Week 3/ Response to Bryan

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 3/ Response to Bryan

Bryans Post:

Week 3 Reading: The Art of Possibility (Chapters 5-8)

As I continue making my way through the readings of The Art of Possibility I’m further engrossed in the idea of redrawing perceptions of the world around us to start seeing what is truly around us. Starting with the first reading of Chapter 5, I felt that the idea of “leading from any chair” could just be a good motto for any leader. In my opinion, good leadership is simply motivating your students, team, or employees to perform at their best. If you are motivating these people to wish to perform at in a leadership role or to be able to function so efficiently that they don’t necessarily notice when the leader is removed, then that is the mark of great leadership. I also found it inspirational to hear the tales of the conductor having the violinist take over so he could watch his orchestra from the back row of the audience. To me, regardless of what kind of music being performed, this is a concert I would be compelled to go see. Hearing that level passion that the conductor is leaving his very controlling and involved role to experience his “product” as the paying customer would, demonstrates a thoughtfulness to me that should be modeled by any leader of quality.

Moving on through the reading, I found chapter 6 to be especially inspiring. The whole mantra of “Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously” is a good one to live by, and one I’ve learned on my own to adopt over the years. Having worked in a teaching and mental health role with kids, I’ve worked with a big range of ages and learning capacities, and throughout this I’ve learned that humor is probably the most universal of languages. Some of my most successful teaching moments have evolved out of taking difficult materials and adding bits of humor to the teaching process. Even just joking around with students can sometimes build a strong enough rapport that they learn that you’re not always about business, and in turn, this can motivate some to really push themselves to perform better in my course because they feel they know me better as a person than some of their other teachers. As I read of this concept being applied to business models, it didn’t surprise me to learn of instances where it generated success in those worlds as well. I also felt that chapter 7 conveyed a strong idea about presenting things as they truly are when dissecting a situation. I think it’s human nature to fall into the “poor me” boat when things don’t necessarily go our way, but it rarely ever helps the situation, and more rarely improves it in my experiences. I can really see how the simple idea of changing “but” statement to “and” statements can make it easier to stop us from playing the victim in situations where it really won’t help anything move forward.

Lastly, I think this week’s reading wrapped up with some good thoughts on doing something about all of the possibilities one can see when they reframe their ideas. The metaphorical imagery of a river building an ice tower is a strong concept, and the thoughts on letting nature flow through your body to take the course it should are really strong; but, I have to admit I’m excited to hear more ideas of doing something about the possibilities Zander is trying to open our minds to seeing. Again, I have to reiterate that for an “assigned” reading this has been an easy and compelling read for me, and one I would recommend to others. I look forward to concluding this book in the coming week.

My response to Bryan's post: 

Bryan, I enjoyed your post very much, but what stuck with the most from it was your Chapter 6 reflection. I too agree and need to live by, “Don’t take yourself so goddamn seriously”. Not too long ago, I would become overwhelmed and stressed out over the smallest things. During my experience at Full Sail, my managing and teaching position along with my personal life, I have learned and continue to adopt this attitude so I am able to strive for a piece of mind.

I agree with you that humor is always needed when things get a little too serious. I also bring humor to my classroom to ease the tension, especially during my portfolio class, where the pressure is on due to completions of portfolios and website in a 4 week deadline. My students always seem to appreciate my silly jokes. I believe when a teacher rules with an iron fist, it brings the moral and motivation down in the classroom. When people are happy and comfortable in their work environment, they are more productive. Humorous and happy people always seem to get more accomplished. So I build the environment in my classroom with a smile and the occasional teacher joke.

