Just wanted to mention how I also really take this quote to heart:
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
I'd heard a similar version of it during high school, when we had a guest speaker in the auditorium. She was a woman from Hiroshima, who had faced the effects of the atomic bomb over 60 years ago. Despite the terrible situation she was put in and the inhumane treatment she received, she told us how she believed in the belief "to understand than to be understood." This quote continued to echo within my mind, and so I looked it up later on. I learned that it was from a prayer by Mother Teresa in her "Prayer for Peace". I really look up to this quote and I think it's one of the incentives which have gotten me interested in the whole idea of "coexistence," and which have led me to ICU, as a result. I am still far from realizing this concept, but I'd like to keep this at the core of myself.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Week Six Writing Assignment
From Chapter 8: Lighten Up!
The title says it all; I really need to lighten up! I am currently in the midst of trying to soak in this positive attitude. For example, when I reflect on something really embarrassing I'd said that day or something regretuful that I'd done, I used to have this urge to just slap myself in the face! But I'm finding that with enough time and focus on other matters, it's possible to make even the most disastrous memories into something to laugh about. It's funny when shared with others and it's interesting personally to see how much you've matured since then. I guess in a sense, it is a way of following through with Dan Pink's second question about whether or not we are better than whom we were yesterday.
In addition, I can relate with Shackleton's concept of trying to look for things to celebrate about or "small wins" in every situation. I was reminded of my first year at ICU, when I was on the basketball team. As a beginner, it was very challenging to keep up with the team's performance and mentality. I often looked down on myself when I couldn't do as well as I wanted to. But for some reason, I was really into getting the rebounds. No matter how tired I was, I always dived in to get the ball and it was one of the rare things that I was praised for by my coach. That probably encouraged me to try harder. I consider this as one of the small wins, as opposed to a large win such as winning the game. I don't think I was able to make an outstanding contribution to the overall win/lose result, but I did try to focus on the small wins leading up to it.
The title says it all; I really need to lighten up! I am currently in the midst of trying to soak in this positive attitude. For example, when I reflect on something really embarrassing I'd said that day or something regretuful that I'd done, I used to have this urge to just slap myself in the face! But I'm finding that with enough time and focus on other matters, it's possible to make even the most disastrous memories into something to laugh about. It's funny when shared with others and it's interesting personally to see how much you've matured since then. I guess in a sense, it is a way of following through with Dan Pink's second question about whether or not we are better than whom we were yesterday.
In addition, I can relate with Shackleton's concept of trying to look for things to celebrate about or "small wins" in every situation. I was reminded of my first year at ICU, when I was on the basketball team. As a beginner, it was very challenging to keep up with the team's performance and mentality. I often looked down on myself when I couldn't do as well as I wanted to. But for some reason, I was really into getting the rebounds. No matter how tired I was, I always dived in to get the ball and it was one of the rare things that I was praised for by my coach. That probably encouraged me to try harder. I consider this as one of the small wins, as opposed to a large win such as winning the game. I don't think I was able to make an outstanding contribution to the overall win/lose result, but I did try to focus on the small wins leading up to it.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Week Five Writing Assignment
Hey guys :) It's hard to believe we are so far into the semester already!
Having read chapters 5 and 6, I'd like to focus on the strategy to "reinforce the team message constantly" (70). Perkins talks about how a shared identity was born among the crew when they all shaved their hair in matching styles. I thought this idea was very amusing and at the same time, very effective.
Similar to hairdos, clothing can also create a common identity among a group. For example, at my middle/high school, we always made matching t-shirts for events such as Sports Day and School Festival. Sometimes we would make one as a whole grade, others as a class, and sometimes as a committee. They weren't ready-made t-shirts, but those we would design and choose ourselves. Since we are not professionals, sometimes they would end up in a very dull color we hadn't expected or the design just didn't work on the t-shirt. However, even all of that was part of the fun. When the box of t-shirts arrived, we'd pull them out one by one and wear them together. Because we didn't have uniforms, these were rare occasions when we'd have matching clothing. It raised our spirits and strengthened our teamwork. I still have my various t-shirts and see them as precious tokens of my middle/high school days.
Having read chapters 5 and 6, I'd like to focus on the strategy to "reinforce the team message constantly" (70). Perkins talks about how a shared identity was born among the crew when they all shaved their hair in matching styles. I thought this idea was very amusing and at the same time, very effective.
