Category: Uncategorized

Happy Soul Food Friday!

What if that which we Seek is Hidden in Plain Sight?

Given:

Common Sense is Uncommon Practice

To know and NOT to do, is not to Know

It is not a lack of resources, but a lack of resourcefulness that keeps us from living our dream or living period,

Here are some links, clips and posts to remind us of our unbounded spirit, the power of the collective, the importance of taking chances and living OUR dream while helping others fulfill theirs…

10 Painfully Obvious Truths EVERYONE Forgets too Soon:

http://theunboundedspirit.com/10-painfully-obvious-truths-everyone-forgets-too-soon/

How Fast the Years Go…

Zero to fourteen years in a few minutes. Don’t miss a clip just because you are moving with zip!

http://viralvita.com/video/dad-films-his-daughter-every-single-week-for-14-years-the-result-is-breathtaking?%2Fvideo%2Fdad-films-his-daughter-every-single-week-for-14-years-the-result-is-breathtaking

 The Cure for Blood Cancers like Leukemia are Actually in the Hands of Ordinary People Like You and Me:

Every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. That is 15 people an hour…

The power to save a life is right in your bones if you are that critical match

http://bethematch.org/

To personalize this for a moment, a member of our community Mason M could use your help if you have a sec

Little Mason has had 16 transfusions in the last three months, and remains transfusion dependent in order to survive.
YOU could be that cure:

http://join.marrow.org/masonm 

Note: Regardless of if you are a match, we encourage everyone to visit your local Blood Bank, and donate blood and/or platelets and literally give the gift of life!

 Transformation Through Collaboration:

As we are a little over a month away from one of most collaborative events I have had the privilege of inspiring, ideating and implementing…

On May 27^th and 28^th in San Diego, join us for the American Marketing Association’s Cause Conference titled, “Transformation through Collaboration” for Purpose-Driven Leaders.

Comprising  42 Amazing speakers, moderated keynotes, breakouts and ignite presentations, all working in “Pasteur’s’ quadrant” where it is applied theory and a propensity for action that matters, using design thinking instead of strategic planning, and fostering radical collaboration in eco-systems instead of feudal and industrial age ego-systems + the right 300 people in the room will  = sheer magic!

Will you be there?

The sampler that follows is intended to give you a flavor for some of the speakers and their purpose and how they can help you live YOURS!

http://sdama.org/events/cause-conference-2014/

In the last week, with one of the Founders of the AMA Cause Conference Parker Pike, the Chair of the Ed Studies Department at UCSD, Dr. Alan Daly, and my fellow Co-Chair for this year’s American Marketing Association Cause Conference, Charles Tassos we produced a pod cast (4 parts) on Cause Marketing.

Here is the link to the first segment:

http://filesource.abacast.com/wsradio/weekinmarketing/040914/segment1040914.mp3

Wade the President of the station had this useful tidbit that I found insightful:

We are moving from a world of turning on a TV OR a Radio, to a web based world where I can have Video AND Audio AND Print on a website.

So we need to use them synergistically, recognizing their unique qualities.

What Print does best, is convey data, because it moves at the speed of comprehension.

What Video does best is instruct through the power of demonstration.

What Audio does best is creating bonding relationship, because of the power of “Theater of the Mind”, which is engaged when there are no visuals.

One message, 3 communication platforms. Use appropriately.

 

Here are some vids from a few of our amazing speakers in May:

 

The Disconnected, Connected World. with Larry K.
I have worked most of my life to make a difference in the world. On January 26 I delivered a TEDx Talk, titled “The Disconnected, Connected World.”
This talk is the culmination of numerous life lessons over the past 20 years. When I was asked to deliver the talk I thought the most enjoyable part would be delivering the speech, but that was not the case. The process of creating the talk was actually the amazing part. I invite you to watch the talk at the following link and provide me your feedback:

Authentic Self-Expression” with Sarah H.

TEDx Talk –

 

Give Something Back with Michael H.

 

For a complete list of Speakers click here:

http://sdama.org/events/cause-conference-2014/#agenda

 

Thanks this week go to Ron M, Heidi D, Wade T, Mason and Corinne M, Larry K, Sarah H, Mike H, the AMA Cause Conference ALL-Volunteer Planning Committee, and every one of you who helps make someone’s life better this week!

