We thoroughly enjoyed teaching class #3 last night. Thank you for the rich, insightful sharing.
Post any reflections, insights, learnings, questions you have about our class: The Airport Meditation, Crossing the Ravine, A Strength I See in You, or Tool #3 Mindful Presence
1. crossing the ravine
ReplyDeletei never made it across mine to the palace, but the exercise made me realise that the reason for that was because the VOJ of other people was hurting my productivity. after that exercise i asked my manager for both constructive feedback as well as positive reinforcement so i could get validation for the things i am performing well at which he kindly obliged.
2. strength i see in you
this was an empowering exercise and i wish we did this more often with our peers and friends, too often there is so much focus on the negative and too little on the positive. while i agree feedback is a gift for us to improve in various areas, a little gratitude and compassion goes a long way. similar to the argument of "is it better to lead with fear, or with hope?"
if you've ever watched the first monster's inc. this is essentially the same message. (for those who haven't watched it, scream = energy but laughter = 10 x energy)
thanks for the awesome insights julie + sherri! i sure did learn a lot and i am learning to slowly become more comfortable with my own emotional intuition since this has never come naturally to me and has been often highly critiqued by my own friends and family since i was a young girl.
1. crossing the ravine
ReplyDeleteThis exercise is a vivid imitation of how we are going to face challenges in real life. It digs up our potential and let us be aware of our capacity. We are often inhibit by the VOJ of others and lack the courage to break the new ground.
But in this imaginary situation, we can do anything seems ridiculer in reality without being mocked and jibed. After this exercise, I learn to apply what i learnt on emergency solving. Faced with an emergency, i will tell myself to calm down first and figure out some creative methods and then all the thing will go quite well.
2. strength i see in you
This is an inspiring exercise which can give us more confidence.We will find our hiding potentials from others' perspectives. Moreover , appreciations to others can always make some feel good
some suggestions :
ReplyDeleteI think group work is a very good way to improve personal participation. By dividing people into differente groups randomly, we communicate more and know each other better.
Here's what I wrote down in my journal after the last class; Insights: Maybe I could remember that I tend to assume or fear the worst. Any challenge I face, I imagine it to be a mountain instead of the molehill it actually is. This can come down to simple tasks, that if I spent less time trying to do perfect then they would be done ten times over. I feel like each time the VOW comes to tell the VOJ 'your overreacting, break things down step by step and you will get there', another voice comes in to say 'Oh, but if you fear the worst then you will always be pleasantly surprised by the outcome, whatever that may be. Perfectionism is a standard' However, sometimes I catch my VOW reply 'It's only an email, send it,the words are perfect and your communicating what needs to be said.' I wish this voice would speak up more.
ReplyDeleteCrossing the ravine:
The above conversation or battle as the case may be happened before I set out on my journey across the ravine. I remember standing at the edge thinking before I decided on my course of action. Eventually I wasn't sure what voices I was blocking out but I decided that I was wasting time standing there and the best course of action was to just get in there. I relied on my own capabilities to cross that ravine. I never doubted for a second that I wouldn't make it, I think I was too busy racking my brain to come up with a solution as to how to get across. I was assured and strong on my feet when crossing the ravine. I had a sword and I knew that I only used this when dangerous snakes attacked in the river of the ravine. When I got to the other side of the ravine it felt glorious, I hopped up onto the edge of a cliff and sort of skidded into the palace. The palace was bright, luminous and shining. I felt proud of myself, almost heroic. But I don't know what was in the palace, it seemed I had not imagined anything there waiting for me. I was too focused on the journey there?
Strength Shower:
I felt this exercise really resonated with me. We were truly empowering each other and it felt so gratifying to see each and every person in the group have a chance to get a genuine smile on their face. A really memorable exercise.
Caitriona, I was just reading you entry and noticed that you didn't find anything in the palace... "The palace was bright, luminous and shining. I felt proud of myself, almost heroic. But I don't know what was in the palace, it seemed I had not imagined anything there waiting for me."
