Wk 4 Reading comments

to blogger Mary Wilson

Wk 4 Wimba Reflections

How could I have forgotten about Wimba?

The Art of Possibility

Very true... not such a gap between us and the veteran teachers.  We are being given tools (that are ever changing/expanding) to stave off burnouts.  We have to use these tools to make our environments ever changing as opposed to stagnant.
I don't watch Oprah and haven't heard about The Power of Positive Thinking.  But, I enjoyed the book because it had me examining my own life- personal and professional. I have even adopted Rule Number 6.  It's not easy but calls for a consciousness of being and as with anything, that takes time to 'perfect', for I will always be a work in progress.

The chapter about being the Board... maybe because I did not quite get it and I think it was a good chapter, something I need to revisit over and over again until I get it. To understand that I am an active participant as I travel this road, to open myself up to the different possibilities and probabilities... I am not even sure as I write this if that is what being the Board is all about...

Rule Number 6... that is such an important life lesson.  Some people in academia do take themselves and their work environment so seriously, as if it could not exist without them.  They are the best at everything, criticizing others (especially in front of the students).  It is amazing to me that it can become such a 'cut throat' environment- it is as if some educators have forgotten that it is about the students...

Leadership Project so far...

I still have to submit my application to publish... a bit apprehensive, but I've got to do it.

Wow! Month 12 is almost (finally) here... This has certainly been a journey for me.

Wk 4 Leadership Comments

to fellow blogger Alyson Patrash Week 4 Leadership – Role Models

May 23, 2012

nykoli

Hello Alyson,

Your mom is a wonderful inspiration….

The Art of Possibility, eh!? For your mom then and now for you. It is refreshing to see you put this month’s reading into perspective for your own life… it would be so easy to become overwhelmed with everything you have going on in right now, but instead, you are finding the possibilities in everything… I wish you lots of success in your life’s journeys.

Alyson Patrash's take on the Leadership Project

Week 4 Leadership – Role Models

Posted on May 21, 2012 by AlysonP

This month has gotten me thinking a lot about my future and where I want to go, both in my personal and professional life. There has been a lot going on for me, the possibility of my school district closing, looking to purchase a house with my Fiance, our wedding next winter, and finishing my degree at Full Sail. The reading we’ve been doing in The Art of Possibility has really got me thinking about how I view the world in all areas of my life. It’s easy with my school district facing difficulties and the prospect of no job to think negatively, like there is no possibility. However, if you think about it, it opens up a whole world of opportunities for me. I could get a job teaching music in a different district or try to get a technology teaching position or even make a transition to the corporate world.

My Family, Christmas 2010
pictured from left to right
Mom, Alyson (me), Sydney (dog), Mallory, Baxter Bigglesworth (orange cat), Dad, Mr. Milo Quibbles (gray/black cat)

With all these options and new experiences open to me I need to start thinking about what path I want, what will make me happy. I think I’d like to try my hand in the corporate world. I have past experience as an administrative assistant working in the tax, IT, billing and HR departments. I would have the resume needed to be part of or lead new product training for a company. My role model for this possible transition would be my mom. She took her work experiences and went from a pharmacy clerk to a pharmaceutical software company tester to a project manager, to the Director of an IT department at a gas company. She wasn’t afraid of becoming part of a new industry, and proved that her experiences, though not from that industry, could help her be a great asset to every company she worked for. She was even willing to move to a new state for her current job, leaving every part of her comfort zone to do it. What makes me most proud of my mom is that she has done all of this without a college degree. If she can do this without a degree I (with my 2 degrees) better be willing to take a leap towards my dreams without letting fear stop me.

Wk 4 Reading Comments

to fellow blogger Shravan Krishna

NykoliMay 22, 2012 4:50 PM

Shrav,

Your blog is one of positive energy and I wish you all in the success in your Leadership Project and other endeavours.
About that plane ride-- What does one consider important? How important? What is one willing to risk to make it happen? And happen it did for Ben Zander and so it can for all of us, with time and effort....

Shrav's response to Wk 4 reading

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Wk4 Blog Post - The Art of Possibility ch. 9-12

Good evening fellow EMDT cohort and staff

First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate each and every one of you all that shared your Leadership Document drafts during Wimba on Tuesday night and Wednesday night. I thought you all did a fantastic job, and I am super stoked of the great possibilities in hearing several success stories down the road!

