Revisiting the Lessons - Activities 3 and 4
Better listening - what I forgotI don't know why I forgot how much I enjoyed the three minutes of silence from Better Listening, or even listening to mundane sounds - but I did. The participants of the course quickly reminded me of how soothing this activity can be, as they all enjoyed trying to improve their listening.I hadn't forgotten Julian Treasure's work completely, after all I shared details about one of his more recent talks a few months ago. But I had forgotten that daily process of resetting my listening and improving the quality of sound in my environment.So, as the participants went through the process, I started to focus on mundane sounds and silence again - and I'm trying to keep it in my day.
The three A's - regaining joyIt is far too easy to get caught up in the first world problems of our lives, forgetting just how incredible our world can be. We all do this, it's safe here you can admit it :-)Engaging with your world like you are experiencing everything for the first time is a great reminder about how amazing things truly are. I found it refreshing to take this focus on again when the participants were Living the Three A's - it does increase your capacity for joy.Other distractionsThe participants are well over halfway through their 90 days now. I had intended to write these posts revisiting the activities for myself on a more regular basis, but there has been a very interesting shift for me this month.I've been writing up content for the course, and I've been doing my day job - but I have not been inclined to write anything else. It hasn't been writer's block, it's just that I've been busy creating products for markets in the lead up to Christmas.For those of you who don't know, part of my business is making. You might have seen the page on the Do-Pad - a notepad for doodlers; I also make jewellery, and a number of other products now as well. I've been geeking out and having a wonderful time creating and making some really fun products. While I feel a little guilty for not writing blog posts (or even sending out a newsletter this month), the time spent making has been fun and rejuvenating, so I make no apologies for it.I do aim to get back into writing more consistently in November, so expect to see more from me. I'll even share some of the nerdy stuff I've been producing (well I think it's pretty nerdy).