Month: April 2017

Had a tough week? First, change your state and get in the soul food groove with the SFSU Pep Band playing Chameleon with my son Arman on keys:

https://www.facebook.com/arman.sedgwickbillimoria/videos/10211598792992643/

Better?
This week:

To paraphrase Cornel West, Civility is What Love and Justice Look Like in Public:
In the last week I attended the 6^th Annual Community Conference on Restoring Civility here in San Diego. Some pundits say our hyper-partisan orientation has not been this polarized and negative since the Civil War (and that’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one)!
Today, 79% of Americans believe incivility is a crisis http://www.webershandwick.com/news/article/poll-finds-americans-united-in-seeing-an-uncivil-nation-divided-about-cause
“We have been tracking how civility impacts our nation’s social fabric since 2010, and we have seen a steady increase over that time in the recognition of how civility is a major problem facing Americans,” said Andy Polansky, CEO of Weber Shandwick.

Any theory of change must include a healing piece to go along with the theory of action or it simply will not uptake and stick.
Distinctions were made between debate, deliberations, discourse and dialogue.
Some takeaways: When you are addressing situations fraught with opposing and deep seeded beliefs, facts don’t seem to matter. What matters is LISTENING to UNDERSTAND the other person’s beliefs and striving to find shared experiences that can be the foundation from which civil dialogue can ensue. We have to get out of our echo chambers and start engaging civilly or we can forget about the “reunited” states of America.
Check out the http://www.civilitycenter.org/ and the civility scorecard for some ideas and best practices…

How early is too early to start teaching principles of democracy and the need for civil not just civic engagement?
Here is an approach that could scale across the nation, inspired from insights gleaned from the presenters and participants at the civility conference.

What if ALL universities (institutions of higher learning) saw themselves first and foremost as community colleges (to be great globally you must be strong and relevant locally), took it upon themselves to equip young people for the world ahead with these transferrable and irreplaceable social skills of cultural competency & committed to serving as the centers of civility and safe/brave spaces in their communities- however they choose to define and embrace community.
As part of their authentic outreach to their local stakeholders uni-versities, probably better reframed as multi-versities can help discern the difference between free speech and protected speech, teach and model civility both on their campuses and in their larger community.

What if these student-run initiatives were modeled in the spirit of learn, practice, teach and each cohort as part of community service scaled the work and taught these skills to each other? This could be student leaders to other students. University students to high school students. High school students to Middle schoolers…
Faculty and students from Washington State University Vancouver modeled a training session for deliberative dialogue fabulously so we know the pilot is in place both here and in other areas.
No longer can universities self-ascribe to being the wisdom holders and culture bearers in society if they can’t embed these values in their community, and they will be most likely to achieve this by partnering with the community leaders that are also wisdom holder and culture bearers sans the ped-degree.
Isn’t it time we turn our deepest wounds into a personal/community mission and might civility in its most basic form become a civil right and responsibility we preserve and protect for future generations?
I invite each of us today, to make a commitment to modeling civility. After all the whole world and our kids are watching!

5 Deadly Sins of Conscious Leadership
It’s hard to positively define conscious leadership, but you can be sure that if you’re making any of these fatal mistakes, you’re not actually practicing it…
https://consciouscompanymedia.com/personal-development/leadership/five-deadly-sins-conscious-leadership/

 

If you are Local (by Chronology):

Encinitas Street Fair April 29^th and 30^th
Swing by the stage right next to the Lotus Café on the 101 at 11 am on Saturday and catch us singing some Beatles tunes and playing some Jack Johnson with the Encinitas School of Music:
http://local.encinitaschamber.com/events/details/encinitas-spring-street-fair-2-days-1897

Mission Federal ArtWalk 2017 April 29 and 30^th in San Diego’s Little Italy:
Get out and enjoy some of San Diego’s finest art experience on what promises to be a sun-filled weekend with local heart-ists!
Hope to see you there Sunday…
https://www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal/

Conscious Contracts & Covenants: Maintaining your conscious vision … even after you’re gone May 3^rd 4-7:30 Enlightened Win/Win Agreements that Support the Conscious Vision of its Leaders

How do you create a conscious culture when your company’s structural documents are unconscious? We must bring awareness and consciousness to our short- and long-term interactions, to how we treat and negotiate with each other. That is the essence of both Enlightened Negotiation and Conscious Contracts.
If you are interested in creating a more conscious organization, you will value this…
Learn. Network. REGISTER.

