The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. ~ Carl Jung
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up" ~ Pablo Picasso
For the past few days I have been thinking about the merits of creative expression. My newly acquired interest came from a visit to FABO, a cool local art and coffee shop here in Charlotte. While I was at FABO my free spirit was reawakened. I was embracing my inner shippy (definition: a hippy that showers) and loving life as I took in the colorful and authentic atmosphere. Seriously, FABO is one of my new favorite spots in Charlotte (check it out if you are ever in the area). As I was sitting there, sipping on wine and having profound conversation with my friend Shannon (another favorite pastime of mine--bonding), I thought of how good it feels to create stuff. The next day I dusted off my scrapbooking supplies and engaged in some much needed creative time. And it felt GREAT! There is something amazing about unlocking the creative part of our brains and using child-like wonder to put something together. I also think that creativity helps us use our minds well in other elements because it provides us with an outlet.
I noticed this with my students too. I have been making an effort to create more authentic assessments and more lessons that appeal to the multiple intelligences and that differentiate based on not only academic needs but also on interests, and I have discovered amazing results. Students who were not doing any work have been exceeding my expectations as I gave them the opportunity to use creative expression to convey the information that I was assessing.
I have also noticed a new trend at bars "paint nights", and I think they are on to something. My very wise brother told me that he thinks everyone should take an art class in his/her life, and my dear art teaching friend Kristyn even taught an adult art class to teachers at my former school. What a unique experience! Although, unfortunately, I wasn't there to participate, I heard rave reviews as it was a chance for adults to tap into their creativity, bond, and most importantly, have fun.
I think as people get older, we think it is a crime to have fun. Like we guilty about it, which is so ludicrous, but we do. I do. I confess. In fact, I have even taken a hiatus from writing this blog because I felt guilty--it wasn't "productive" because I couldn't see the end result or the benefit to it. But what's wrong with doing something for pleasure as a the end result? I enjoy blogging, writing, creating, scrapbooking, making jewelry...and if people like what I create, I guess that's an added bonus.
And speaking of being productive, when I do something I love I get an energy that is stronger than one that is caffeine-induced (which for me is a lot of energy). I go off of adrenaline and my sheer excitement for the possibilities of life, and with that level of energy I am a million more times productive than I am when I am just mundanely doing stuff.
So I am committing right now...right here...in public..in the blogosphere...I am going to make an effort once a week to do something creative. To create something...to express myself. I may scrapbook; I may blog; I may journal; I may even write poetry. It may not be "good" or "productive". There may not be a "purpose" to it, but I do not care. But I will get creative, and I will NOT feel guilty about it.
What if you all (y'all--I live down south now) make a similar commitment? What if we all (w'all---doesn't exactly work) do stuff, just for fun. Just because we want to? What kind of world would it be if everyone did what they want to do when they want to without caring where it leads? I think it would be pretty amazing.
This is what IAM thinking...how about you?!
PS. It feels great to be back in the blogosphere...and I don't even feel guilty about it :)
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, October 13, 2012
IAM Thinking about Happiness...
"Happiness depends upon ourselves." ~Aristotle
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony with each other." ~ Mahatama Ghandi
"The only way to find true happiness is to risk being cut completely open."~ Chuck Palahinick
Today IAM thinking about happiness. I could fill this post with countless definitions of happiness; everyone has a different definition, as something as abstract as happiness is only made concrete by the words, actions, and beliefs of those who pursue it. The idea of what in Hebrew is referred to as Simha, is one that I have been exploring and contemplating a lot over the past year. This morning I was pouring over old journal entries, trying to find some inspiration for a writing assignment that I am giving to my students, when I found an attempt at my own definition of happiness. As I have been meaning to update this blog and to write more myself, I felt that it was timely and appropriate to include that entry in the blogosphere.
Happiness is...
Knowing that the past doesn't confine us, that releasing tension frees us, and that every thought can be changed. In fact, every moment is fleeting if we want it to be and savored if we don't. Knowing that we all have the ability to choose the life that we want and that the universe is abundant, and God is kindhearted. Knowing that we have people in our lives that will love and support us unconditionally and those who do not do not have to affect us or cannot steal our peace. We can put up walls of resilience around those who have the potential to bring us down. Knowing the beauty of appreciation and being mindful and reflective and of enjoying pleasure deeply and enduring pain gracefully. Knowing that we are powerful--in mind, body, and spirit---that life is meant to be enjoyed, and this world is ours for the taking. Knowing that we have the power to build people up, but the ability to bring them down if we so choose. Knowing how calming the ocean is and how invigorating the cold air feels. Knowing that communication is purging and that the truth will always set us free. Knowing that you love, accept, and approve of yourself always and that you are whoever you want to be, and if you're not, you can change.