Whether you are simplifying your life, saving another’s, or changing other’s lives for the better, here’s to a life well lived!

Pay it Forward!

Love,
Neville

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

 

Happy Soul Food Friday

This week:

Let’s Explore those Grand Ultimate Limits! 

• 4 Questions to Test your Smarts (no pressure)
• Stand in Awe as One Person Transforms Her “Vulner-Abilities” into Sheer Magic
• Had an Extreme Day? Try this One!
• Value Extreme Leadership? Steve Farber is a Master                                                   o   Getting your Core Values Seen not Just Heard- This is Extremely Cool!
• An “Open Way” Like a Growth Mindset can be that Difference that Makes a Difference
• Extreme Genius in Theater, Film, and beyond: Pushing Boundaries with a Muse called Innovation
• An Extreme Hug and its Neuro-Biological Effects:                                                         o   Trust, Morality and Oxytocin
• Extremely Zany Non-Smart Do-It-Yourself Work

 

Let’s Start with that Brain Teaser to test the limits of your Smarts 🙂

IF YOU ANSWER ALL FOUR, YOU ARE PURPORTLY A GENIUS (OR AT LEAST A GOOD LATERAL THINKER)

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

 

ANSWERS

* 1. The last person took the basket with the egg in it.

* 2. All the other card players were women.

* 3. Pour the juice from the second glass into the fifth.

* 4. The recluse lived in a lighthouse.

PASS THIS ON TO FRUSTRATE THE SMART PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE

If I can can, YOU can can…

Maysoon Zayid is a comedian who happens to have cerebral palsy. She advocates for the disabled and founded Maysoon’s Kids (which addresses the needs of disabled children in Palestine).  Maysoon is inspirational and proves that stereotypes are meant to be broken.

Her extreme courage and vulnerability will touch your soul at: http://www.ted.com/talks/maysoon_zayid_i_got_99_problems_palsy_is_just_one

 

If You Think Your Day is/was Extreme, Check out this One… 

There are many flavors of Extreme and No One Models Extreme Leadership better than Steve Farber!

 Getting your Core Values Seen not Just Heard- This is Extremely Cool!

 BTW, Steve is a bestselling author, terrific speaker, downright nice guy and will be at the American Marketing Association Cause Conference I am co-chairing, May 27^th and 28^th in San Diego along with 40+ other leaders, speakers, and change agents as we deliver on the theme of “Transformation through Collaboration”. We will close registration at 300 to keep it a rich and intimate experience. For more info and to register visit: http://sdama.org/events/cause-conference-2014/

 

Present Moment Mindfulness/Self Awareness x Radical Collaboration predicated on Collective Intelligence can = Transformational Outcomes for Previously Intractable Social Issues

An Open Way Like a Growth Mindset can be the Difference that Makes a Difference…

Click here! 

“Ditching the Plan and Embracing Imperfection”

There is no easy way to summarize the contribution Quebec-born Robert Lepagehas made to the arts, and no single art to tie him to either. He is not only considered a genius in the field of theatre, but also a creative force in film, opera and Quebec’s signature Cirque du Soleil shows. The actor and director has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and conjuring up complex visual effects. His one constant muse appears to be innovation itself.

Some Takeaways:

• A thirst to innovate, an appreciation for the Renaissance, Shakespeare and Moliere
• Unafraid of chaos in the creative process and humble enough to say I don’t know everything…
• The real promise of real theatre – a community meeting a community. Bad theater is when what happens onstage never makes it into the room- i.e. Never really connecting with the audience

“It always arrives where it belongs in the end”

The article:

http://www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2014/04/02/robert-lepage-on-q/

Listen now…

http://www.cbc.ca/q/popupaudio.html?clipIds=2446138639

The 6 second Hug:

http://www.gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2007/04/why_happiness_i-2/

Trust, Morality and Oxytocin

http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin

Last but not least some Zany Humor…

How to Change the Brake Pads in Your Car- some extreme do it yourself work…

Thanks this week go to Larry H, Heather J, Steve F, BH K, Sonia R and those who push the extreme limits of humanity everywhere!

Follow your Muse & Pay it forward…

Love,

Neville

“Do what you LOVE
Serving those who
Love what YOU do”
–Steve Farber

Happy Soul Food Friday!

