Topic Category: SOL

PREPARATION Required reading: The Anatomy of Change: pages 55-65 BRING TO ZOOM CLASS 3 An object that represents something you care about deeply and/or that is meaningful to you. Be prepared to introduce us to the object and what it represents to you (in a few sentences or short paragraph). Notes from Journaling Exercise: Practices … Read more

Somatic Practice: Length, Width and Depth Review the diagram below. Practice length, width and depth several times a day just during your regular activities – sitting in a chair, eating, standing in the line at the grocery store, having a conversation, driving in your car, riding the bus. This practice can be just seconds long … Read more

Read through the definitions and concepts below in preparation for Zoom Class 3 where you will develop your own Vision and Mission statements as guiding principles for your professional and/or personal commitments. You can think about your vision and mission, but hold off on writing until Zoom Class 3. We will later explore Commitment and … Read more

by Carey Smith Somatics and SomaSomatics is the field of study dealing with how we experience ourselves (and the world) from the inside. Philosopher and movement therapy pioneer Thomas Hanna (1928-90) coined the term, and also defined soma as the body as perceived from within. In contrast to the common objective view of the body … Read more

PREPARATION Complete the Journaling Exercise – the Role of Attention; write down your one new practice. Complete the Journaling Exercise – Roots Seeking Ground. Required reading: The Anatomy of Change: preface; pages 3-14 BRING TO ZOOM CLASS 2 Your one new practice from the Journaling Exercise – the Role of Attention Go to the Materials … Read more

This poem, Hokusai Says, is about paying attention. He describes the connection between curiosity, noticing, looking carefully – and what we care about. The poem is read in this recording by the author, Roger Keyes. It was recorded in York, England on August 5, 2015. The image shown is The Great Wave off Kanagawa by … Read more

Definitions of Ground Noun– the solid surface or top layer of the earth– land of a specified kind (soil, dirt, clay, loam, turf, peat)– an area of knowledge or subject of discussion or thought– factors for forming a basis of action or belief; good reason– first layer or beginning Verb– to give a firm theoretical … Read more

Journaling Exercise – Whole-Person Education Study this model, knowing that we will be working with it in depth in Zoom Class 2. Consider these Four Aspects of the Self: Mind, Emotions, Body and Spirit. Answer each question below without concern for a right or wrong answer. This is just the first step in an exploration. … Read more

Paying Attention is a Biological Imperative This is the first of many essays on the role of attention and observation. Paying attention is a biological imperative; it is how we, as animals, track for danger, food, water, shelter, mates. In everyday terms, this can appear more like who or what is nourishing to me at … Read more

The Learning Environment of the Leadership Dojo Excerpt from Leadership and the Warrior Tradition by Richard Strozzi-Heckler The term dojo is from the Japanese traditional arts and means the place of awakening. A dojo, then, is a place to awaken to and learn new ways of being in the world. In a dojo, students practice … Read more