In chapter 5, Zanders’ reference to his mistakenly shouting at his percussion section then apologizing as he determined he had made a mistake, is a gesture that is made by people who have a heart. A gesture that is made by someone who generally cares and respects those he/she works with. A true leader does not need to play the role of tyrant or egotistical maniac. A true leader -- influence by example. Surprisingly, that saying, “You get more bees with honey...,” is so true, but many in administration, corporate, and just plain old friendship relationship -- is in need of this lesson to learn from life. Just as music is said to soothe the savage beast, a smile and kind word can diffuse many otherwise “tight” situations. We all have our demons and dragons to deal with every day -- instead of visualizing these beasts, why not picture a butterfly instead? As a child we use whatever works to get and hold, another person’s attention. As we grow older, we develop a sense of empowerment by our emotional growth and accumulated knowledge. This causes us to want to be “recognized” and given attention -- we become too serious. The “calculating self” - is far reaching in that it requires self-evaluation. What do we think of ourselves? or What do we think others think of us? In the case of June “The Best Sex Ever”.. we are shown that we tend to become intolerant of anything or anyone that does not fall within our frame of reference of what we want. We need to learn to “let our hair down” and stop being afraid to open up -- we think we are protecting ourselves in this way -- but we usually wind up “missing out” on life’s hidden treasures just as June almost did. CHILL OUT! As we reveal more of ourselves -- and the world sees that we have more to offer than what is shown on the surface -- others will do the same. This opens the door for unlimited possibilities in personal relationships as well as in corporate maneuvers The “central self” keeps us in check -- it teaches us that as long as you know the nature of the beast you can walk through the jungle free of fears, anxieties or other emotional chains that hold you back. Free your mind .... let the real you see the truth that will reveal itself and when it does.. take it light.
The statement that transcended to my present teaching situation was clearly: “Presence Without Resistance.” I think of myself in a position which I personally would not have chosen on my own. I came into this position kicking, screaming, and yelling. I did not want to be here. Once I found myself stuck and settling in this situation, a statement was made to me: “Oh, I see you’re liking this after all” I responded, “I am a teacher no matter what, and I would never short change children that have nothing to do with the parlor-tricks of adults.” I don’t want be one of those people who trample over others because I want only what is best for me. I am an educator only second in my life -- I am a mother first. When I found myself surrounded by eager, wide-eyed children who were left in my care, my motherly instinct jumped in. Now, I looked around and thought: I’m here -- whether I liked it or not -- I decided I was going to do the right thing by these children. Once I made that decision, like the authors indicate, possibilities opened up. I did not stay “stuck on stupid” (SOS) -- I did what I had to do.
Finally, in chapter 8 when thinking about giving way to one’s passion: My son Phil said to me once, “When I am on stage, I perform and do what I do on stage by watching you.” He said more clearly another time: “I play music the way you commentate your shows.” When reading this chapter you have to open your mind and relive the passions that have brought excitement and fulfilment to your life and then look again to see how your passion has affected others.
No comments:
Post a Comment