Similar to hairdos, clothing can also create a common identity among a group. For example, at my middle/high school, we always made matching t-shirts for events such as Sports Day and School Festival. Sometimes we would make one as a whole grade, others as a class, and sometimes as a committee. They weren't ready-made t-shirts, but those we would design and choose ourselves. Since we are not professionals, sometimes they would end up in a very dull color we hadn't expected or the design just didn't work on the t-shirt. However, even all of that was part of the fun. When the box of t-shirts arrived, we'd pull them out one by one and wear them together. Because we didn't have uniforms, these were rare occasions when we'd have matching clothing. It raised our spirits and strengthened our teamwork. I still have my various t-shirts and see them as precious tokens of my middle/high school days.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week Four Writing Assignment
Stamina
Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
Hmmm... do I take good care of myself? Physically, so-so. I do try to eat healthy, but I don't think I've gotten good exercise ever since I quit basketball, and I usually sacrifice sleep for homework or to talk with somebody. Mentally, I could do a whole lot better. When I'm down, I get so caught up with the mess in my head → can't do anything about it → my self-esteem deflates → I feel even more depressed... and so I go down the spiral of negativity. In a sense, it's the opposite of "Summit Fever," as my inner conflicts totally block my view of the summit.
To let it all out, I go through all sorts of measures. Today, I tried to concentrate on different things by going to my circle or riding my bicycle. It took my mind off of my troubles, and lifted my mood. But when I really want to come to terms with my problem, I talk to my mom, friends I can trust, and my counselor. Even if the words come out in irregular or awkward spurts, verbalizing my thoughts helps me to sort out what I'm really thinking or feeling. Each person's feedback or understanding of my problem is a reflection of me shown in different mirrors. I really appreciate what others tell me and it helps me to get a grip and figure out my opinion from there.
I really have a hard time letting people know when they do something that I dislike. My brain freezes, I can't say anything. I can feel the discomfort grow within me. But before I even acknowledge that feeling, my mind skips to the possible consequences which may arise if I react according to that feeling. I think to myself, "Hold on, should I really be feeling this way? Maybe I'm over-thinking..." and try to let go of that disappointment. However, after a while, I am reminded of the discomfort and regret for not standing up for myself. I talked about this to my counselor. He told me that what I was doing wasn't wrong and that I shouldn't excessively blame myself. He said that when I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I should first stop and take note of the fact that I'm feeling bad, instead of skipping to uncertain conclusions. Acknowledging emotions is very important, and it is the first step to forgiving yourself. We can learn from these experiences and be better prepared should another similar situation arise.
... which reminds me, picture books really cheer me up. Even though they're written in simple words, they seem to hold a different meaning every time you read them depending on how old you are or the situation you're in. This is a page from a book which has a whole collection of drawings and messages:
It reads:
Struggles and strife
Forgetting them would make things so much easier
But it's remembering them which makes us try harder
And learning from them which makes us stronger
(p.10)
(Hope I don't get in trouble with copyright..!)
Works Cited
ボンボヤージュ『ちびギャラ』ゴマブックス株式会社 2004年
Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
Hmmm... do I take good care of myself? Physically, so-so. I do try to eat healthy, but I don't think I've gotten good exercise ever since I quit basketball, and I usually sacrifice sleep for homework or to talk with somebody. Mentally, I could do a whole lot better. When I'm down, I get so caught up with the mess in my head → can't do anything about it → my self-esteem deflates → I feel even more depressed... and so I go down the spiral of negativity. In a sense, it's the opposite of "Summit Fever," as my inner conflicts totally block my view of the summit.
To let it all out, I go through all sorts of measures. Today, I tried to concentrate on different things by going to my circle or riding my bicycle. It took my mind off of my troubles, and lifted my mood. But when I really want to come to terms with my problem, I talk to my mom, friends I can trust, and my counselor. Even if the words come out in irregular or awkward spurts, verbalizing my thoughts helps me to sort out what I'm really thinking or feeling. Each person's feedback or understanding of my problem is a reflection of me shown in different mirrors. I really appreciate what others tell me and it helps me to get a grip and figure out my opinion from there.
