youth leadership

I'm headed to facilitate at a creative youth leadership camp next week and want to share some of the energy we experienced during our week at cpsi. I'd love to take any poems, excercises or ideas from group members. Anybody have a poem or story they love that we don't have posted here yet? Thanks! Hope all are well. Love, Betsy

Being Here, Now

Said by a participant in Michael’s workshop: “How can I learn to not be not present?”

Presence has flirted with me from time to time, but it sure does play hard to get. My really wonderful high school calculus teacher told me I would never make it through design school; he claimed that I was one of his best students ever at figuring out how to go about solving a problem, but as soon as the solution was in sight I lost interest. In design school I had one of North Carolina’s finest painters for a color class, and on one of the assignments everyone marveled at how well I had rendered my beloved Earth Shoes in acrylic, but then asked why I just quit on addressing the background.

A couple of years later I sat tinkering at a piano – I’ve never had lessons – and figured out how the two hands were to work with each other on Fur Elise. It was tingly, marvelous, but I basically ran away, never to go there again.

In our time together at CPSI I found myself checking in and checking out, once again. Since then I’ve been reading Dialogue, by William Isaacs. (Michael Jones shows up in there from time to time!) Isaacs says that what often gets in the way of dialogue is a tendency to be preoccupied with either the past or the future, at the huge expense of engaging in the present. I’ve often thought Yoda was talking to me and not Luke: “Always your mind somewhere else. Never on where you are, what you are doing.”

Two weeks before CPSI I taught a planning workshop on Russell Ackoff’s Idealized Design. I was struck yet again at his emphasis on developing the design for the present, on what is wanted now. I’m now reading his Redesigning Society, and as he talks about systems, synthesis and analysis, and I’m seeing Isaacs talk about coherence, unfolding and fragmentation…………they’re talking about the same things!

Bruce's artwork, Michael's Visionholder call

Greetings to each and everyone,

First of all, I want to say thank you to Bruce for posting larger images of your artwork. Several days ago, I did get to the new site and I very much enjoyed looking more closely at your work!

Secondly, I was part of Michael's VisionHolder call at Heartland last week. It was wonderful -- a revisit to our week together in Georgia. The environments and community that Heartland creates resonates with what we had together at CPSI. Separately, I'm sending an invitation to explore Heartland's work -- if anyone would like to talk with me about their AOC communities, please feel free to call or email me.

Isn't it so true that life changes pace into a different gear after we leave somewhere like CPSI? And yet, I'm convinced it's so critical for us individually as well as us as a group plus all of us collectively (i.e., Michael's "commons") to keep working with... sharing... and spreading the energies we benefited from and enjoyed.

Namaste,
Kathy Anne

Drawings

There was a post that expressed interest in seeing some of the drawings at a larger scale. To avoid crowding the nice thoughts that are appearing, I have posted them here on Flickr.
My best to all!

The Only Solution

We shall have to evolve
problem-solvers galore -
since each problem they solve
creates ten problems more.

--PIET HEIN

Candle Wisdom

If you knew
what you will know
when your candle
has burnt low,
it would greatly
ease your plight
while your candle
still burns bright.

--PIET HEIN

the I-ching and creativity

Hello Friends,

Yesterday I decided to cast the I-ching, and my initial hexagram, "Heaven" had an explanation that reminded me of our many discussions. Out of all the times I've cast the coins, this is the first I have ever received Heaven as my message. It especially echoed our last meeting, where we "jumped into" our new lives together, feeling renewed and excited. I've quoted the lines that spoke to me most below. And since there are so very many interpretations of this text, these are from The Living I Ching version, by Deng Ming-Dao. If you've never owned but are interested in a copy of the I Ching, this is a beautifully written and illustrated version perfect for both beginners and those more familiar with the ancient Chinese writings. One of my friends, who studied Eastern spirituality in monestaries in Japan and China, helped me pick it out, so it comes highly recommended!

Heaven (hexagram 1):

Heaven is the beginning. Heaven creates from open sky. As the calligrapher begins from white paper, heaven works from emptiness.

Many of us, deep in darkness when we cannot sleep, wonder about the stars turning above us. We think of our own aging. The clock ticks. Our holidays mark the passing years as much as they might mark celebrations or remembrances. Our own birthdays impassively tabulate the number of years we have been on this planet, reminding us that our store of health and vitality can only lessen until heaven takes us again in the ultimate transition.