Today IAM thinking that we have to take the time to define happiness for ourselves. We have to understand our big picture or mission statement in life. What is our purpose, and what makes us happy? As we go through each and every experience on this great journey, how do these experiences factor into our happiness? If they enrich us, we can incorporate them into our own happiness project. And if they don't, we must have the sense of strength and pride to let them go. IAM thinking that if we do not take the time to define happiness for ourselves, we will lack this drive and ability to endure.
So today, tomorrow, or at some clearly defined point in the future, stop and consider what happiness means to you. What are your big picture values, and how are you working day by day to achieve your life's aim?
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony with each other." ~ Mahatama Ghandi
"The only way to find true happiness is to risk being cut completely open."~ Chuck Palahinick
Today IAM thinking about happiness. I could fill this post with countless definitions of happiness; everyone has a different definition, as something as abstract as happiness is only made concrete by the words, actions, and beliefs of those who pursue it. The idea of what in Hebrew is referred to as Simha, is one that I have been exploring and contemplating a lot over the past year. This morning I was pouring over old journal entries, trying to find some inspiration for a writing assignment that I am giving to my students, when I found an attempt at my own definition of happiness. As I have been meaning to update this blog and to write more myself, I felt that it was timely and appropriate to include that entry in the blogosphere.
Happiness is...
Knowing that the past doesn't confine us, that releasing tension frees us, and that every thought can be changed. In fact, every moment is fleeting if we want it to be and savored if we don't. Knowing that we all have the ability to choose the life that we want and that the universe is abundant, and God is kindhearted. Knowing that we have people in our lives that will love and support us unconditionally and those who do not do not have to affect us or cannot steal our peace. We can put up walls of resilience around those who have the potential to bring us down. Knowing the beauty of appreciation and being mindful and reflective and of enjoying pleasure deeply and enduring pain gracefully. Knowing that we are powerful--in mind, body, and spirit---that life is meant to be enjoyed, and this world is ours for the taking. Knowing that we have the power to build people up, but the ability to bring them down if we so choose. Knowing how calming the ocean is and how invigorating the cold air feels. Knowing that communication is purging and that the truth will always set us free. Knowing that you love, accept, and approve of yourself always and that you are whoever you want to be, and if you're not, you can change.
Today IAM thinking that we have to take the time to define happiness for ourselves. We have to understand our big picture or mission statement in life. What is our purpose, and what makes us happy? As we go through each and every experience on this great journey, how do these experiences factor into our happiness? If they enrich us, we can incorporate them into our own happiness project. And if they don't, we must have the sense of strength and pride to let them go. IAM thinking that if we do not take the time to define happiness for ourselves, we will lack this drive and ability to endure.
So today, tomorrow, or at some clearly defined point in the future, stop and consider what happiness means to you. What are your big picture values, and how are you working day by day to achieve your life's aim?
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
IAM Thinking about Legacies...
"The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it." ~ William James
"You can't leave a footprint that lasts if you're always walking on tiptoe."~Marion Blakely
So I love old people. I lived in a retirement area for a while and even considered moving to Fort Myers, FL for a period of time, which is also highly populated by the elderly persuasion. I spend a lot of time with my 80 year old Nonna, and I was very close to my grandparents who have passed away. I was an active member of an old lady card group, and I keep in close contact with many older friends. Just last week I had lunch with my former neighbor who is 76 years old. When I was in middle school, instead of listening to Jammin' 94.5, the local Rap station, I would share my grandpa's love for Lite Rock 105.1. I remained pen pals with my great grandmother for years before her passing at age 97. My mother always says that I have "an old soul".
I think what I love most about old(er) people is their sense of perseverance and the notion that they instill by example that "this too shall pass". I have learned from some of my former Chinese students that it is customary for Chinese children to spend extended amount of time with their grandparents so that they can glean first-hand the wisdom of generations past. I think that this is a beautiful concept. I love hearing about what my grandparents and older friends have overcome and experienced in their earlier lives, and I strongly believe that their experiences are a lesson to me as well as others in my generations and generations to come.