Week 3/ Response to Alf

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 3/ Response to Alf

Alfs Post:  
One of the biggest takeaways from reading this particular book is that I have never seen myself so enthusiastic about diving in. Let me reiterate that the “Art of Possibility” by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander is one of those books that you cannot put down; it is a brilliantly refreshing account of the lessons and stories about enjoying life to the fullest. I really like the format of the writing so far because when I read I don’t see words, rather I see an ocean of pictures before me–every chapter is filled with paintings of concepts that I truly understand and appreciate, because the lessons are so applicable in my own life.
Allow me to give a brief summary of each chapter (5-8). Chapter 5 is about stepping down and letting others lead. I have heard it said a lot from teachers that it a humbling and genuine experience when the students teach the teachers. Chapter 6 teaches us to lighten up using Rule Number 6 (hilarious. Chapter 7 is about being present to the way things are so that we can have clarity on the next step we should take. Chapter 8 is about giving way to passion, that is to let go of restraint and participate fully. Benjamin Zander, in one of his anecdotes, referred to this as going “Beyond the F*ck It”. I also learned from these chapters the difference between the calculating vs. central self. I am now striving to be more in contact with the latter because I can see how much good it does for me and for everyone else around me.

My response to Alf's post: 

Alf, I share your same enthusiasm towards the book “Art of Possibility”. This book is much more uplifting and inspirational compared to the other books we’ve had throughout our courses. Not to say that I didn’t learn anything from my other readings, but they were more focused on the subject at hand. So, I as well was not too excited about another book in regards to the technicality of our craft. To the contrary, it was a refreshing read and a guidebook to my place of serenity. This book is helping me understand and cope with all the things that are currently surrounding my life.  I related most to Chapter 5 because it helped me once again to put things in perspective. It felt as if Benjamin, Rosamund, Zander and Mr. Bustillos knew what I was currently going through and said, "take a look at this." As you mentioned this book showcases the “lessons and stories about enjoying life to the fullest” and I am learning how to take those steps regardless of what life throws in my direction, with every chapter I read.

Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibility

Vivianne 2 comments

Wk3 Reading: Art of Possibility

It’s a bit scary how much this book is speaking to me, it relates to the moments in my life that are occurring right now. The letter Georgina wrote to Zander in Chapter 5 stood out to me the most. She explains in her letter how her set back with her seating arrangements changed from a disappointment to a winning situation. I too can relate to Georgina. For the past 6 years I held the Program Chair position for my school. Changes in my workplace took place where I no longer was holding this position. As some of you may know, I was demoted to the lead instructor position and my ego was a bit wounded. My campus president at the time explained to me how there is good in change and that a setback in life is never a bad thing. As days went by I was sad and bitter but than I began to realize that titles didn’t make me, I can still continue to lead and I still had a voice which can be heard- program head or not. Just like Georgina and her position in the orchestra, I too came to the realization with the help of my campus president that I still mattered and made a difference.

“…A leader does not need a podium; she can be sitting quietly on the edge of any chair, listening passionately and with commitment, fully prepared to take up the baton.” -  Benjamin  Zander

Week 2/ Response to Mavy

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Week 2/ Response to Mavy

Mavy's post:

As I read this week’s chapter I was puzzled at early on as to how this book was going to be applied into our lives. I reread the chapter looking for the purpose of this book. This is what I got out of it.

I enjoyed reading Chapter 3 and 4 because it really touched home. As a child, I have always been taught to see the potential all human beings. I know everyone has the potential to achieve whatever they want. I am the type of teacher that when a student comes in, they are “A +” human being to me, with great potential, even if they are not showing it. Educators strive to guide them into believing they can achieve excellence.

The current educational system deviates greatly from the ideals many educators possess. Frankly, today’s learning environment strays away from encouraging learning; with that being said, it is funny (to which I mean sad) to see the system push students to compete with one another to the point where if don’t succeed, they are labeled a failure. For example, are students who cannot pass the FCAT in Florida to graduate failures? Considering grades, ability to handle high stakes testing, and overall character, the question deserves to be asked and scrutinized. Now the reading helped to better understand that when students go beyond the grade, and truly fulfill their true potential, they can amaze.

