This week's reading dealt with how the reader views himself/herself under certain conditions . The story of Ben Zander's friend and fellow musician, Eugene Lehner illustrated the beauty of humbleness. I believe that the author was delivering the famous "Always do your best" message that parents constantly tell their children. Lehner's example of contentment led him to be satisfied, although he was never given the opportunity to lead, never stood out, and was never called upon. Zander describes Lehner as a "Silent Conductor."
"Rule number 6," is subtle reminder to not "sweat" the small stuff. Enough said.
The Zander's spoke of giving up the "calculating self," which is self righteous and centered in ego, for the "centered self," which is based on the truth and openness. This perspectives asks the reader to be present and accepting of the "now." This is to be done regardless of the appearance of current situations, or to the feelings about what is happening. Viewing circumstances from the perspective of the "central self," allows one to simply wait patiently on the outcome, while the "calculating self" looks for the nearest exit. This is the difference between "downward spiral" thinking and communicating, and a centered mindset that is looking for the next direction, in which to travel.
"Giving Way to Passion," was the final chapter of this week's reading. This chapter focused on two main steps: Noticing what is holding the reader back, and participating completely in life's passions. It reminds the reader that like nature or a beautiful piece of music cannot be viewed in singular terms, we too must remember that individual lives are but small piece of the whole. When this practice is forgotten, life becomes a blur, with no real defining points. The Zander's encouraged readers to ride the waves of life's circumstances and conditions, in order to go beyond where boundaries have been set.
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| Valencia Winston absorbing "Rule number 6." |
The Zander's spoke of giving up the "calculating self," which is self righteous and centered in ego, for the "centered self," which is based on the truth and openness. This perspectives asks the reader to be present and accepting of the "now." This is to be done regardless of the appearance of current situations, or to the feelings about what is happening. Viewing circumstances from the perspective of the "central self," allows one to simply wait patiently on the outcome, while the "calculating self" looks for the nearest exit. This is the difference between "downward spiral" thinking and communicating, and a centered mindset that is looking for the next direction, in which to travel.
"Giving Way to Passion," was the final chapter of this week's reading. This chapter focused on two main steps: Noticing what is holding the reader back, and participating completely in life's passions. It reminds the reader that like nature or a beautiful piece of music cannot be viewed in singular terms, we too must remember that individual lives are but small piece of the whole. When this practice is forgotten, life becomes a blur, with no real defining points. The Zander's encouraged readers to ride the waves of life's circumstances and conditions, in order to go beyond where boundaries have been set.
While the messages in these chapters are something that we hear all the time I thought they were said in a great way. It is nice to hear the stories of how others have tried to change their perspective. I think the "always do your best" speech is one that we often hear, but might need to remember during difficult times. And for some of the people in the stories they had to learn to sit in the background and know that their contribution was still important even if they didn't feel it at the time. I also liked the way they looked at the challenges in life and how we have to find a way around them. Sometimes we have to move beyond those boundaries in order to get what we want. This may seem hard at the time, but in the end hopefully it is worth it.
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