Compassion IT in America’s Kindest City
Re-Design Your Thinking and Radicalize your Collaborations
Percuss your Soul

In the past week, I completed yet another trip around the sun, over 19,723 days + by last reckoning. Using the 10,000 hour rule you would have thunk I would be getting good at this but that is debatable…

As my karate community wanted to celebrate my birthday we invested the day with dojo mates from near and far; setting our morning intention with a compassion meditation thanks to Sara S of Compassion IT, followed by a fun and deep dive into design thinking, social capital optimization and working on the design process in “Pasteur’s Quadrant” courtesy of Dr. D, leading to an afternoon in embodied practice of collective intelligence and radical collaboration advancing our art, and it all culminating in an extraordinary surprise and most deeply resonant drum circle and percussion fest courtesy of Monette M bringing her infectious energy back into my soul after two decades of being part of her Afro-Caribbean drumming class.

My karate group set me up really well for this surprise at the end of the day proving once again that making a fool of yourself, or being made a fool of is not such a bad thing after all. Most of us have been well conditioned (rightly or wrongly) to develop an abject fear of failure, which precludes risk-taking, which limits innovation, which restricts growth which kills surprise and wonder, which leaves our soul hungry and thirsty.  Thanks to their conniving and stealth, I am still smiling –inside and out- as I reflect on how both the intended and unexpected collided into a terrific, near magical experience. But enough about me…

Is it Time for Your Hero’s Journey:
Let this vid set the tone for your advance…

While I’m not 35, this clip says it pretty darn well
Surprise YOURself. Be Happy, Excited and Inspired so you can say, “Damn, that was awesome!”
http://vimeo.com/62716181

Slomo:
The One that Got Away…
If you don’t feel like this from time to time you’re lying, or so deep under that social hypnosis spell it is hard to consider an “alternate reality”
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/01/opinion/slomo.html?_r=0

Speaking of Percussion, Stay Thirsty my Friends!

Too Yang for you? Try This Irish Blessing…
Click on:  Irish Blessing
Then sit back, take a deep breath, relax and click on Start!

If you are local…
Brand Narrative – Your Competitive Edge in a Crowded Marketplace

Tuesday, April 15, 2014
UC San Diego Extension
6256 Greenwich Drive
San Diego, CA 92122

 

Thanks this week go to Peter S, Sara S, Alan D, Monette M, Terri and Ken M, Paul S, Larry H, my entire traditional martial arts community, as well as friends and family worldwide!

Wishing you a Spring in 2014 that coils up tight and launches you to your pole star where dreams really do come true and there is no place like Aum.

Love and Happiness,
Neville/Dad/Friend/Sensei/Neighbor/April’s Fool

Happy Soul Food Friday!

The History of Our World in 2 minutes?
Click on this video but don’t blink for even a second!
17 year old Joe Bush got a high school assignment to make a video
reproduction. He chose history as a theme and tucked it all into two minutes.
Take pictures from the internet, add the track Mind Heist by Zack Hemsey
(from the movie Interception) and then you get something like this.
Hold on tight!
http://marcbrecy.perso.neuf.fr/history.html

Take Measure of America
Easy to use and methodologically sound tools to understand Wellbeing and Opportunity in America, exploring Health, Education and Income
A great resource!
https://www.measureofamerica.org/

The Ten Best Sentences from Fiction and Non Fiction
While subjective, if you are lover of language these are powerful forms of human expression
http://theamericanscholar.org/ten-best-sentences/

The Number One Way to Increase Happiness:

WHAT IF… the best way to maximize your happiness is to savor it?
Find out more about savoring the moment on the Thought Rocket website.

Irreverent Reverence:
It is important to be able to laugh at ourselves…

HOLY HUMOR
During these serious and troubled times, people of all faiths should remember these four great religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God’s Chosen People.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at the liquor store.
GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan.
She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and
Bleeding, what would you do?”
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up.”
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?”
“No,” replied Johnny. “How could he, with just two worms.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible – Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task – but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know”.
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why.
Well, Honey,” he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. “I’m asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.”
“How come He doesn’t answer it?” she asked.
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, “So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That’s very commendable. What does she say?”
The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed!”
ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, “And all girls.”
This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, “Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?”
Her response, “Because everybody always finish their prayers by saying ‘All Men’!
SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
“Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.” said his mother.
“I don’t need to,” the boy replied.
“Of course, you do “his mother insisted. “We always say a prayer before eating at our house.”
“That’s at our house.” Johnny explained. “But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook”.