Creativity is the only act that denies this undeniable constant. When we make something - whether it is a wooden spoon for our kitchen, a painting, a poem, a song, a speech- the effort we invest is stored for the future and becomes a vehicle that lets us live outside of normal time. Creativity, then, begins new cycles that spiral out and spin into the coils of heaven. Heaven, the origin. Heaven, the pervasive. Heaven, the bountiful. Heaven, the pure. If you worship heaven, then be like heaven. If you would last as long as heaven, then create like heaven. In all things, be no different than heaven and the future will be yours. We must act like heaven, which creates and acts and furthers all things but never seeks to accumulate for itself.

Have a wonderful and creative day,
Rachelle

Hello Everyone-
I'm still enjoying the reverie of our extraordinary week together! Thank you, Bruce, so very much, for initiating this blog and helping us sustain the space we found during the immersion week. What a beautiful name you've chosen. Resonant Fields caputures our experiences so well. I've had one voice lesson since returning. My teacher appreciates the improvisations we shared and encourages me to feel my music differently now that I have enjoyed the freedom of life without sheet music! Letting so much go by the wayside is so liberating!
All be well!
Cathy

Navajo Chant

Hello Friends,

After spending time in the silence of words offered like gifts, returning to Phoenix has felt lonely at times. So I look for you in the trees, in the music, and in the sounds of people's voices. My friend Sarah sent this Navajo chant in her meditation newsletter and I'm reminded of you. It's used in ceremonies to help one return to a state of balance within the universe. This state of balance called "Hozho" in the Navajo language.

Happily may their roads back home be on the trail of pollen.
Happily may they all get back.
In beauty I walk.
With beauty before me, I walk.
With beauty behind me, I walk.
With beauty below me, I walk.
With beauty above me, I walk.
With beauty all around me, I walk.
It is finished in beauty,
It is finished in beauty.

Best wishes,

Elizabeth

Starting off -- couple random thoughts

Hi, everyone --

First of all, thank you, Bruce, for creating this space for us. I look forward to what it will bring to us post-immersion, allowing further sharing and connection and dialogue!

Secondly, since this was my first CPSI and basically I came because I knew intuitively that I "had to" plus I was completely drawn to Michael's Leading Artfully immersion, I was learning as I went through the week what CPSI encompasses and has to offer. As an introduction to, and overview of, its process, I've just now finished reading Gregg Fraley's book, Jack's Notebook. Then to further my familiarity, I plan to begin going through the Osborn/Parnes book, Applied Imagination. My intention is to teach myself about the CPS process so that next conference time I can do the one-day-only concentrated pre-conference CPS prior to moving in to some of the other "tracks" during the week -- ideally, next year, Facilitating through the Arts, expecially because that's "right up My alley!" Anyone else out there interested in this particular "track", which -- as I understand it -- requires the CPS background before one can participate?

Thirdly, you all may remember that I mentioned Heartland Circle... They are totally about deep conversation as we experienced it with Michael. I completely endorse them and their Art of Convening teleprograms, with which I have participated and found amazing and powerful and connecting. On July 17, Michael is scheduled to lead a call with them, and I encourage you to check out the info I provide below and participate on the call:

July 17: VisionHolder Call followed by 30 min. community conversation

Artful Leadership: Awakening the Commons of the Imagination
with Michael Jones, speaker, writer and pianist, Author of Artful Leadership: Awakening the Commons of the Imagination.
7-8:00 pm CT; Community Conversation: 8-8:30 pm CT
Learn More: www.heartlandcircle.com/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=668

Finally, ONE of the gifts I'm realizing from our week is the introduction Michael provided to the poetry of William Stafford.

Enjoy your Fourth!

Namaste,
Kathy Anne

three cheers for bruce

Thanks, Bruce, for setting this up. I look forward to seeing how we use this space together. Happy fireworks everyone. ~Rachelle

centering

I spoke with David Horth yesterday, and he asked about our week with Michael. He said that Michael’s book was well worth reading, but as I talked further about my gleanings he recommended “Centering in Pottery, Poetry and the Person” by Mary Caroline Richards. It was published in the early 60’s, but I found a copy in our university library. David said it was among the first of a lot of very good books he suddenly had access to when he first came to this country.

b

synchronistic affirmations

Thanks for the poems and for the invite to Mindcamp, Franca. How wonderful to have been part of such a thoughtful and wise group that remain supportive even after we've left our "safe" zone...I, too, wish you all smooth transitions. My personal shift from CPSI to real world has already offered me several synchronistic affirmations (e.g., a semi-truck pulling in front of me on the highway with the picture of a giant tree on the back with the words 'Tree of Life" underneath it) and other reminders of the week.