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“Embody Your Future”

Saturday, May 6 at 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Solana Beach  (717 South Highway 101)

This is a complimentary event with Scott Coady where he will share some fundamental leadership principles and address any questions you have about The Art of Leadership Mastery Program, his work with The Institute for Embodied Wisdom, and his unique and powerful approach to leadership, embodiment and distinctions of language.

Scott Coady is the founder of the Institute for Embodied Wisdom in Ojai, CA and the founder of the Association of Transformational Leaders SoCal.  He works with CEOs and executive teams around the world on transformational leadership and high performance teaming.

Scott will personally introduce you to some of the techniques and practices taught in his Art of Leadership Mastery Program (www.embodiedwisdom.com/alm ). These techniques can enable you to generate a more authentic and powerful presence, support you in generating trust, becoming a more authentic and powerful leader for yourself and for your organization.

Eventbrite Link – https://eyf-051617-sd.eventbrite.com/
Facebook Link – https://www.facebook.com/events/1853959704842561/

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The Samurai Game®

Sunday, May 7 at 9 AM – 6 PM

The Samurai Game® is a fast-paced, highly challenging simulation training. Live and unscripted, it presents a series of fascinatingly unpredictable and challenging situations that reflect the pressures of professional and personal life.

The Samurai Game® requires each participant to fully engage with others and become keenly aware of the interplay of thought, feeling, action and outcome. From this perspective, individuals and teams become more aware of existing habits and the potential for positive constructive change and action. Participants have experienced:

* Move More Decisively When There is No Clear Choice * Unlock Your Ability to Flow: Take on More with Less Effort * Increase Self Awareness and Self Trust * Learn to Build Trust and Rapport in Critical Situations  * Practice Mindfulness Under Pressure * Learn to Strengthen Trust and Alliances in Critical Situations

Eventbrite Link – https://oceansidesamuraigame.eventbrite.com/
Facebook Link – https://www.facebook.com/events/809818489170410/

Thanks this week go to:
Carl L, Ken D, and all the organizers and attendees of the Civility Conference
Eric K and all the members of the Conscious Leaders Collective
The San Diego Chapter of Conscious Capitalism
The Mission Fed ArtWalk team
and Robert Mc. for sharing Scott Coady with us!

Pay it forward!
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“Civility is What Love and Justice Look Like in Public”

“I will see it when I believe it.” — Dr. Wayne Dyer

While it might be true that there are none so blind as those that will not see, it is also true that seeing with a new set of eyes can transform your life!

Enjoy these powerful examples of sight restored, don’t take yours for granted, and if you are blessed with sight remember Hellen Keller’s admonition; “What good is sight, if you have no vision!”

 

This week:

Grandpa Sees Colors for the First Time in His Life:
His reaction is soulful!
https://www.facebook.com/viralthread/videos/731127433726609/

“As long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be you can’t see how it is.”— Ram Dass

Two Doctors Embark on One of their Most Challenging Missions: Fighting Blindness and Partial Blindness
This story will touch your heart and this is a powerful reminder of how to build a sustainable and scalable solution to a seemingly intractable problem.
One of the best 60 Minutes episodes I have ever seen!
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/out-of-darkness/

“We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.” —Anais Nin

National Haiku Poetry Day:
Here are some fun sub-missions from Monday of this week…
https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalHaikuPoetryDay?src=tren

 

If You Are Local:
National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 2^nd and We Still Want to Celebrate YOU!
70 tickets have already been snatched up, and planning is now underway for a Los Angeles event the following evening!
The Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul has decided to come to California to attend!
Join us if you can…
http://www.inspirationforteachers.com/

Thanks this week go to Marlaine M, Alex K, and Seers everywhere!