Training on the Equinox at the Salk and staying in tune with nature…

Sincere thanks this week go to Helene G, Larry H, KPBS, The American Scholar, Will Marre, my Aoinagi Karate Community and the Divine Comedy in All of Us!

Savor!!
Love,
Neville

Happy Soul Food Friday!

 

This week:

GR-IT:
Does Teaching Kids to Get Gritty Help them to Get Ahead?
Given the name of our martial arts school translates as the Green Willow embodying persistence, this NPR story go my attention…
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=290089998&m=290759663

Compassion IT:
As the Co-Chair of the American Marketing Association Cause Conference this year, I am privileged to run into people and organizations like this one…

At COMPASSION IT, we made “compassion” a verb; our #1 goal is to inspire people around the world to consciously incorporate compassion in their daily lives and inspire others through compassionate actions.
We believe we can move the world toward happiness and global connection through our one-of-a-kind reversible COMPASSION IT bracelets—dark side reminds you to commit an act of compassion, flip to the light side when your compassionate action is complete.
With something as simple as a smile to a stranger, helping a friend move, or thinking before we speak, this daily ritual of “flipping your bracelet” has a ripple effect and will enrich and change millions of lives.
From the Parliament in Botswana to classrooms in Costa Rica to homes in Nepal to small-town America, COMPASSION IT is spreading its message, one bracelet at a time. In fact, COMPASSION IT is already in more than 42 countries around the world!
Our bracelets are intended primarily for fundraisers; at an affordable cost, communities, schools, businesses, and even families can raise money using COMPASSION IT bracelets, influence positive behaviors through a pass-it-on ripple effect, and have an impact of peace and mindfulness that affects everyone.
Thanks Sara J. Schairer, Founder of Compassion It
www.compassionit.com

 Grat-ITude:
One of my favorite Ted Talks which will remind us all of what is most essential…
https://www.youtube.com/embed/gXDMoiEkyuQ

10 Simple Rules to be Nice
Just friggin’ do IT!
http://www.robinsharma.com/blog/03/10-simple-rules-to-be-nice/

MORE COMPANIES SEE ‘DOING GOOD’ AS WAY TO GROW BUSINESS:
We are working hard locally to transform the region… Can you help us lead IT?
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Mar/17/tp-more-companies-see-doing-good-as-way-to-grow/2/?#article-copy

If you are local…
Join IT

Make Art & Support Art in Schools
Sunday, March 23 2pm to 5pm
Mia Francesca
Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Register now!

In case you missed IT:
Hope you enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day…

Thanks this week go to KPBS/NPR, Sara S, Scott B/L, Robin Sharma, Andrea Y/C, ArtReach and Heidi D who is soon to be married!

Pay IT Forward!
Love,
Neville

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week, instead of several items, I provide just 1 link to 1 video that takes about 7 minutes

If we can’t find 7 minutes in one week which has 10080 minutes, we have made ourselves quite time poor…

We don’t get today back so here is to your total enrichment!

Thanks this week to Helene G for this moving piece!

Pay it forward and backward, in the moment…

Love,

Neville

“Parents (and teachers) can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, 

but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”

– Anne Frank  (parenthesis mine…)

Please donate Airlines Miles, it takes 2 seconds. Thank you!

http://sandiego.wish.org/ways-to-help/giving/airline-miles

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

How Wolves Change Rivers

Old beyond her Ears

What a difference timing makes…

Click here to find out why!

Paint your heART Out!

If you are local…

CREATIVITY CONNECTS:  CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!

Mission Federal ArtWalk @ Little Italy:  April 26 & 27, 2014

Ask me how ARTREACH can bring art education into elementary schools county-wide.  www.artreachsandiego.org

A little birdy told me…to click here

Thanks this week go to Helene G, JJ, Heidi D, Will M, Sandi C & Larry H.

Pay it Forward!

Love,

Neville

“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.”—H. G. Wells

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week, Think Different!

 

The Horse Lion Whisperer- Relationships Beyond Fear

Rethink your notions about wildlife

http://sftimes.co/?id=78&src=share_fb_new_78 

Acceptance of Others Vulnerabilities Starts with Accepting Oneself!

