This weeks reading in from the book “The Art of Possibility” covered chapters 7-9. The 3 practices covered in these three chapters were: ‘The Way Things Are’, Giving Way To Passion’ & ‘Lighting A Spark’.
Chapter 7, The Way Things Are, was mainly about the idea of where you go from here. One of the key aspects that I picked up was, being present without resistance = possibility and mistakes are good. These concepts are grand ideas that work well. I have always been a fan of making mistakes, not on purpose, because I tend learn a lot more when things didn’t go the way I anticipated. I also loved the line “Nature makes not Judgment. Humans do.” As well as the importance of “distinguish between talk in the
downward spiral and conversations for possibility.” I felt as though these are key concepts that I hope I don’t let go of.
Chapter 8, Giving Way To Passion, the beginning of trying to use some of the earlier practices and combining them find more joy in our lives. At least that is what I got from it. There were to key steps to keep in mind for the practice of giving way to passion. Step one is to find out where we are holding back and then let go. Step two is to participate fully or wholly (need to have the willingness to do this). Yoda was wrong, when he said “Do or Do Not there is No Try” We need to try and fully participate and have the willingness to allow ourselves to be part of what is happening in the moment. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake it’s the way things are. I believe these two steps will help us find our way to passion based on the great examples given in the reading.
Chapter 9, Lighting a spark, is all about the idea of enrolling. As it stated in the book, “Enrollment is the art and practice of generating a spark of possibility for others to share.” The idea of sharing a moment is appealing to me. I feel it would make us much happier if we were more willing to just be in the moment no matter who is around us. The four steps to this practice are: “1) Imagine that people are an invitation for enrollment. 2) Stand ready to participate, willing to be moved and inspired. 3) Offer that which lights you up. 4) Have no doubt that others are eager to catch the spark.” I liked how the chapter was completed with the comparison of enrollment to the life force for humankind. It is true enrollment is that spark that allows us to connect, communicate and express with each other.