I really have a hard time letting people know when they do something that I dislike. My brain freezes, I can't say anything. I can feel the discomfort grow within me. But before I even acknowledge that feeling, my mind skips to the possible consequences which may arise if I react according to that feeling. I think to myself, "Hold on, should I really be feeling this way? Maybe I'm over-thinking..." and try to let go of that disappointment. However, after a while, I am reminded of the discomfort and regret for not standing up for myself. I talked about this to my counselor. He told me that what I was doing wasn't wrong and that I shouldn't excessively blame myself. He said that when I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I should first stop and take note of the fact that I'm feeling bad, instead of skipping to uncertain conclusions. Acknowledging emotions is very important, and it is the first step to forgiving yourself. We can learn from these experiences and be better prepared should another similar situation arise.
... which reminds me, picture books really cheer me up. Even though they're written in simple words, they seem to hold a different meaning every time you read them depending on how old you are or the situation you're in. This is a page from a book which has a whole collection of drawings and messages:
It reads:
Struggles and strife
Forgetting them would make things so much easier
But it's remembering them which makes us try harder
And learning from them which makes us stronger
(p.10)
(Hope I don't get in trouble with copyright..!)
Works Cited
ボンボヤージュ『ちびギャラ』ゴマブックス株式会社 2004年
Week Three Writing Assignment
Ahh! I'm falling behind. I'm sorry for posting this up so late...
To be honest, I've been finding it very difficult to try to be optimistic recently. Between March and yesterday, many awful things have taken place. And while I may be able to handle each one with attention, when things come tumbling down at once, it's just really hard to juggle them with only two hands and one heart.
In a sense, I am on my own mental Shackleton Expedition now, nearing the edge... OK, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. But the point is, coming to terms with optimism and the important qualities we're covering is especially important for me right now. So I am thankful for being able to take this class; it's just what I need!
What really pulled me in about chapter 3 is:
「危機」
The denotation is danger, but when taking in the meaning kanji-for-kanji, we discover that the idea of "opportunity" is hidden beneath the facade. Even though I've used this word many times before in Japanese, I had never really thought about this idea. Reframing a tough situation seems impossible at first, but reading how the imagined positive outcomes must be "conceivable" and how it is different from denial shows that it is a realistic idea. Difficult, but realistic and effective.
Maybe we can relate this to negotiation as well? Negotiation may not be dangerous, but we negotiate because there is some kind of conflict. We take it up as an opportunity to sort things out, with the hopes of a win-win outcome. By perceiving it as an opportunity, we take negotiation as a positive challenge. I think this brings out our positive attitudes; our willingness to communicate with another. The conflict or dangerous situation is something we can't change, but the way we see it and the way we tend to it depends on us.
... Of course all of that is easily said than done :P But it's good to discover new, positive perspectives and to look through them like a new pair of glasses. I'd like to think that that itself is an improvement :)
To be honest, I've been finding it very difficult to try to be optimistic recently. Between March and yesterday, many awful things have taken place. And while I may be able to handle each one with attention, when things come tumbling down at once, it's just really hard to juggle them with only two hands and one heart.
In a sense, I am on my own mental Shackleton Expedition now, nearing the edge... OK, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. But the point is, coming to terms with optimism and the important qualities we're covering is especially important for me right now. So I am thankful for being able to take this class; it's just what I need!
What really pulled me in about chapter 3 is:
「危機」
The denotation is danger, but when taking in the meaning kanji-for-kanji, we discover that the idea of "opportunity" is hidden beneath the facade. Even though I've used this word many times before in Japanese, I had never really thought about this idea. Reframing a tough situation seems impossible at first, but reading how the imagined positive outcomes must be "conceivable" and how it is different from denial shows that it is a realistic idea. Difficult, but realistic and effective.
Maybe we can relate this to negotiation as well? Negotiation may not be dangerous, but we negotiate because there is some kind of conflict. We take it up as an opportunity to sort things out, with the hopes of a win-win outcome. By perceiving it as an opportunity, we take negotiation as a positive challenge. I think this brings out our positive attitudes; our willingness to communicate with another. The conflict or dangerous situation is something we can't change, but the way we see it and the way we tend to it depends on us.
... Of course all of that is easily said than done :P But it's good to discover new, positive perspectives and to look through them like a new pair of glasses. I'd like to think that that itself is an improvement :)
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