Pay it Forward
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

This week:
Channeling Socrates… Please THINK!

It’s National Dolphin Day:
Dolphins are highly social animals that form superpods in which they form strong bonds and stay with injured or ill individuals, even helping them breathe by guiding them to the surface.
In a world of sharks, I hope you can be that dolphin that makes a difference!
http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dolphin-day-april-14/
BTW, there are over 1,200 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day!

20 Year Anniversary of the Rady Children’s Center for Healthier Communities:
I was privileged to attend this event on behalf of the Ackerman Foundation on Wednesday.

It was an inspiring gathering that showcased the amazing work and impact this group has had over 2 decades in partnership with many other local organizations.

I was particularly struck by the comments and call to action by Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of the California Endowment, who highlighted 3 main themes:

1. This work is exemplary; ensuring the circle of human concern and compassion is as wide as it can be. In today’s narrative, beyond politics and personalities, the exclusion circle narrative seems to be winning out v the inclusion circle narrative. Children’s hospitals over the last 4 decades have remained warm, welcoming inclusive environments where NO CHILD is turned away based on their documentation status, religious beliefs, demography or other factors. We can’t turn back the clocks on ensuring the circle of compassion is as wide as it can be and ensuring this cultural competency remains integral to our work in every sector of society.
2. Remaining vigilant of Trauma Adversity. Early implications and the data suggests that the old adage, “time heals all wounds” is not true! Multiple doses of trauma have long term implications for long term health and wellbeing and we need trauma smart systems to proactively address these challenges and limit the adverse impacts.
3. Keep advocating for healthcare for all. We have gone from over one million kids in the US not having access to healthcare to less than 75,000 but this with the Obamacare rollback and risks to Medicare need to be social issues we add our voice, power and advocacy to preserve and protect and will require a fight to get to 100% universal coverage.

Thanks for the generous support from the Ackerman Foundation to supporting these causes and our community!

If Living Better Matters to You and Your Organization, You Might Enjoy This Interview with Yours Truly on a Local Radio Station- KSON:
http://www.kson.com/blogs/living-better-san-diego/mission-federal-credit-union

If you are local:

Join us for Purpose San Diego on April 19^th @ the Corporate Alliance:
PURPOSE SAN DIEGO – WHERE BUSINESS MEETS PURPOSE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GAME CHANGERS
PRESENTS
BREAKFAST CLUB – KICK OFF EVENT
APRIL 19, 7:30AM
CORPORATE ALLIANCE OF SAN DIEGO

PURPOSE SAN DIEGO  is uniting minds
to magnify positive impacts on society
through business.

You are invited to the launch event
of the monthly Breakfast Club.

ATTEND  THIS GREAT EVENT TO:

• Be a leader in purposeful business space.
• Align your organization with a purpose driven mission.
• Find your passion purpose(s).
• Connect with others who share your purpose, for greater impact.
• Share best practices and learnings to accelerate the journey.
• Learn from expert speakers, innovators, and thought leaders in this field.

PURPOSE SAN DIEGO’S MISSION IS TO:

• Unite purpose-driven organizations & individuals to strengthen our local purposeful business community.
• Create more awareness about the conscious business movement and how all can participate.
• Grow our collective through purpose driven connections.
• Share resources, best practices, and learnings to powerfully enhance our positive impact on society.

TIME & PLACE
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19, 7:00 – 9:30 AM

CORPORATE ALLIANCE OF SAN DIEGO
9171 TOWNE CENTRE DRIVE #180

PARTNERS
GAME CHANGERS | CORPORATE ALLIANCE

TICKETS
Eventbrite – The Kick-Off Breakfast Event by PURPOSE SAN DIEGO!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/purpose-san-diego-breakfast-club-the-launch-event-tickets-33033121957

Restoring Respect 6^th Annual Conference on Restoring Civility, April 18-19^th @ UCSD Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice:
Modeling Civility Has Never Been More Important
Add your Voice and Power to the Change We Wish to See in the World!
https://www.sandiego.edu/uploads/62a57cd3b9997e0e992d187d74275ce1.pdf