Now onto this week's Art of Possibility blog post. Chapter's 9-12 were simply incredible. I'm going to chime in on a particular passage that I felt was truly profound and was just the type of motivation I needed to hear should I get selected to present my Leadership Project at The Illinois Education and Technology Conference.

Zander is by far the most resilient, confident, gregarious, and focused human being that I have ever in my entire life come to discover. Flying out from Boston to Washington at 8am, JUST for an UNEXPECTED 20 minute meeting to entice the LEGENDARY Rostropovich to play in his orchestra, and fly back to Boston at 12pm with successfully getting the guy to agree??? The man truly knows how to enroll others and light a spark. If that were me, I'd be too busy preparing myself on that flight on how to come across to him. However, I shouldn't need to allow my fear and nerves to beat myself over -- Our universe is ALIVE with sparks and the capacity to make the impossible, possible, so long as we bare passion! First, I wholeheartedly agree with Ben Zander's dad, Walter Zander, that "certain things in life are better done in person". My cohort and I are enormously lucky and grateful to have the opportunity of a lifetime to engage our passions and action research with a receptive audience of likeminded visionaries. To enroll them into adopting our passion, we need to approach them with the confidence that they are willing to get swept off their feet and inspired. We need to speak with the premise of that which would make US be swept away with inspiration. We need to have NO doubt whatsoever that others will love our pioneering ideas. Only then, can we reap the given benefits that were already promised to us from the get-go. Showing up is half the work, if you have the passion for success and change.

Here's an inspirational story I'd like to share. Last night, I was watching Conan O'Brien's talk showConan and we were all pleasantly delighted to engage in a comedic standup routine by up-and-coming comedian, Brody Stevens. It was clear in my eyes that he hadn't had too much experience performing before a huge publicized live audience. However, the man did exceptionally well simply by periodically saying out loud "Yes! Positive ENERGY!". It was an addicting mantra that helped him remain on top of his game. In one of his bits, Brody said that he wanted to get laid -- fair enough. However, he said he'd have a BETTER chance of getting laid after making people laugh through his live standup routine, rather than call up his lady friends via telephone.

Check out his debut on Conan: 

...YES! POSITIVE ENERGY! Can you guys harbor the same outlook and desire to create a spark in your Leadership Project presentations or papers? A "no" from your audience can seem like a door slamming in your face, especially when you tell yourself that your audience is not engaged. However, even when the audience was not laughing at each and every one his jokes, Brody still told himself out loud, "yes" and kept ENROLLING us into HIS passion. Don't throw in the towel while you're in the heat of selling OPPORTUNITIES and POSSIBILITIES, just hold on to it until you make a cruise ship towel animal!!! 

Thank you for reading my loyal subscribers. See you all in Month 12. 

-Shrav

Wk 4 Art of Possibility- Who said it isn't about me?

It isn't about me...Really?


My daughter is always reminding me that things aren't always about me but I believe her to be wrong.  It is always about me in as much I am always involved, I might not be at the forefront, I might be giving to others but I believe that so long as I am actively involved then I will make it about me.  

I believe in treating people's children with dignity and respect.  I have children and I hope that the kindness I extend to other people's children will be blessings waiting out there for my two.

Is it the power of music or the power of possibility? Or even the powerful force of paying forward.


The possibilities of that first spark. To see it ignite, take hold... the changes, make a child, an adult believe in the possibilities of their own existence is something I would like to witness.  I am in contact with some of my past students, maybe I am witnessing without being consciously aware that I am (I just thought of that). This is s wow moment for me.

I always feel that there are choices and even when our back is up against the wall, we have choices.  When we do one thing, it means we have neglected the other choice (irrespective of whether we think it so or not).

Whether I accept myself as the Board or not, I guess that is what I am. Using Mr. Zander's analogy, I imagine, would empower me rather than feeling like 'stuff' happens to me and life is fair/unfair. It is not an easy  concept to accept and put into practice at this point, but with conscious thought and effort, who knows...


Being the Board all the time may leave one weary. I just can't seem to conceptualize how it would work as I think about it, others around me would have to be in a similar mind frame (as Cora, knowing about the 'A') in order for it to 'work'.