DeleteBut you found it to be bright, luminous and shining. The palace represents your Self, your essential nature. BRIGHT, LUMINOUS, SHINING. You felt heroic!
Brava!
I'm having a wonderful time in the class, exploring some very profound and spiritual concepts that are allowing me to gain further insights to who I am. This self work is not easy and at the same time simple insights gained about myself give me so much strength and joy that I can begin to dust off the dross that sits on my mirror (my True Self) and ultimately see the true light and reflection of the Essence.
ReplyDeleteIn the Ravine exercise I noticed several things about myself including: my practical approach to problem solving, I'm very cautious at first taking time to assess what i'm about to get into. I didn't seem to ask for help while in the ravine from the animal or anything/anybody else that I could have called on. This was interesting to me. The crystal palace was vast and overpowering with light and although I reached it I was more fascinated at the end as to why i didn't fly to it rather than being present to the place I had reached. I was also more focused on the journey vs the final destination. I was proud of my inner Word of Wisdom that demonstrated strong faith that I would reach my destination, no questions asked! It appeared that in my mind I was able to see the end in the beginning and to me that helped me see that I can truly trust that deep, strong sense of Faith in myself.
The Strength Shower was a brilliant exercise. Our society is so consumed with the self and how I can get better and bigger and more powerful. It was wonderful to spend time and create a space were we practiced looking at the beautiful virtues and gems that lie within each other. It not only helped me practice my listening skills but it was a great practice in becoming more perceptive of the spiritual qualities that make each one of us unique. At the end of the day i'm a firm believer that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience in this world and the more we are aware of the virtues and gems inside of each other the more we can understand how we are all connected and that we can truly see our Oneness.
When i first began doing the Ravine Exercise, I thought I was doing something wrong.. everyone had something to share about the prep they put into crossing, the thoughts they had had before heading into the ravine, the strategy they used. I had nothing to share because I simply jumped. Turns out, the exercise was working perfectly - I tend to jump headfirst into situations without much thought about consequence. While this has served me well at times in the past, as I get older I'm realizing more and more that it also would serve me well to plan ahead and develop my patience. As a newcomer to SF, I moved here for a new job without hesitation or much thought: "of course I'll go! this is a great opportunity!" (similar to "of course I'll go into the ravine! what else would i do?!") As I'm surrounding by moving boxes and an intense workload, I've had to stop and process several times "was this right for me? did I make the correct decision?" Ultimately, this experience has opened my eyes to new things and has challenged me in ways that will serve me better as a person, but the exercise (as well as this move!) have made me understand myself better and have made me more aware of my impulsiveness so that I can attempt to take a breath and think things through before leaping (and facing the demon! My current SF demon: overcast skies!)
ReplyDeleteAs for the strength shower: I've never more "uncomfortably happy" before. It's interesting that as women we feel so much more comfortable giving rather than receiving. It made me think that if only we could use what comes so naturally to us (giving) and direct it towards other women as positive reinforcement on a more regular basis so that they, in turn, can direct their compliments toward MORE women... we'd have a pretty amazing world.
Just food for thought - what would the exercise have looked like if men had done it? :)
Beautiful! Thanks, Kelsey!
DeleteWhen men do it, they seem uncomfortable giving and receiving...but don't know how much so in comparison to women.
I came across this Poem that I felt really touched on our Paying Attention Theme this week and felt moved to share it with all of you.
ReplyDeleteThe Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been set as a guide from beyond.
--Jelaludddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks
Comparing Crossing the Ravine with my life practices was telling. During the exercise, I forgot all about the creature. I decided not to bother with the ravine and found another way across by braiding together the grasses and swinging Tarzan style across the ravine. However, when I got to the other side, the castle was hazy, and I had trouble getting in. This frustrated me, and I found myself trying lots of ways to get in to find the “secret”, to no avail.
