Monday, March 24, 2008
A Meaningful life
I am not much of a nonfiction reader. but I really enjoyed this book and the message it told. I believe that we do need to look at how the world now works and adjust to it or be left behind. The last chapter on gratitude really struck home to me. I like the idea of thanking people for everyday things. I know that when I hand a student a paper and get a thanks in return, I feel warm inside. Unfortunately, not too many students even think to say thank you. So I am trying to thank people more often for the big or little things they do for me. Maybe it will catch on. I am trying to make my life less rushed. I have 4 children. 2 have already left home. I cannot believe how fast the time went, so now I am trying to make sure I spend more time with my other two children, before they decide to go and have lives of their own! I am trying to be more grateful for the blessings in my life and even hope to read a few of the books in the bibliography to help me continue on this path. Gwyn
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Part of what I find to be so powerful in Pink's observations is the significant difference that small steps can make in this overwhelming pace of change. As a staff developer, and lifelong learner, I know the impact of reflection, yet that time is difficult to carve out.
I'd bet that any of you who did some of the end-of-chapter exercises have noticed a long-lasting difference in perspective after the exercise. Keeping some of Pink's "solutions" in front of us can help inform our decisions and designs as we transform learning for our students. Thanks Gwyn for reminding us that it connects to all parts of our life.
I appreciated your entry about being thankful. It is interesting that much of Pink's book can be summed up in finding meaning in our lives. Being grateful for every day and looking for ways to make a difference are a large part of "a meaningful life." Looking for meaning in our lives, will contribute more to finding happiness than the actual direct pursuit of it. The things listed by Seligman as contributing to happiness, are not really tangible things, are they. He lists satisfactory work, positive events and emotions, and socialization. We, as educators, need to be sure we are guiding our students toward the pursuit of meaningful work. Towards an occupation that fits the way their brains are designed to contribute to the world.
Oprah's obviously on to something. Her show was the first place I heard of a 'gratitude journal' - where you write a few things you are grateful for each day. It can be simple things, but it is supposed to make you more mindful of the good things in your life and actually has the effect of making you happier.
Speaking of happier, the chapter on Kataria, the laughter guru, was a hoot. I think I'd be a little self conscious, but I certainly understand the power of others' laughter on our own giddiness. I have always had a problem laughing at inappropriate times - just the fact that I am not supposed to be laughing makes it even harder for me to stop. I recall a time when my 3 friends and I had to try to collect ourselves before going into a viewing. The more we tried to stop, the worse we were. Eventually, we split up and avoided eye contact. Three cheers to the power of laughter!
I can't believe how much I enjoyed this book! I especially liked the way Pink presented his ideas. He didn't shove them down the reader's throat, instead he explained by a "show and tell" method. He allowed us to try his ideas on for size. After exploring Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning I'm convinced that I'm in the right profession. Teaching involves all of these elements, and now, more than ever, I appreciate their importance.
Sue, very well said. Ironic that we're having this discussion in the midst of PSSA madness isn't it?
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