As a result of this reflection, IAM Thinking about the idea of a legacy. What others pass on. IAM Thinking about what my own legacy might be, which is a powerful concept. Have you ever stopped to think about how your grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember you, or how they will come to know you? Will I be known as the adventurous one? Will I be known as sentimental? Will I be known as someone who cared for her family? Someone who made decisions based on intuition over reason? Will I be known as the sheltered one who never stood up for what she believed in? Who preferred life comfortable and easy without any waves or ripples. Or will I be known as one who made a splash?
As IAM thinking about my own legacy, IAM thinking about how my life story will be told years from now. What impact will I have on future generations in my family? Will I be known as the crazy aunt or the cool grandmother? Will my story inspire others? Or will I just be glanced over?
What will I leave behind? Will my journals ever be read? Will my scrapbooks ever be looked at? Will future generations be proud of the person who I am/was? The person who I became.
IAM Thinking that we should all stop and consider how our actions and inactions may affect our posterity. What can we do to pave a positive path for those in the future, and what will our legacy be?
This is what IAM Thinking...how about you?!
"You can't leave a footprint that lasts if you're always walking on tiptoe."~Marion Blakely
So I love old people. I lived in a retirement area for a while and even considered moving to Fort Myers, FL for a period of time, which is also highly populated by the elderly persuasion. I spend a lot of time with my 80 year old Nonna, and I was very close to my grandparents who have passed away. I was an active member of an old lady card group, and I keep in close contact with many older friends. Just last week I had lunch with my former neighbor who is 76 years old. When I was in middle school, instead of listening to Jammin' 94.5, the local Rap station, I would share my grandpa's love for Lite Rock 105.1. I remained pen pals with my great grandmother for years before her passing at age 97. My mother always says that I have "an old soul".
I think what I love most about old(er) people is their sense of perseverance and the notion that they instill by example that "this too shall pass". I have learned from some of my former Chinese students that it is customary for Chinese children to spend extended amount of time with their grandparents so that they can glean first-hand the wisdom of generations past. I think that this is a beautiful concept. I love hearing about what my grandparents and older friends have overcome and experienced in their earlier lives, and I strongly believe that their experiences are a lesson to me as well as others in my generations and generations to come.
As a result of this reflection, IAM Thinking about the idea of a legacy. What others pass on. IAM Thinking about what my own legacy might be, which is a powerful concept. Have you ever stopped to think about how your grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember you, or how they will come to know you? Will I be known as the adventurous one? Will I be known as sentimental? Will I be known as someone who cared for her family? Someone who made decisions based on intuition over reason? Will I be known as the sheltered one who never stood up for what she believed in? Who preferred life comfortable and easy without any waves or ripples. Or will I be known as one who made a splash?
As IAM thinking about my own legacy, IAM thinking about how my life story will be told years from now. What impact will I have on future generations in my family? Will I be known as the crazy aunt or the cool grandmother? Will my story inspire others? Or will I just be glanced over?
What will I leave behind? Will my journals ever be read? Will my scrapbooks ever be looked at? Will future generations be proud of the person who I am/was? The person who I became.
IAM Thinking that we should all stop and consider how our actions and inactions may affect our posterity. What can we do to pave a positive path for those in the future, and what will our legacy be?
This is what IAM Thinking...how about you?!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
IAM Thinking about how precious life is...
"Life is too short not to make the best and the most of everything that comes your way everyday." ~Sasha Azevedo
"Every man dies. Not every man really lives." ~Braveheart
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln
Recently I have been thinking about life and its precious nature. Unfortunately I have written more sympathy cards and attended more wakes in the past few weeks than I would care to attend in a year, or perhaps even a lifetime. It seems that life, for some, has come to an abrupt end, and it makes me think. IAM Thinking first of all, why does it take a death to make us realize that we need to live? It feels like we constantly need this tragic and untimely reminder of what really counts. After hearing of a true tragedy in the life of another, suddenly the extra fee you were charged at the grocery or store, or the job that you lost last year doesn't seem nearly as important. Why do we often forget what a miracle it is to just be alive--living and breathing?! Every day that we wake up is a gift. Why waste your time focusing on all of the negative things in your life instead of realizing that you actually are fortunate enough to have a life. You are fortunate to just be alive. And if you are alive, then LIVE!