Rule number 6 is a great start for me. I do take myself too seriously and I get what Mr. Zander but once again a bit difficult to create these frameworks of possibilities and share it with others on a daily basis... Some things are much easier said than done (practiced). Could it be just small acts of kindness (like the teacher did for that student) or is it much more?


This way of thinking, living, being, calls for a renewing of the mind which no one would argue is an ill-fated task, but rather a conscious way of assessing and living one's life.  Whether it is or isn't, I guess I will start with start with small acts of kindness for right now, I do not feel like being concerned with anyone else but myself.  I will have to start small if I hope to incorporate these frameworks of possibility as part of who I am.


This all calls for a consciousness of thinking...

Though I have seen small changes (every now and again) in past students.  I haven't had the opportunity of seeing any of them realize their potential yet... but I believe I will see that and Lord knows, I am hoping to see that time and time and time again repeated by many.  I have encountered numerous young lives that I know have abilities beyond what had before been tapped into... My hope is that something I said, something I did will be remembered and that will take them to their dreams... and far beyond... only time will tell.


Hasanni and Imani- the possibilities are endless- You are and I know I will see great things!

Gwaan my yute!

                                              

Wk4 Leadership Project Blog Post: Leadership Role Model Reflection:

Wk4 Leadership Project Blog Post: Leadership Role Model Reflection:


This is most difficult for me to answer.  If I am truthful and say that there is no one nor organization that I look up to or admire then I could be accused of all sorts of things including some sort of complex and if I make up something then I will accuse myself of trying to fit in. I like the quote 'to thine own self be true' (not sure where it comes from).  I will choose the latter.  I look up to no one, but I do have respect and admiration for others.


One such person is the Rev Al Sharpton, he is a leader to some while despised by countless others. Now, I must admit that I know very little about the man, save what I've heard and read in the media and I used to listen to him on talk radio whenever he was a guest. 


I first admire his tenacity and his courage to do what he does.  In spite of and despite being despised by so many, when he is called upon to step in and help to get justice for disenfranchised Americans, he goes. He can be accused of being many things which of course he may or may not be, but he goes and does the 'job' he's called upon to do.  Has he made mistakes? Public mistakes? Step forward and throw the first stone, the man or woman who can say, "I have never made a mistake".  


Next, argue with him about being loud, obnoxious, about his politics, but I have long since admired articulate and intelligent men.  I happen to believe he argues the courage of his convictions and I strive to be one that does the same.  I don't care much for current threads or fads, I believe in what I believe is right and I want to stand for that no matter the odds against me.   I admire Rev Sharpton because of that.


There are countless others who admire him and who believes he can get some form of justice where before they were not getting any.  i admire that he has the ability to do that for families or at least that there are people out there who believe that him and his organization can do for them what was not being done.


I have great admiration for the people whose names we don't know but they give to others in so many ways. I would like to be one of them.  I have often dreamt of giving of myself in service to others, but I would like to see how those individual lives are transformed based on the things i (and others) do for them. 


I have looked into so many opportunities to volunteer, mentor and haven't followed through a number of them.  I like to be instantly gratified even though I realize that life does not work that way.  Things rarely happen overnight, it takes time and that time is a process.  That is why I know and I understand that we all are a work in progress but although I know these things, still I can become very impatient at times.


Dreaming a little... my dream job would have something to do with psychology or counseling as I feel that is where I can have the greatest impact.  I believe I have gained a lot of needed skills to tackle such a job not only from studying psychology in undergrad, but the hands on experience of being an educator has taught me insight and skills that I could not have gained from anywhere else.  There are times when I have felt disillusioned and at other times so hopeful because I felt that I had made a small crack.  Now if I were a psychologist/counselor how much bigger could I make that 
crack.

Dream workspace

http://youtu.be/Jf33VKFbB5o

Wk 3 Comments to

Fellow blogger Shrav Krishna

NykoliMay 15, 2012 8:10 PM

Shrav,

What a great opportunity to put Rule number 6 into motion... seems the reading came at an appropriate time for you.

Great piece to media to highlight all that we've reading so far. Such wonderful and amazing possibilities in the circle of life... within every aspect of life there are boundless opportunities.

Great way to give back to our global community.

