Karlene Young Wk 4 Reading The Finale Chapters

Zander’s The Art of Possibility has been a wonderful, breath of fresh air in our long, arduous year of studies. I have already recommended it to several people and am inspired by it again and again. In Chapter 10 he states:
“If I cannot be present without resistance to the way things are and act effectively, if I feel myself to be wronged, a loser, or a victim, I will tell myself that some assumption I have made is the source of my difficulty” (p. 143).
I am reminded that life is not fair, it’s the way things are. If I find myself in conflict and feel put out, or like a victim, I just need to turn the tables and say, “OK, what am I assuming? Is that the problem?” If I am assuming that every teacher in my school has as much passion and desire to have their students learn the arts as I do, I’m sure that’s false, no matter how much I wish it. I have to back up and see the whole board, and enjoy my dealings with all of the teachers and their classes. They aren’t all as supportive as I wish, but I can deal with that and enjoy those classes in a different way.
I loved the words about us living up to our potential, and having vision to take any downward spiral thinking into the arena of possibility. Marianne Williamson’s words ring true to my soul:
“You are a child of God. You’re playing small doesn’t serve the world….We were born to make manifest the Glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same” (p. 178-9).

One of my favorite children’s songs is taught to every child in our religion from the time they are tiny. Liz has a great video of a small child singing this song. Post it here for me, Liz!

I am a Child of God
I am a Child of God, and He has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday.

I am a Child of God, and so my needs are great.
Help me to understand His words, before it grows too late.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday.

I am a Child of God, rich blessings are in store.
If I but learn to do His will, I’ll live with Him once more.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do, to live with him someday.

The truth can set us free. Free to be all that we can be. I have found harmony and peace reading this book. It has shown me a beautiful melody of life that is free to soar. I want to read and reread this book forever more! Thanks, Joe, for including this in our course.

References
Randall, N. & Pettit, M. (1957). I am a Child of God. Children’s songbook. (1989). Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. p.2.

Williamson, M. (2002). A return to love. New York: Harper Collins.

Zander, B., & Zander, R. S. (2000). The art of possibility: Transforming professional and personal life. New York: Penguin Books.

Wk 1 reading – Mis steaks welcome

Wow, I am so impressed with the authors’ viewpoints in The Art of Possibility. Their concept and practice of Giving an A is powerful and inspiring. In my religion, we are taught from the time we are small children that we are a child of God. When you look at yourself with that divine spark, you have given yourself an A. Everything is possible when you know that a Supreme Being loves you, and you are in His image. We treat others with that same kind of love and respect, because we know that they too are sons and daughters of God. The powerful stories about music and the passion and depth with which it can be felt and played only strengthened my love for and appreciation of music.
I have a sign on my board that I have taught with for most of the 14 years I have been a teacher. It came from a “Games” class I took as a workshop at BYU for professional development. It reads, “If you’re making MIS STAKES, you’re doing it right!” When I introduce myself to my classes each year, we talk about that sign. I usually have to tell them that “mistakes” is spelled wrong. I feel very strongly that students need to feel safe to be able to risk and perform in a drama or music classroom. If they feel like they’re not doing it right, they often shut down. I ask those that are old enough, “How many mistakes do you think you made while you were learning to read?” They can’t even conceive of an answer to that question, but when I say, “A lot!” they definitely agree. I tell them to take care of themselves and take care of each other, and know that mistakes are a part of life and growing. I often reiterate that saying whenever a mistake is making someone feel bad.

Zander, B., & Zander, R. S. (2000). The art of possibility:
Transforming professional and personal life. New York: Penguin
Books.