Chapter 7: The Way Things Are
This book has been such a great read and has hit home in every single chapter. Yet another principle I could work on personally is the notion of being present without resistance. Being present without resistance allows you to answer the question, “What do we want to do from here?” This creates possibility.
I fall victim to not removing “SHOULDS” all too often. Because I travel so much for work, I often cause myself stress by thinking about the mother that I SHOULD be for my kids if I weren’t on the road so often.
The example of the family and their communication problems (the “Wall” the son had “built”) was a grat illustration of how our perceptions influence physical reality.
Chapter 7 Practice
- 1.Be present to the way things are , including our feelings about the way things are
- 2.removing “shoulds”... stop addressing and thinking about the way things SHOULD be
- 3.Close the exits. This means staying with the feelings, whatever they are.
- 4.Clear judgements.
- 5.Distinguish physical from conceptual reality
Chapter 8: Giving Way to Passion
I’ve always considered myself a creative, passionate person. This chapter made me look at one of my other dominant traits---extreme organization and control--and realize how I have a very real capacity to make myself crazy!
Chapter 8 Practice
- 1.Notice where you are holding back, and let go. Release those barriers of self that keep you separate and in control, and let the vital energy of passion surge through you, connecting you to all beyond.
- 2.Participate wholly. Allow yourself to be a channel to shape the stream of passion into a new expression for the world.
Chapter 9: Lighting a Spark
The part of this chapter that I struggle with personally is “having now doubt that others are ready to catch my spark.” I often feel self conscious or insecure about putting ideas “out there” ... but then find myself annoyed and underwhelmed by ideas and content generated by others when I know I could do better!
Chapter 9 practice
Enrolling - enrollment is not about selling someone on the concept of doing something--it is the practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share. It’s also about being ready, in turn, to catch a spark from others.
- 1.imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment
- 2.stand ready to participate, willing to be move and inspired
- 3.offer that which lights you up
- 4.have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark
Hey Mollie!
Extreme organization and control in one package? I feel for ya. It is hard to let things go and feel like you have done everything you could possible do in all areas of your life having those two characteristics. I'm guessing you are pretty hard on yourself. I can relate to not wanting to toss thoughts or ideas out there because you're not sure they are good enough. I put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve the perfect grade, and produce the perfect lesson plan and when it isn't quite perfect I beat myself up about it. I believe you are very smart and capable of achieving great things. Sometimes you just need to let go a little and just roll with it. Good luck to you in all your endeavors.
Sources: Week 3 Post 1: The Art of Possibilities Chapters 7-9
URL: http://web.me.com/molliehoff/Mollie_Sterling__Media_Asset_Creations_Blog/Welcome.html
Retrieved: December 8, 2010
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