ReplyDeleteThere were obvious parallels to my life. The creature (the unknown) doesn’t phase me. The ravine (the challenge) is something I am able to pursue without hesitation. The braided grass (the solution) represents my tendency and preference to do things differently or creatively. The fact that entrance to the castle (the destination) was so elusive to me, and that I became frustrated trying to get in is the perfect metaphor to my futile attempts at trying to get to the answer to my “next steps.” Perhaps, I wasn’t able to get into a meditative state well enough to see, but I think I have been trying to hard to find my answers, and it hasn’t been working. That’s why the tool, “letting go of expectations” has been helpful to me.
The other thing that occurred to me was the fact that I avoided the ravine in the first place. If the ravine is a metaphor for the peaks and valleys of the creative process, I can see why. I’ve been in the depths of the ravine for a long time, trying, trying, to answer the question of “What next?” I have been incubating and strategizing constantly, and haven’t had that illuminating moment yet. Going across the ravine didn’t represent taking the easy route, but rather an alternate route for me. It’s time to try a different approach.
The Strength I see in you Exercise was truly empowering.I usually have a tough time accepting compliments. But to receive praise & positive feedback from the group felt really good. Was like ..hmm is that how people view me ? Really ? thats nice :)
ReplyDeleteThe Ravine exercise was beautiful. I often struggle with asking for help. I feel embarrassed and think I should be able to do things on my own.
ReplyDeleteI saw a woman on the other side of the ravine that was waving at me. I was so curious to meet her. It’s hard to describe what it was but I felt a strong energy even across the ravine. I wanted to meet her. It was not at all about the beautiful palace. This did not matter to me.
Although I didn’t know how I would get there, I never doubted I would make it. And I was ready to overcome any obstacle. This is not how I usually operate. Before I started hiking I shouted a loud “hello, I need support” into the stillness. Asking for help seemed the most obvious thing. And although I couldn’t see anyone I heard a voice from the ravine answering with “I’m right here”. On my long hike and climb I received help in various situations. I was open to receive help and it showed up. Accepting it felt great and in the end I made it to the other side surrounded by colorful creatures. The woman that had waved at me walked towards me and welcomed me. It was my Future Self and I felt home.
The Strengths Shower was wonderful. It felt good to give and to receive. It made me go out into my life and shower other friends...spreading the love.
ReplyDeleteI have been replaying my journey into the ravine all week. The images are still so vivid - the old little lady that held my hand at the bottom of the ravine as she led me to the stairs that would take me to the other side, to the beautiful big meadow that lay in front of the crystal palace, to the rooms I walked in (one with only a large piece of art hanging on a wall, and the other with just a bench), to finally landing at the top of the staircase and looking out at the most incredible view of the hills, valleys, and at a distance, the ocean. I felt so protected, so content, so at peace. During challenging times this week, I have found myself closing my eyes and taking myself back to that feeling I experienced in the crystal palace. The exercise taught me to listen to my inner voice, my VOW, showing me that only then could I really be at peace with myself, at peace with the world.
ReplyDeleteTool #3 Mindful Presence
ReplyDeleteWhen I enrolled into this course, I decided I would be more open minded then ever, ready to learn, and listen with an attentive ear. I can tell you that I'm so proud and excited in the new skin I'm growing within because I really see the mindful change. It really is an extraordinary experience when you appreciate everything more. In my mindful presence, I'm able to feel the smallest things and take a second to register what I'm really feeling.