My grandfather used to say, "I'd rather have 70 years living my life the way I want to live it, instead of 90 years living by someone else's standards." Not only was "grampdawg" very wise, he was true to his word. He died at 68 as a diabetic who had stashes of chocolate lollipops and bins of double bubble bubble gum in his closet. He took annual family vacations to Aruba and would take his children and grandchilren out to lavish dinners on a weekly basis. When I think of living your life to the fullest, I am constantly reminded of his outlook and character. He epitomizes this concept for me. So maybe he didn't live those 90 years, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish he had, but I will say this: he really lived. How many people can say that?!
Sometimes I think the true tragedy of death is the unfinished business, or the false hope of a life that was never complete. I once read a really great quotation from an anonymous author that said, "when it is all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?" How would you answer that question? In fact, if you knew when you were born that you were only going to get 22 years old earth, would you live differently? Unfortunately two of the most recent deaths that I have learned about were 22 year old girls. This really makes me think, and I decided to share what IAM Thinking with you.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Spend foolish money. Tell someone how you really feel about them. Sing in the shower. Eat that extra cookie. Reconcile an old friendship. Let go of grudges. Don't wait for the end of a person's life to let them know how you really feel. Don't wait for the reminder of death to encourage you to live. Make a bucket list...think about all of the things that you would do "if you had more time", or "if you had more money", or "if you didn't have to work", or whatever excuse or distortion you convinced yourself was hindering you from getting what you really want out of life.
Today, do something that really expresses how alive you are. You will not regret it...someday you will not have this chance. Whatever happens after this life none of us can say for certain. We are all entitled to beliefs of an after life, heaven, reincarnation, whatever it may be. Yet none of us can confirm 100% what life beyond this one looks like. However, what we know for sure is that we have this life...this very precious and beautiful life. And we can shape the way this one looks. As Mary Oliver says, "Now tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?". So IAM Thinking...whatever it is you plan to do, do it! Don't wait for a "rainy day", or even worse, for the end of your life.
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
"Every man dies. Not every man really lives." ~Braveheart
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~Abraham Lincoln
Recently I have been thinking about life and its precious nature. Unfortunately I have written more sympathy cards and attended more wakes in the past few weeks than I would care to attend in a year, or perhaps even a lifetime. It seems that life, for some, has come to an abrupt end, and it makes me think. IAM Thinking first of all, why does it take a death to make us realize that we need to live? It feels like we constantly need this tragic and untimely reminder of what really counts. After hearing of a true tragedy in the life of another, suddenly the extra fee you were charged at the grocery or store, or the job that you lost last year doesn't seem nearly as important. Why do we often forget what a miracle it is to just be alive--living and breathing?! Every day that we wake up is a gift. Why waste your time focusing on all of the negative things in your life instead of realizing that you actually are fortunate enough to have a life. You are fortunate to just be alive. And if you are alive, then LIVE!
My grandfather used to say, "I'd rather have 70 years living my life the way I want to live it, instead of 90 years living by someone else's standards." Not only was "grampdawg" very wise, he was true to his word. He died at 68 as a diabetic who had stashes of chocolate lollipops and bins of double bubble bubble gum in his closet. He took annual family vacations to Aruba and would take his children and grandchilren out to lavish dinners on a weekly basis. When I think of living your life to the fullest, I am constantly reminded of his outlook and character. He epitomizes this concept for me. So maybe he didn't live those 90 years, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish he had, but I will say this: he really lived. How many people can say that?!
Sometimes I think the true tragedy of death is the unfinished business, or the false hope of a life that was never complete. I once read a really great quotation from an anonymous author that said, "when it is all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?" How would you answer that question? In fact, if you knew when you were born that you were only going to get 22 years old earth, would you live differently? Unfortunately two of the most recent deaths that I have learned about were 22 year old girls. This really makes me think, and I decided to share what IAM Thinking with you.
Life is meant to be enjoyed. Spend foolish money. Tell someone how you really feel about them. Sing in the shower. Eat that extra cookie. Reconcile an old friendship. Let go of grudges. Don't wait for the end of a person's life to let them know how you really feel. Don't wait for the reminder of death to encourage you to live. Make a bucket list...think about all of the things that you would do "if you had more time", or "if you had more money", or "if you didn't have to work", or whatever excuse or distortion you convinced yourself was hindering you from getting what you really want out of life.
