The Art of PossibilityThe power of positive thinking is truly a powerful tool! Zander’s experience with music is a perfect way to set the “tone” for explaining his views on possibility. I agree that we all seem to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I find myself making judgments and assumptions on a daily basis that are limiting my view on the world and things that are indeed possible. What we can achieve is limitless, but our ability to create a mind set that is open and judgment free is incredibly difficult due to the underlying information we learn growing up in our society. I find it amazing how often I hear my students saying they can’t do something before they have even tried it. It seems people are so terrified of failing that they are scared to even attempt something they may be great at. Zander uses his musical teaching metaphors to explain this view of limitless possibility, as a teacher I feel it is critical for us to embrace this mindset and try to instill it in our students, so their future is full of possibility.
That's funny. When I was reading the text, all I was really thinking of was myself. I never even thought about how I might use this tool to impact my students. What wonderful thoughts! Now if I could just take what they wrote and translate it into some type of action to actually get my students motivated...then I'd be all set. I really liked the musical metaphor about the cello.
ReplyDeleteSince reading The Art of Possibility chapter, I have tried to stop myself from making judgements that limit my view about all things possible. I never realized just how often I have these types of thoughts. I find myself telling my son that he can do anything he puts his mind to, while I make excuses for myself! What a hypocrite I've turned out to be! I guess we're always hardest on ourselves.
ReplyDeleteJodi,
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I do believe that we can achieve anything and it is limitless. I think we tend to place our own limitations on our students and ourselves for fear of trying something new. My son produces music all day and every day and I embrace his passion. Therefore, I nurture and invest in that passion. Likewise, if we are going to be effective teachers and trainers we must nurture our students passion while integrating essential studies vital to their academic success. Great job!
I fully share Jodi's comments in relation to the focus of the book "The Art of Living," people usually have a tendency to find a lot of obstacles even before starting any task. The vast majority of authors of books on self- help and overcoming, if not all, agree that the limitations lie in the mind and that every individual has the ability to do things even though they might be impaired physically. It could fill hundreds of pages with truly heroic stories of human beings who have overcome incredible difficulties and that based on their strong disposition to believe that nothing is impossible to have achieved their dreams.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, the experience for those who work as teachers in the management of students who might eventually lack the enthusiasm to undertake certain tasks, I've always believed that one of the basic functions of an educator is to create the necessary enthusiasm among students for ensure that they can participate adequately in the educational process.
After reading the comments of Jodi, fond memories come to mind of a saxophone teacher that by observing my nervousness in the days prior to a presentation said: "The others perhaps are more scared than you, the difference is that they have taken the decision to address the fear and very surely conquer. "
The thousands of books that include topics of personal growth, motivation, etc. have a common place which is none other than the "programming" of our mind to release the limitations created absurdly, that wonderful channeling of energy toward achieving goals unexpected.
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have students who are afraid to try anything new. The idea that they might not be good at it just paralyzes them. I think it is a sad commentary that our tendency to measure and compare everyone is creating such a negative impact on young learners.
I have to carefully monitor our online grade reports, since the default setting includes the students rank on each assignment, and their overall ranking within the class. This is not editable on a global basis, but must be reset in each grade book for each teacher. Still, it is worth to time and effort.
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteWell put!
I too have been really inspired by our book for this class, but your post is the first time that I've been reminded that the ideas and encouragements that the Zanders share can be applied to our students as well.
Too true, our students are especially cognizant of the "measures" and socially constructed "pressures" that affect every day life. It is imperative for young people to learn to develop their own tools for measurement and personal progress. While critical benchmarks in life do exist, we need to caution young people who may try to live up to completely unrealistic situations or conditions.
Furthermore, we should all work as educators to do as you suggest and help our young people not perpetuate these same conditions.
Thanks for sharing, this post really got me thinking.
You have said a mouthful... the power of positive thinking has healed many health issues, created positive relationships and helps people who allow it to be a major factor in living an unbelievable life. Music has always been very emotional for me in a good and bad way. I've always told people they can tell my moods by the music I am listening to. I do believe the power of positive thinking is so crucial to our well being.
ReplyDeleteI know you talked about how amazed you are at how your students say they can't do different things. We have actually had a funeral for the word can't the first week of school to let them know that word will drag them down and I remind them how they can accomplish anything if they set their mind to it! Thanks for sharing something positive!
Thanks for your wonderful comments. It's a struggle to reinforce the positive in the short amount of time we have the students in our presence. Fighting the mindset that dictates to us "We have to do it alone." or "Don't make a mistake it makes you look weak." No wonder we have students give up before they start. I loved reading about living in the universe of possibility. It gives us hope that we can pass along.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I never really thought about how for generations educators tended to be the ones who thought that it was their duty to cut dreams short and bring students to face "reality." Boy, we most definitely got that one wrong. Of course there's a difference between drawing out student creativity and challenging them to push even harder versus rewarding mediocrity. :-)
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