishel's Post on the Art of Possibility Ch 5-8

Here's Justin's Response: 

Wk 3 reading – The Art of Possibility (chapters 5-8)

Within The Art of Possibility, chapters 5 through 8, I found several of these chapters to be quite interesting and substantial to my every day work and personal environments. Here are my takes on this weeks reading.

Within Chapter 5 (Leading From Any Chair) of The Art of Possibility, I found that this chapter was about the fact that leadership can in fact come from anybody who possesses greater self-sufficiency. Mr. Zander’s consistently praises that individuals are able to shine when they are given the opportunity. As an educator is can be sometimes difficult to let go and allow your students ‘to prove you wrong’ so to speak. This method is becoming quite popular within my classroom because of my personal experiences as a student, I enjoyed to be challenged and really enjoyed proving my educators that I could do it and exceed their expectations.

Chapter 6 (Rule Number 6) within The Art of Possibility spoke itself quite strongly towards me. Many times I am criticized for being to laid back, easy going and should take things more seriously. Mr. Zander discusses several different aspects that we as individuals can do to see the different possibilities that surround us in our daily lives.While reading chapter 7 (The Way Things Are), I noticed several aspects that encourage individuals to see things for what they are and move on with life. I am a firm believer for moving on and when less time is spent dwelling on the past, the chances for new possibilities becomes an illusion and not reality.

Reading chapter 8 (Giving Way to Passion) spoke to me in such a way that it expressed to me to be free and passionate about what I do within my everyday life. Individuals must allow themselves to be free and passionate and not so attached to the ways in which other people may view or judge them. If they can achieve this, then high levels of achievement will be reached.

Here's the Link.

Here's my response: 

Yes, I agree! Did you make that graphic? Because I'm going to print and hang it up in my office. As a visual person, I can comprehend/understand an idea or a concept much quicker and more thoroughly by seeing a visual metaphor.

The second part that I am wondering is if high levels of achievement can be reached, how do we measure them and how do we know that they are high levels? One way that I can see progress towards health, as I call it, would be to look back at the journals I have written over the years. It's not really a linear progress, but more of a matrices or a web of consciousness. I would like to see more follow-up on this idea in the book.