Today, do something that really expresses how alive you are. You will not regret it...someday you will not have this chance. Whatever happens after this life none of us can say for certain. We are all entitled to beliefs of an after life, heaven, reincarnation, whatever it may be. Yet none of us can confirm 100% what life beyond this one looks like. However, what we know for sure is that we have this life...this very precious and beautiful life. And we can shape the way this one looks. As Mary Oliver says, "Now tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?". So IAM Thinking...whatever it is you plan to do, do it! Don't wait for a "rainy day", or even worse, for the end of your life.
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
IAM Thinking that it is an exciting time to be alive :)
"They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."~Confucius
"Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" ~Mary Oliver
"I have created a life by stepping out of the box of people's limitations. I call it zigging while others are zagging." ~ Oprah Winfrey
IAM Thinking about how fortunate we all are to be living in a present society, country, world where there are infinite possibilities. We can be who we want, and we can create the life that we want, and that is a powerful thought. With the advent of advanced technology, there is no limit to what we can find. Wellness and happiness books are lining modern day bookshelves. More people are practicing yoga, meditation, reflexology, EFT, etc. Healthy eating phenomenons like Raw Food diets are taking off. There seems to be a wellness and happiness wave sweeping our society, and I am totally jumping on the bandwagon myself. I've heard many different theories about this "paradigm shift" (a term that my brother told me was a meaningless concept the other day), such as it is the age of the Aquarius or that it is that our generation doesn't want to make the same mistake that previous generations made in valuing material possessions and spending money that they don't have (hello mortgage crisis!). Regardless of the reason behind it, I am thinking that the end result is very exciting. We have a society of people who are starting to value health, happiness, and seeing the connection between mind, body, and spirit more pervasively than recent generations past.
I have observed so many people go after their dreams and value internal and intrinsic value over anything that could be obtained externally. There seems to be a conglomeration of Eastern and Western traditions, and with the progression of our global community, we are able to maximize the benefits from both hemispheres. I've had friends leave jobs where they were on pace to make 6 figures to go into more holistic and helpful fields like nursing, teaching, counseling. Even those who are not involved with helping others in the work field directly are volunteering and participating in philanthropies more, or at the very least donating to charitable organizations. A majority of people in our generation seem to prioritize their values and don't mind taking their time to figure out what they want to do in life. We are not afraid to change our career paths if it does not suit us intrinsically. In fact, my new favorite response when someone questions why I have made some of the career choices that I have made recently is that I am taking "the path less traveled." My Robert Frost reference is not only a shout out to my English teaching background, but I think it sums up a lot of what Generation Y values. We seem to value individualism and find it completely acceptable to find out exactly what we want out of life with the confidence to pursue our dreams and the leeway to change paths if they do not suit us.
As always there needs to be a balance in life and everything in moderation, but IAM Thinking that a shift toward a happier and healthier future and outlook on life is never a bad thing....
This is what IAM Thinking...what about you?!
"Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" ~Mary Oliver
"I have created a life by stepping out of the box of people's limitations. I call it zigging while others are zagging." ~ Oprah Winfrey
IAM Thinking about how fortunate we all are to be living in a present society, country, world where there are infinite possibilities. We can be who we want, and we can create the life that we want, and that is a powerful thought. With the advent of advanced technology, there is no limit to what we can find. Wellness and happiness books are lining modern day bookshelves. More people are practicing yoga, meditation, reflexology, EFT, etc. Healthy eating phenomenons like Raw Food diets are taking off. There seems to be a wellness and happiness wave sweeping our society, and I am totally jumping on the bandwagon myself. I've heard many different theories about this "paradigm shift" (a term that my brother told me was a meaningless concept the other day), such as it is the age of the Aquarius or that it is that our generation doesn't want to make the same mistake that previous generations made in valuing material possessions and spending money that they don't have (hello mortgage crisis!). Regardless of the reason behind it, I am thinking that the end result is very exciting. We have a society of people who are starting to value health, happiness, and seeing the connection between mind, body, and spirit more pervasively than recent generations past.
I have observed so many people go after their dreams and value internal and intrinsic value over anything that could be obtained externally. There seems to be a conglomeration of Eastern and Western traditions, and with the progression of our global community, we are able to maximize the benefits from both hemispheres. I've had friends leave jobs where they were on pace to make 6 figures to go into more holistic and helpful fields like nursing, teaching, counseling. Even those who are not involved with helping others in the work field directly are volunteering and participating in philanthropies more, or at the very least donating to charitable organizations. A majority of people in our generation seem to prioritize their values and don't mind taking their time to figure out what they want to do in life. We are not afraid to change our career paths if it does not suit us intrinsically. In fact, my new favorite response when someone questions why I have made some of the career choices that I have made recently is that I am taking "the path less traveled." My Robert Frost reference is not only a shout out to my English teaching background, but I think it sums up a lot of what Generation Y values. We seem to value individualism and find it completely acceptable to find out exactly what we want out of life with the confidence to pursue our dreams and the leeway to change paths if they do not suit us.