I feel Laughter, Love, and Serene Quiet around me in a new way. What I changed today in my morning is I didn't respond to my cellphone or text messages while waking up out of bed. I really made a conscious decision to breathe and close my eyes to meditate in my living room for 20 minutes before beginning my day*
And That's all I needed and what I will continue to do throughout my week as it creates a more desirable calmness and peace in my spirit before leaving my house every morning. *Loving You is Key*
When I did this mediation in the class, the way I cross the ravine is very easy. Not like the other students, they may imagine and make up the environment of the ravine, but in my case, I focus on achieve the castle quickly and never think I will fail. There is a bear in the ravine, nothing else. It was not a friend and even want to eat me. I climb down the leader without thinking too much, then I noticed the bear when I almost reach the bottom. I nervous a little bit about it but suddenly I realized that the bear is just hungry and I happened have a row meet to feed him. I throw the meet far away and get cross the ravine quickly when he run for it. In the gorgeous castle which has a fancy appearance, there is nothing but a small box, even without furnished. I open the box there is a small piece of paper said be yourself and trust yourself. Then there is a lady I think she is me in 30's appear and told me about her story and ask me to insist myself. That's it. Actually after I hear the other students' description, I feel that my assumption is too simple, even no surroundings has been imagined. So I tried another time, want to make this ravine more detailed. It turns out it didn't work. I can not picture the environment of the ravine. Then I realize that is who I am. When I doing thing, I don't care about the details and the situation, I care more about the trend of the story and the big thing, and I always doing thing alone without and decoration and company. Maybe it is good maybe it is not. I think I should start to learn how to appreciate the scenery on my journey and make more friends.
ReplyDeleteFrom: Xueting Zhao
I can say Ravine mindful exercise has boosted my confidence! While going through this wonderful and pleasant experience, I found myself being optimistic, dependent on myself, feeling confident that I am going to reach the glass palace despite all the challenges on the way. Now, I am reminding myself about this experience when I face daily life challenges :-).
ReplyDeleteAnother great experience was participating in “Strength I see in You” activity. It is so true that every individual is so unique and creative in her own way! This exercise we did proves that. I was also pleasantly surprised by the rather lengthy strength list that my team mates wrote down for me. Another great way to boost the confidence!
The "Strength I see in You" exercise was flowing effortlessly in our group. I felt that when I slow down and drop into deep listening and have a soft focus on the person that is speaking, I sensed her energy and nothing else mattered. It was great to see how each speaker lit up as we showered them.
ReplyDeleteWhen it was my turn I was very curious at first what they would say. After the first words I let go of any anticipation and simply enjoyed being seen. I sat there with an open heart that seemed to expand.
What if we acknowledged each other more in our daily lives? I love practicing it with my kids.
I had a great time sharing with my classmates and cherished the encouragement everyone offered. It was great to have a chance to listen as well. Through sharing we identified so much to be thankful for and lean back on as we live and grow.
ReplyDeleteI had never done an exercise like the ravine the first thought that came to my mind was forest with animals and I started to think how can I get there ? using the steps we had seen in class preparation, frustration, incubation, strategizing and illumination, try connect these with the exercise was amazing to discover how I perform as in a situation. I never thought of jumping immediately I used a rope and several tools to reach the other side I felt very creative in this exercise.
ReplyDeleteI like a lot all the activities that we were in this class because it;s very important to me think and believe that i can do all the things that i want, because sometimes i'm very insecure, but I know that I can do a lots of things but my mind sometimes creates a barrier to protect me from be hurt but I know that i will feel very bad not doing the things I really want for fear. So these exercises helped me start believing in me and drop chains and fears.
ReplyDelete(I'm having some difficulties to identify myself, but here is Lídia Brito).
ReplyDeleteThe Crossing the Ravine exercise helped me to see how the Family and Society's rules locked me up. In the beginning I observed all scene: all nature around me, a tall and strong tree by my side, a long way behind me and the ravine - dark, so deep and scare place with a cave where some unknown animal lives. "Should I go down and meet this animal? Maybe it's friendly... No, no. Maybe I can cut down this tree and cross the ravine on it... But this ravine is so large and I only have 3 minutes. I don't have time enough for ir and this isn't gonna work." So many thoughts but then I decided stop to think. When I did this I remembered that this was my imagination and in this world I can everything. It's my world and I don't need follow anything that in the physical world tag as impossible. Again, it's my world and I can fly. I can put all this rules behind me and go forward because in the glass palace there's my future waiting me. And my future is beautiful. ♥
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The Strength I See in You exercise in class confirmed me things that I already know about me. But I saw that all my process is making me open to reveal to others who I really am and it's driving me lighter with life.