Shrav Krishna's response to Wk 3 reading-cti




Shrav Krishna a.k.a "The Billboard Scavenger"

Tuesday, May 15, 2012


Wk3 Blog Post - The Art of Possibility ch. 5-8

Greetings my Month 11 MAC cohort.


Are you enjoying 'The Art of Possibility' yet? Did you think it was possible to remove yourself from a seemingly constrictive and incessant bind to accomplish and enter a convalescence to enjoy a life full of zest and free will? I live in Chicago guys, where this week into next the NATO summit will literally be invading all aspects of my world. My family and I received letters of bizarre announcements from our mail being delayed to avoid bringing backpacks or water bottles onto the public transportation services. Yet, rather than complain, I have bestowed upon myself the opportunity to practice Rule Number 6 (to lighten up), succumb to a newfound appreciation for the global leaders from 28 countries visiting Chicago, be in the present and embrace the silver lining, and give way to what is to come. This book we are all reading is changing my life completely.


Chapter 5, Leading From Any Chair, taught me the real worth of a humanitarian by looking out for the good and engagement of the group, as opposed to gaining personal stature. You guys might already know, I'm a current resident of i.c.stars|* (http://icstars.org/), a technology-based workforce and leadership development training program to create change-driven, future leaders and create opportunities for others. Our mission is to create 1,000 community leaders by the year 2020. I gained a lot of insight into leadership from this chapter. I had no idea that conductors and corporate heads and managers blame their mistakes on their orchestra or employees. I came to the awareness that leadership is not limited to conductors, presidents, or CEOs, though includes average people like musicians who communicate newfound appreciation for their tasks or parents who nurture their children to have a desire to speak up and contribute.


Chapter 6, Rule Number 6, is something I need to print out and tape up on my wall. Ever since I can remember, I have been drenched with a "calculating self" -- not so much with the desire to "look out for Number One", yet keep up with our competing world. The "Have the Best Sex Ever" game was hilarious and the rules are marvelous: Have it. Be Fulfilled. What guy wouldn't love to receive a phone call like that with an invitation to play? The quote: "Imagine a world in which your entire possession is one raspberry and you give it to your friend" really spoke out to me and gave me the clearest perception on our "central selves".  I understand the "central self" as the part of us that should promote human development and transformation -- hence, the reason why we are all in the EMDT program! However, the most profound story I enjoyed in Chapter 6 was about the homeless man offering HIS worldly possession of 3 dollars for Vikram's hamburger meal. Clearly, there isn't much the homeless can do to create a humane world and offer charity and abundance, yet his act was his golden ticket to the remarkable "Universe of Possibility".


Chapter 7, The Way Things Are, was my favorite chapter for this week's reading. Seriously -- if you had the opportunity to be in Florida for winter vacation, and instead of getting sun and warmth, it rains like cats and dogs, would you sit there nagging about it throughout the vacation? So what if you don't get to play golf. You can dance in the rain. You can order take-in. You can REST. You can make love. You can play video games. The POSSIBILITIES are endless. Same thing about skiing on ice. It's ALL a state of mind. You WILL fall flat on your behind if you go down the slope thinking it will be painful. However, you will gracefully make it to the other side if you think of it as a friendly walk in the park. My favorite quote of this chapter was: "A canceled flight may wreck our scheduleand bring us face to face with our future spouse in the airport lounge." It's exactly true. Avoid the downward spiral talk that excludes possibility, and embrace the silver lining.

Downward Spiral Talk vs. Conversations for Possibility 

Chapter 8, Giving Way to Passion, was a simple read, because it was a no-brainer. If you hold back and refuse to let up your barriers, you can't lose control of yourself and feel free. If you can't participate wholly, you can't create a new expression for the world. I loved the quote from the A Leap story: "Let it's (the river) force run through me. Let it turn all my molecules in its direction; trust it and surrender. Let it give me what it has to offer." It sounds like passion, smells like passion, and will churn through you like passion. Giving way to passion is like performers connecting to the long line of music rather than focusing on perfecting individual notes and harmonies. Giving way to passion is connecting with what's all around you (i.e. the waves in the sea, the wind through the grass, etc). All of these stories in Chapter 8 reminded me a lot of both Pocahontas' Colors of the Wind song and The Lion King's Circle of Life song haha.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I would like to return back to the "Universe of Possibility" and not worry about getting my assignments on FSO completed. Adios.