A Whole Mind

I've read all of A Whole New Mind now and I feel like I learned quite a bit (and writing this blog helped, too -- there really is something to how writing can help improve one's thinking and learning). It also occurs to me that Pink's title refers to having a whole mind as well as a new mind. But I wonder how much my mind has changed as a result of reading the book, if at all?

Pink proposes that, to prepare ourselves for the incoming Conceptual Age, we need to further develop six essential abilities. These abilities are Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play and Meaning, upon which Pink elaborates in separate chapters. At the end of each of the chapters, Pink has compiled a Portfolio which includes a variety of resources to assist the reader in growing the attributes described. To really grow my own whole new mind I need to go back in and use the book as a workbook, working deliberately through these Portfolios.

Or is that the way an old mind would do it? like an old school student studying for a test? The only test is whether I can combine these attributes to enhance my own life and thereby be of greater service to the planet. What is the next step for us who have read this book? What is the take away for us as we think about enhancing the learning of the youth in our care as well as our own learning?

My Response to "Meaning" - Pink's Last Chapter

It is First Day at the Dover Friends Meeting House. Old windows frame bare branches against a brilliant blue sky, eliminating the need for stained glass. On this bench against the wall I center down, joining my spiritual community in the silent worship of Friends, listening for the teachings of the Friend. "Thy will, not my will," I pray. As I go quiet within in the quiet without, deep indigo waves of calm pulsate behind my eyes and soothe my soul, connecting me to the highest power. For nearly 240 years Friends have gathered here in Meeting and I feel deeply connected in this timeless place.

By coming through these doors each First Day "Way opens," as we Quakers say, for Meaning to come into my life. In this setting I am called to co-create Meaning with those with whom I share beliefs and values. This is where I move beyond myself and join others in a tradition of serving the Light, and seeing "that of God in everyone." The Quaker testimonies to peace, truth and integrity, justice and equality, simplicity and community call us to actualize these beliefs in our daily lives. It is a real challenge for me to live these testimonies in my own life and I don't do it at all perfectly. Yet Meaning comes in the joint effort to attend to these values in all we do.

In a short yet I thought eloquent chapter, Pink highlights some important thinkers who have illuminated the importance of meaning in human life. He discusses the work of Victor Frankl, the Dali Lama, Martin Seligman, and others who have explored this essential human need. To this list I would add Parker Palmer, a Friend who has dedicated his life to the spiritual elements of education. One of his earliest books is subtitled, "Education as a Spiritual Journey." After reading Pink's chapter, I wonder if we saw our vocation as more of a spiritual calling if so many young people would be so disenfranchised by the education system in this country. The political climate steers us away from this aspect, convincing us that to "go there" would be dangerous because we must separate church from state. Yet I am not advocating the elevation of any particular religion - just the integration of the search for meaning into the learners' daily lives, through helping them discover what has heart - and meaning - for them, so they can follow their own path. And, in that way, perhaps we would find more meaning for ourselves.

Monty Python Knew -- Before the Research!

In reading the chapter on Play in A Whole New Mind I was struck by this quote from Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi, especially after tuning into him in my last post:

"There is no question that a playfully light attitude is characteristic of creative individuals."

My take on this is that stress/ anxiety/ pressure keeps us in a survival mode that precludes us using our innate creativity. Ironically, this stress can cause us to shut ourselves off from the very "lightness of being" that can liberate us from stress. No doubt about it, the world we live in is full of darkness, danger and diabolical tragedy yet the Light is also present. As Pink says, "Happiness is conditional; joyfulness is unconditional." The grimness of much of the modern world can only be transcended by our intentionality to open to the Light -- and to bring that to others, sometimes in silly ways.

Which brings us to Monty Python! In the mid-20th century, John Cleese and his crew had many of us laughing hysterically over their absurd, sometimes impenetrably, sometimes ridiculous yet usually delightful skits. Friday night had us gathered around the TV ready to laugh away our cares of the week. Pink talks about the health benefits of laughter, including its effects on diminishing stress hormones, boosting the immune system, activating the cardiovascular system increases the heart rate and pumps more blood to the internal organs -- and connects us to other people. And, he talks about a physician in India, Dr. Kataria, who has started "laughter clubs" that are now all over the world. Here is John Cleese -- and please read on after watching the video for a provocative proposition!



Here's a query for us school people: What if, instead of SSR (sutained silent reading) we had SAL (sustained audible laughing)?

A Whole New Mind in A Whole New Space!

How many of us couldn't wait to get out of school and then find ourselves back in, seeking to change the system from the inside? Any one of us may not have the psychic resources to singlehandedly transform public education in these United States yet together we may. Margaret Mead, may she rest in peace, had it right in that comment about the small committed group of people changing the world.

Time and space can keep us from learning with and from each other. After a long day the last thing we want to do is go to a meeting! yet we may have ideas and energy we want to share. With these tools we can transcend space and time - and challenge ourselves to break down the brick walls that separate us from our ideals and potential ideal reality.

Consider the book we have been reading, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink. Here's a video of the guy so we can see what he looks like -- and maybe take his challenge. What will YOU do to put more of your innate brilliant creativity into your work at school? Share here!