April is also National Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
“There is increasing evidence that, with support from a caring adult and high-quality treatment, many children and parents effectively recover and may feel stronger and closer as a family in the aftermath of a traumatic experience.”
http://www.nctsnet.org/resources/public-awareness/national-sexual-assault-awareness-month%20

Join us for this Human Trafficking Awareness event Tuesday April 25^th from 4 to 5:30pm
kNOw MORE! And Change the World for the better, together!
This performance uses dialogue, abstract dramatized images and spoken work to incite curiosity and prompt a learning journey toward understanding red flags and vulnerabilities in human trafficking
Event Flyer: No More Know More
Please RSVP on our Eventbrite page:
https://thesourceofchange.eventbrite.com/

Come to Triton Entrepreneur Night April 27^th 2017
Celebrate Innovation and Entrepreneurship with big exhibits, live demonstrations, team pitches and networking with the entrepreneurial-minded folk that have started or backed startup companies.
You can register at: http://www.ucsdbasement.com/

Thanks this week go to the Team at Rady Children’s Center for Healthier Communities and the Ackerman Foundation, Larry K and the Purpose Breakfast Club, Naila C and all those committed to addressing Human Trafficking as well as Social Entrepreneurs committed to changing the world for the better!

Pay it forward please!
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“If you want to be happy practice compassion; if you want others to be happy, practice compassion” – The Dalai Lama

This week:
An Important Parable:

A Teacher was writing the table of 5’s on the board:
5X1=3
5X2=10
5X3=15
5X4=20
5X5=25
5X6=30
5X7=35
5X8=40
5X9=45
5X10=50

After writing she turned back towards the students and found that everybody was laughing at her. On asking the reason for laugh, couple of students got up and told her

Ma’am- the first line of the table is wrong…It should be 5

Hearing this the Teacher (smiling) explained “I wrote the first line wrong on purpose, because I wanted you to learn something important. This was for you to learn how the real world will treat you. I wrote 9 correct lines but nobody congratulated me but one mistake and everybody pointed at it.

Moral: The world will never appreciate a billion right things you do but will criticize you for one wrong doing. Therefore, never ever get disheartened if somebody criticizes you. Take it positively and rise above all criticisms.

“Honest, open questions are countercultural,”
– Parker Palmer: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life

 

Powerful Video Urges Men To Fight Rape Culture To Protect Their Daughters:
Trigger warning… This has some bad language and broaches an incredibly difficult subject, but if we don’t ask honest questions and address the issue, who will?
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/14/dear-daddy-campaign-video-care-norway_n_8802942.html?ncid=engmodushpmg00000004

Some of the Chibok girls are getting an Education and a New Future:
Much has been written about the Chibok girls, the 276 schoolgirls from the village of Chibok in northern Nigeria who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014. A few have been found or rescued in the past few months; most are still missing. However, there’s another group of those Chibok girls we’ve heard less about — those who managed to escape the night of the abduction.
https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-03-28/some-chibok-girls-are-getting-education-and-new-future

Self-Care: Putting on Your Oxygen Mask First:
Did you know that Penn State University recently published a research article outlining the impacts of stress on teachers? According to their study, teacher stress “compromises their health, sleep, quality of life, and teaching performance.” The good news is the study also cited mindfulness practices as an intervention to help reduce teacher stress.
https://dmind.org/self-care-putting-oxygen-mask-first/?utm_source=Niroga+News&utm_campaign=59052e4cf0-DM+NoLa+%231&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f1e8301031-59052e4cf0-112790825&mc_cid=59052e4cf0&mc_eid=837f607469

Local Inspiration for Teachers:
A celebration of You on National Teacher Appreciation Day May 2^nd…
http://www.inspirationforteachers.com/

Thanks this week go to David S, the team at Parenting 2.0, the team at the Niroga Institute, and Alex K!
Pay it forward!
Love,
Neville

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NevilleB108 Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbillimoria

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence
and making sure that impact lasts in your absence”