Greetings and Salutations,
How are all you beautiful people. Its been a few weeks since I've posted an update so I'd like to first take a minute to reconnect. In order to do so, I ask you to take your fingers off your keyboard for a second, close your eyes, and sink into your body. Pay attention to how your body feels this precise moment in space and time. This sensation, or collection of sensations, is the origin of all things great and small.
In the last update we discussed the tiger's tendency to watch closely those things deemed most important. This week we move on to the archetype of the monkey. The monkey is a playful creature that tends to favor movement and commotion over stillness and serenity. But just how does the monkey know where to swing and how to behave? Much of the monkey's inspiration comes from immitation, or watching and following those around it, a process shared between the sub-conscious and conscious faculties. As a result, it is able to process information and plan its route without the influence of emotions, desires, etc. Instead, it thinks without thinking, moves without thinking about moving. (That said, I must admit that I have learned elsewhere that monkeys do indeed show great attachment to their emotions. This attachment is what prevents them from working together toward a common goal.)
As humans, relatives of the monkey, we gather much of our knowledge from immitation as well. For that matter, immitation is the first means of learning available to us. As babies, nearly everything we learn to do is learned by watching others. As we grow older and become subject to formal education and the like, we tend to place less value on learning through immitation and more value on learning through comprehension. But why? Why should we turn away from such a powerful tool for development? The good news is that its not too late. Simply by surrounding yourself by examples of what you would like to learn and how you would like to develop, you can ensure that those lessons will reach you in some way, shape, or form. All you have to do is remain open. And aware.
In Unleash the Beast news, much has happened since the last update. I taught workshops at several festivals and was more than pleased with the way they were recieved. More so, some new elements were introduced into the workshop. What are they? Well...you'll just have to experience them for yourself. But I will tell you that one of them involves a drum. Coming up in the next few weeks, the beast will be unleashed at block parties, street fairs, kids camps, and KindTree Autisum Camp. All this in addition to the regular Friday gig at the LILA peer support club. So come one and come all.
-Ben
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
That Which Matters Most
Greetings community,
This week we learn from the tiger to be clear and dedicated to what matters most. Likewise, the tiger teaches us to protect at all costs those things that are deemed most important.
One need only spend an hour or two around a mother tiger to know that its probabally best not to approach her cubs. As a result, her cubs are able to grow up in a relatively secure environment, which allows them to become strong mature tigers. Similarly, if we protect that which is most dear to us, whether they be people or projects, we can be assured that we've done everything in our power to help them become strong and succesful. We can also be assured that we have performed to the best of our ability. And with this assurance comes great increase in confidence, strength, and ability.
In Unleash the Beast news, potential seems to be popping up around every corner. Several new projects are in the works, more of which I will share with you later. Earlier today I led another session at the LILA peer support club. Thank you everyone involved; we had a fantastic time. In the closing part of the session, we talked a bit about the future of Unleash the Beast and agreed that more calming, meditation, and reflection exercises would be appreciated. While I have a good idea of just how to manifest these additions, I invite you all to share with me any thoughts you have on the matter.
In the coming weeks, I will be taking Unleash the Beast on the road. First stop, Oregon Country Fair. Second stop, Mystic Garden Party. If you happen to be there, please drop by and say hello. That being said, I will not be able to post another update until the last Friday in July. This day, the 30, will also be my next appearance at the LILA club.
Ben
This week we learn from the tiger to be clear and dedicated to what matters most. Likewise, the tiger teaches us to protect at all costs those things that are deemed most important.
One need only spend an hour or two around a mother tiger to know that its probabally best not to approach her cubs. As a result, her cubs are able to grow up in a relatively secure environment, which allows them to become strong mature tigers. Similarly, if we protect that which is most dear to us, whether they be people or projects, we can be assured that we've done everything in our power to help them become strong and succesful. We can also be assured that we have performed to the best of our ability. And with this assurance comes great increase in confidence, strength, and ability.
In Unleash the Beast news, potential seems to be popping up around every corner. Several new projects are in the works, more of which I will share with you later. Earlier today I led another session at the LILA peer support club. Thank you everyone involved; we had a fantastic time. In the closing part of the session, we talked a bit about the future of Unleash the Beast and agreed that more calming, meditation, and reflection exercises would be appreciated. While I have a good idea of just how to manifest these additions, I invite you all to share with me any thoughts you have on the matter.
In the coming weeks, I will be taking Unleash the Beast on the road. First stop, Oregon Country Fair. Second stop, Mystic Garden Party. If you happen to be there, please drop by and say hello. That being said, I will not be able to post another update until the last Friday in July. This day, the 30, will also be my next appearance at the LILA club.
Ben
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