As always there needs to be a balance in life and everything in moderation, but IAM Thinking that a shift toward a happier and healthier future and outlook on life is never a bad thing....
This is what IAM Thinking...what about you?!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
IAM Thinking about the joy of travelling
"We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves."--Pico Iyer
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." --Saint Augustine
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." --Saint Augustine
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made clearer. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour of meaning and art.” ~Freya Stark
Today IAM thinking about travelling and all of the enrichment that travel has brought to my life. I cannot fully describe the feeling
that I get when I travel—it is though I totally embrace a new part of myself
that I didn’t know existed. Whenever I
am on vacation, I rediscover my passion for adventure and cultural
awareness. I savor those moments and try
to capture them through journaling and turning my memories into a page in my ever-growing
scrapbook. Yet the real magnificence
that I capture from an experience abroad exists internally and cannot be
matched until I take my next vacation.
I started travelling at a young age with
family trips all over New England, Florida, California, and our annual trip
to my grandparents’ timeshare in Aruba.
I was fortunate enough to be brought up by a family who values rich
cultural experiences and who encourages me to always pursue my passion. When I was in high school, I played soccer
abroad in Scotland and England and in my junior year of college, I spent some
time studying in Australia.
Additionally, I have taken a few trips to Italy to connect with
relatives and to pay tribute to my Italian heritage. My trips to Italy have taught me a lot about where I come from and the life that my grandparents left behind for the promise of "the American Dream". I have had the pleasure of meeting relatives for the first time whose generosity is unbelievable. Although I had never met some of these relatives before, the idea that we are family was enough to inspire such unyielding generosity. I felt extremely guilty because I did not have the capability of communicating with some of these relatives, and I vowed to learn some Italian by the next time that I went to Italy. I greatly anticipate my next trip to Italy, which is scheduled for this spring. I have been taking an Italian class since September, and I hope that I am able to keep my promise. The last time that I was in Italy, I got to see an Italian graduation ceremony. On this trip, I will also have the pleasure of witnessing my first Italian wedding. Experiences like these cannot be replaced.
I have taken something from every trip that I have ever taken. For example, my passion for extreme sports and some of my most significant "outside of my comfort zone" experiences occurred in Australia. To this day, I cannot believe that I went bungee jumping and skydiving in the same day; this insanity was undoubtedly inspired by the energy that I felt while I was in Aussie. I have taken the concept of "Maui time" and slowing down life a little from my experience in Hawaii. I also started following the Green Smoothie Revolution as a result of conversations that I had while I was in Hawaii. I have taken a sense of peace and spirituality from my trip to Israel. I have never seen such a beautiful celebration of a religion and a people. No where else have I seen people literally dancing in the street as a form of celebration. During every trip,
I learn something new and significant about myself and although to varying
degrees, my view of the world always changes.
Travelling helps me to appreciate the beauty of the seemingly mundane
elements of our day to day lives.
I really love Pico Iyer's essay, Why We Travel because I think that he captures the essence of how I feel about travelling. The concept of vacation holds the appeal of an escape from reality and a chance to, as Iyer says, lose ourselves. Yet, as I described earlier, throughout every trip, I always seem to discover or to reawaken a part of myself that I didn't know existed or that I forgot. In fact, most of the clarity that I have received throughout my life and some of the most major life decisions that I have made have resulted from one of my travel experiences.
So today IAM thinking about the importance of travel and how the experiences that we have abroad are priceless and thus worth every penny. I encourage you, my supportive readers, to take advantage of travel opportunities whenever possible. Don't just sit around and read about places or listen to others' experiences with travel. Take a drive, get on a plane, a train, a bus...get out there! The world is a rich and abundant place!