Take care, and follow those threads!
~Rachelle

the journey

All week I kept thinking of my favorite poem "The Journey" by Mary Oliver. We never got around to reading it, but I wanted to send it to you all. I hope your re-entries have been gentle. Mine has been fantastic, and today I officially announced my sabbatical which begins Aug 1 through the remainder of 2007!!!! wow. Thanks to you all for the support and insights shared last week. It was an invaluable time for me. Love, Betsy

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.

mindcamp

Just wanted to let you know there's an awesome creativity conference in Toronto in September called "Mindcamp". RedZebra will be coming, as well as Anthony and we hope to tempt Michael too (he lives pretty close). It's smaller than CPSI, less corporate and more outdoors (hence the name Mindcamp, like a summer camp). I really love Mindcamp and wanted to turn you all on to it. The link is http:// www.mindcamp.org and if you're at all interested please add your name to the contact list by entering your email address into the "Join Our Contact List" box on the left margin. That way even if you can't make it to Toronto this September you can stay in touch for next year.

Hey, if I don't see you in September in Toronto I hope to see you next year at CPSI!

Franca Leeson

the next saturday morning

I started my Saturday morning at 6 a.m. sitting at my piano and easing myself into the day. It was lovely. I shall do that far more often than not. Thank you all for your part in creating a memorable CPSI, one that, for me, provided insights, learnings, and healing. I know that I will be in touch with a number of you on a regular basis until we meet again. My husband and I and some family members will be vacationing for the next week. After that I will be in and out of my home office this summer and will stay connected. Be well, my friends. Warm regards to all. …..Ginger/Hilary

breathe

by Minx Boren
breathe in
expand and receive life
breathe out
let that which no longer serves you
fall away
breathe in
allow Divine grace to enter your heart
breathe out
usher out all that would sully your holy space
breathe in
be inspired by miracles all around you
breathe out
gently exhale mundane concerns
breathe in
invite the gift of life's creative force into each cell
breathe out
release spent energy in exchange for the refreshing newness and possibility of this moment
breathe out
fears, fatigue, frustrations that would weigh you down
breathe in
and let life fill you with joy breathe out offer the precious gift of your SELF to the world

Contributed by Kathy Ann Whittemore

leading artfully - awakening the commons of the imagination

From the program for CPSI 2007:
In the future we need to envision a new leadership story – one that involves a transformation in awareness from performance to presence, from uniformity to uniqueness, from abstraction to beauty, from efficiency to improvisation and from instrumentality to the expressive power of story and voice. Together they awaken a commons of the imagination – a collective field of possibility that transforms our mechanistic view of the world to a more sustainable and transcendent vision that is creative, organic and whole.

The primary purpose of Leading Artfully is to explore these fundamental shifts in awareness in the context of cultivating a mind that is more subtle, imaginative, and free-flowing in order to engage a complex and interconnected world.

As we struggle with new discontinuities and fragmentation, it is clear that we cannot apply the same strategies we used to create our known world to change it. Instead we will need to cultivate new disciplines of the imagination. The future will belong to those who understand the need for these new disciplines as the foundation for wisely navigating a larger unknown. They recognize that this emerging story cannot be seen or planned objectively, but may be sensed and felt with an awakened and perceptive eye.

To cultivate this awakened eye we will need to develop leaders who are capable of:

• Leading from presence and uniqueness.
• Leading from a balance of power and beauty.
• Leading without a script.
• Leading through the language of metaphor and story.

Each of the four days in this immersion experience will explore one of these four pathways to the imagination. In so doing, participants will discover a new sense of faithfulness in their own life, their own way of uniquely seeing things, their own golden thread of meaning and possibility, and trust in the deep authority of their own subjective experience. Through the weaving of improvised musical performances, time in nature, guided processes and reflection, story, poetry and generative conversation, this program will offer a candle to those seeking to cultivate new habits of mind that may awaken the potential for personal and collective transformational leadership, learning and change.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

While participants can be assured of deriving multiple learnings from this course that are both deeply personal and practical, there is a set of core objectives and intended outcomes, that will be common for all.

• To better understand the relationship between personal transformation and collective leadership and how this synergy deepens the quality of collective engagement.

• To master new and powerful habits of mind that align with the creative impulse and evoke the imagination as an active force in our lives.

• To learn to be stewards of our own uniqueness and gifts so that we may help others connect with the roots of their our own aliveness and possibility.

• To awaken our own subtle perception through cultivating a sense of belonging and the beauty of place.

• To experience the power of speaking our own story and finding our own authentic voice.

• To be sensitive for listening into the spaces between for detecting subtle meaning, emergent possibility and purposeful action.

• To develop the wisdom to ask evocative questions and the patience to hold presence in face of uncertainty and a larger unknown.

• To re-imagine our calling to be stewards of the commons as the blank canvas for connecting with fulfilling the collective possibilities in our own community or organization.