This is my first post in almost two years. I'm not lazy but I'm also not a great blogger. It seems to me that you should have something worth saying in print which is a lot harder than trying to say something meaningfully verbally. Don't worry (if you are still reading) I will make a point here. Here it is - I hope we are standing on the threshold of recapturing the value of community. Let's be honest, this country is in a huge mess. Our problems are starting to stack up to a perfect storm. The economy is tanking. Fuel prices are soaring raising the cost of everything. The dollar is on life support. I could go on to talk about the war in Iraq, our generally crappy image among our friends abroad, etc. etc. etc. Maybe our greed and idolatrous autonomy is driving us off a cliff and we will be forced to depend on each other in more meaningful ways?
...a great way for me to start the day!
How to break up a cat fight
Books: Show us a great children's book. All Dr. Seuss books are great, but this is the first one I remember loving to read out loud.
Which cartoon character best represents you?
Submitted by Know It All.
Now the only ones I can think of to represent me (at this stage in my life) would be Marge Simpson or Peggy Hill--but any similarities to their families and my own family members are purely coincidental.
This week my class on Play and Human Potential is focusing on "Flow" and what it takes to make sure this occurs. Flow is THE optimal experience.
A flow experience occurs when adequate skill levels meet the challenges
at hand in a “controlled system” (i.e., as opposed to an undefined or
chaotic system) that offers clear guidelines for performance assessment.
In other words, success is definable and attainable. Therefore, the
element of concentration is able to become so intense it causes
self-consciousness to disappear, and the sense of time becomes suspended
as satisfaction levels soar. We've all experienced flow at one time or
another in doing something we love and enjoy, I'm sure.
Even just in
social interaction.
I thought that you might be interested in five things are needed to make sure flow happens. This parallels a research study that came up w/five things that existed in families of adolescents who had a high ability to feel satisfied and happy in life.
These principles can apply to all areas...particularly in creating a positive work experience or a framework for work or life.
Just wanted to pass this on...I was so excited by this discovery!
Flow is able to occur when the situation facilitates:
1) the clarity of goals with unambiguous feedback,
2) the feeling of control and ability to make a free choice,
3) an adequate trust environment that allows appropriate concentration
to the task at hand w/o fear that causes overdue attention on self
(either self-consciousness or self-centeredness)
4) intrinsic motivation or the ability to center completely on the task
at hand for the sheer joy or interest of it rather than for an external
motivation (like $$ or approval, etc.) and
5) appropriate and increasing levels of challenge that avoid anxiety due
to lack of skill or boredom due to lack of challenge.
What do you think???
Vintage21 is a cool church in Raleigh, NC. I like how they think! Quote:
"In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a 4 week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what he said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not."
There are 3 others, but this one is my favorite. You can find them at www.youtube.com or http://video.google.com and search for them by "Vintage21 Jesus Video"
What do you like to make or order for brunch?
A rare treat for brunch is to go out for scrambled eggs, fried potatoes w/green peppers & onions, muffin
What are your weekend plans?
REEEELAAAAX! I have had a horrible 2 weeks of cramming at school and this morning was the climax by driving to Santa Barbara at 7 am and taking the CBEST for 3 hours. But now I can rest! There is no one else at home, so I don't need to accommodate any one else's tastes. SO, I have rented the long version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Akeelah and the Bee...both chick flicks I can enjoy in peace!
