I grew up in an ordinary, middle-class family in Iowa where I attended public schools. Through a stroke of fate, I was critically injured in a head-on collision in my 20s and received insurance money that allowed me to attend the Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago. My fellow classmates were very different from [ Read more … ]
Check out my new article in Greater Good magazine: 6 ways to break your creative block!!!!
“Creativity is an intelligence. When we respect its needs—for freedom, not knowing, beauty, a big vision, intrinsic motivation, and space—it will flourish.” 1. Creativity needs space, both internal and external – How can you give yourself internal space? If something is on your mind, take care of it before diving into new creative work. – [ Read more … ]
What art teaches us
ART…. 1. TEACHES US HOW TO RESIST FORCES THAT MUTE OUR LIGHT. Art shows us how to resist forces that teach passivity and acquiescence. 2. EXPRESSES IDEAS that can’t be expressed any other way. 3. TAKES US SOMEWHERE. We’re moved beyond where we were a moment before. 4. CREATES NEW WORLDS. Art allows us to [ Read more … ]
It’s a myth that complex problems require complex solutions.
It’s a myth that complex problems require complex solutions. The more complex we get, the more we’re in our heads. The more time we spend in our heads, the more we’re focusing on the problem and making it worse. Our thinking cycles around, it goes in loops. So when you’re confused or need a solution, [ Read more … ]
Holding the stance of “the one who knows” with a student or client creates a polarity. The other person now has something to defend against.
In his book, POWER IN THE HELPING PROFESSIONS, Jungian psychiatrist Adolf Guggenbuhl discusses how therapists, teachers, and medical practitioners create polarities with clients and students when they take on the role of “knower.” Jungian analyst John R. Haule calls this polarization a “split archetype.” A split archetype happens whenever we know “what is best” for [ Read more … ]