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
IAM Thinking about NOT THINKING
"Not to be able to stop thinking is a dreadful affliction, but we don't realize this because almost everyone is suffering from it."~Eckhart Tolle
So while I'm not advocating for shutting your mind off completely, and there are certainly times when thinking is vital (I completely agree with the expression "think before you speak" in most cases), I think that Eckhart Tolle raises an excellent point when he equates our inability to dissociate from our thinking as a sort of disease. It seems as though so few people are happy living in the present. In fact, most of us spend half of our time anticipating and worrying about the future or dwelling on and lamenting the past, that we fail to just be in a thinkless state of present moment happiness. This concept is also explored in Daniel Gilbert's Stumbling on Happiness. He examines the idea that children and some people who have frontal lobe injuries and lack the ability to fathom the future can be identified as some of the happiest people alive. IAM thinking that it is really sad that most of us experience our happiest times in the past (as children), or that those people who have suffered some sort of trauma have this ability to be happy because they cannot logistically conceptualize time. A great majority of our population, on the other hand, uses our minds as weapons that poison our being with negative thoughts and apprehension about a future that hasn't yet happened or punishment for a past that cannot be changed. In his book The Power of Now, Tolle also raises the profound thought that the past doesn't become the past until it is done being the present, and the future too will someday be the present. Therefore, if you really consider it, we are always living in the now. (Trippy--I know!)
As a teacher, I often use the phrase "we'll cross that bridge when we get there". I generally used this term because children/students are curious beings (which again is something that I value--thinking can be a wonderful process), and I use this expression to evade their incessant questions about things that I a) don't have the answer to or b) I'm not in the mood to address at the time. However, in retrospect, I feel that maybe I am doing them a favor and that I should examine this concept in my own life a little bit more. If we spend our time worrying about what is to come, we miss what is happening now.
Of course all of this concepts sound simple, and I don't think that IAM thinking about anything overly original. Yet, I can't help but feel that the simplest advice always sounds better coming from another person, and maybe we could all use this reminder.
So IAM thinking that we all need to take a break and give our minds a rest every now and then. We need to just be instead of think and do. We need to really relax, enjoy, appreciate, and cherish the moment for what it is and not for what it will be or for what it has been.
It is time that I take my own advice here and practice what I preach. As usual, I have 50 million more things to add, but I am going to quiet my mind and "veg out" for a bit...I suggest you do the same at different points throughout your day/week/month/year/life.
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
(If you don't respond, I will know that you have taken my advice).
So while I'm not advocating for shutting your mind off completely, and there are certainly times when thinking is vital (I completely agree with the expression "think before you speak" in most cases), I think that Eckhart Tolle raises an excellent point when he equates our inability to dissociate from our thinking as a sort of disease. It seems as though so few people are happy living in the present. In fact, most of us spend half of our time anticipating and worrying about the future or dwelling on and lamenting the past, that we fail to just be in a thinkless state of present moment happiness. This concept is also explored in Daniel Gilbert's Stumbling on Happiness. He examines the idea that children and some people who have frontal lobe injuries and lack the ability to fathom the future can be identified as some of the happiest people alive. IAM thinking that it is really sad that most of us experience our happiest times in the past (as children), or that those people who have suffered some sort of trauma have this ability to be happy because they cannot logistically conceptualize time. A great majority of our population, on the other hand, uses our minds as weapons that poison our being with negative thoughts and apprehension about a future that hasn't yet happened or punishment for a past that cannot be changed. In his book The Power of Now, Tolle also raises the profound thought that the past doesn't become the past until it is done being the present, and the future too will someday be the present. Therefore, if you really consider it, we are always living in the now. (Trippy--I know!)
As a teacher, I often use the phrase "we'll cross that bridge when we get there". I generally used this term because children/students are curious beings (which again is something that I value--thinking can be a wonderful process), and I use this expression to evade their incessant questions about things that I a) don't have the answer to or b) I'm not in the mood to address at the time. However, in retrospect, I feel that maybe I am doing them a favor and that I should examine this concept in my own life a little bit more. If we spend our time worrying about what is to come, we miss what is happening now.
Of course all of this concepts sound simple, and I don't think that IAM thinking about anything overly original. Yet, I can't help but feel that the simplest advice always sounds better coming from another person, and maybe we could all use this reminder.
So IAM thinking that we all need to take a break and give our minds a rest every now and then. We need to just be instead of think and do. We need to really relax, enjoy, appreciate, and cherish the moment for what it is and not for what it will be or for what it has been.
It is time that I take my own advice here and practice what I preach. As usual, I have 50 million more things to add, but I am going to quiet my mind and "veg out" for a bit...I suggest you do the same at different points throughout your day/week/month/year/life.
This is what IAM thinking...what about you?!
(If you don't respond, I will know that you have taken my advice).
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