Another things I learned from chapter 4 was being a Contributor. I became a teacher not only  for what I can offer my students, but what I can gain as a learner as well. During my time teaching, I always strive to give my all for my students. I spent countless hours preparing and implementing my knowledge to my students; however, I have times when my students can contribute something new in thought or perspective about how they see art. I have afforded them freedom to contribute to the class and become an equal. I have learned that when we let students have a place where they can give more input then receive, they change their mindsets. I have revised lessons many times to improve the way I teach, as well as where students contribute, but one thing that does not change is that when I give my students the chance to feel like they are a contributor and share, all of them blossom. We work to improve each other and make a difference in lives are around us.

My response to Mavy's post:

Mavy, the reading was puzzling to me as well. As I continued to read further into the chapters I began to see somewhat of a clearer picture. You and I are seeing along the same line in regards to the book, ”Art of Possibility”. I love when you say, “Educators strive to guide them into believing they can achieve excellence.” In order for this statement to be valid, the educator must believe in himself or herself first before promoting this to their students. This may become difficult to achieve if we allow the measurements of life to dictate our vision.

This is what was exactly happening to me. The educational system at my school frustrated me very much to the point where I began to lose my vision on what my main goal was. For the past couple of days I was questioning myself; was I selling a dream to my students with all that has been happening at our school? Reading this book gave me some perspective of what is more important and a sneak peek of what the bigger picture is.  You said it best Mavy: we work to improve each other and make a difference in lives all around us.

Week 2/ Response to Steve

Vivianne No comment yet

Week 2/ Response to Steve

Steve's post:

Sunset - UCSB by Vinay Shivakumar

Who Defines Your Vision of Beauty?

As an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, I decided to take a Botany course about the native plants of California.  My attraction to the course was that it included two extensive four-day road trips through the California Wilderness. On one of these trips, I was assigned to be part of our instructor's group.  Her name was Kelly, and she was a PhD post-doc doing botanical research at UCSB. 

During one of our long drives (each group drove in their own University owned utility vehicle) we started conversing about relationships. Professor Kelly asked one of our female group members if she had a boyfriend.  The girl said “No” and Kelly asked “Why not?”  The girl replied, “I guess I’m not pretty enough.”  At that point, Kelly slammed on the brakes and pulled over.  She turned around, looked the girl deeply into her eyes, and told her, “Never accept a definition of beauty that does not include your self.” These words have been stuck in my head for nearly 30 years now.

For me, this is exactly what “The Art of Possibility” by Roz and Ben Zander is all about.  In the first Chapter, the Zander’s write, “It’s all invented anyway, so we might as well invent a story or a framework of meaning that enhances our quality of life and the lives of those around us.” In other words, if reality is merely an invented construct of the mind, we are continuously defining our reality either sub-consciously and/or consciously. We are much better off if we acknowledge this fact and begin a conscious effort to re-invent our own story in a way that promotes our own well-being, and thereby, each other’s well-being as well.  Take control, become aware, invent your own story, and define your own vision of beauty.

My response to Steve's post:

Steve, while reading your post in regards to the book” Art of Possibilities”, I couldn’t help but feel as if you were reading pages of my life. I can relate to the young girl that felt she was not pretty enough to be in a relationship. As much as Alf yells at me about this, I tend to feel the same but I am working on changing this negative attitude. The statement Kelly made had an impact on me, and I will take it with me so it can help me with my journey.

I was beginning to lose my focus on my goals this past month due to all the issues occurring at work. I was really questioning if what we are doing here will even make a difference because of the politics that surround the world of education? But that way of thinking is beginning to change due to what I was exposed to with this book. YES! We do have to control and be aware of it.

Your explanation of Zander’s idea of “its all invented” was simple and straight forward which was a help for me in further understanding the concepts behind his words. At first I was a bit lost with the reading but then as I read more it began to make sense. People will see what they want to see regardless of your message. So why not define it to your liking, even if it does not follow the measurements of life; hence defining your own vision?