Talk about turning your stumbling blocks into stepping stones!

Want to Change the Education System?
Listen to Students! Duh!!

http://www.good.is/posts/want-to-change-the-education-system-listen-to-students?utm_source=tdg&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Want%2Bto%2BChange%2Bthe%2BEducation%2BSystem%3F%2BListen%2Bto%2BStudents&utm_campaign=cta 

The Sochi Olympics in 2 minutes:

http://sports.yahoo.com/video/sochi-two-weeks-two-minutes-151809588.html

I WILL NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT MY JOB EVER AGAIN!!!!

Click here to see why!

Thanks this week go to Helene G, Laurie R, Dan M, The Daily Good, Andrea M, and Marianne H.

Stay Grateful and Pay it Forward!

Love,

Neville

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.”— Wayne Dyer

Happy Soul Food Friday and Happy Birthday Aysha!

This week:

Get Straight A’s to Start a Happiness Pandemic

Attention, Appreciation & Affection

https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140218014656-75054000-one-need-no-one-can-afford-to-ignore?trk=eml-ced-b-art-M-0&midToken=AQGcAzYph2uePw&ut=2gxFO01RFYc681&_mSplash=1 

Why are parents avoiding the “money conversation” with their kids?

If you are local, here is an invitation to FACT$ of LIFE.

It is a fun filled workshop where parents can learn how to discuss the sensitive issue of money and related issues with their kids.

These are some of the FACT$ OF LIFE:

• Kids know more about the “birds and bees” than fiscal responsibility at an impressionable young age.
• Few parents teach their kids the FACT$ OF LIFE.
• The average debt of college graduates in 2012 was $29,400.
• Where and how will kids learn to navigate the world of money?

Who:                    The presentation will be led by Glenda Sacks and Hillel Katzeff.

What:                   1.5 Hour live presentation (with additional time for Q&A)

Where:                4330 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 330, San Diego, CA 92122 (conference room)

When:                  Wednesday February 26^th, 2014  11:30am – 1:30pm

A nominal charge of $15 includes:

• presentation printout
• light meal
• follow-up opportunities

Do you agree:  Starting conversations to educate children about financial literacy is very important?

Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may benefit or who would like to attend – Grandparents, Educators, Program Directors, Parent-Teacher-Student Organizations, etc.

RVSP by 2/20/14 to Glenda at 858-546-8505 or glendasacks@gmail.com

Good Samaritan Backfire

This can really get your blood boiling…

https://medium.com/p/9f53ef6a1c10/

No Matter how Bad Things get, there is something Good in the World

Celebrating Differences and Experience the Difference between Happy and AMAZING!

http://www.viralnova.com/owen-and-haatchi/

 Rare Shots that will Blow Your Mind!

The agony and ecstasy of nature…

Click here!

Thanks this week go to Ron M, Hillel K, Sean D, Heidi D, and Larry H.

Pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

“You are the only person on earth

who can use your ability.”

— Zig Ziglar

Happy Love Day!

Bring Me a Higher Love:

The Inuits (you may know them as Eskimos) have many words for snow- given their depth of experience with the subject.

In the same vein, the ancient Greeks hade many words for love, and today while we celebrate the romantic kind- replete with roses, chocolates and valentines- I would like to do a shout out to another kind of love- love of humanity!

For a change, I agree with popular culture assessments and with Time magazine selecting him as Person of the Year.

Check this out:

Click here!

Optical illusions by Russian painter Oleg Shuplyak:

This is genius!

This week in La Jolla:

Awesome wildlife pics right in our backyard and hidden in plain sight

Underwater and hunting for fish, the Brandt’s Cormorant moves like a snake. The reptilian analogy is not misplaced since it’s ancestors were closely related to T-Rex (like all birds, truth be told). This fellow is in mating plumage doing his best to catch the eye of an interested party. It’s now thought that the big dinosaurs may also have sported vibrant colors to attract mates. Some had feathers too. We’ll have to wait until some paleontologist finds intact DNA in a Tyrannosaur fossil and we resurrect one.

Another living dinosaur. I’ve gone in close here so we can make out the pale blue eyes of the Brown Pelican. During the DDT years (50s through 70s) this bird flew perilously close to extinction. It has made a marvelous recovery and its numbers are soaring, although it’s under stress at the moment from a fairly severe sardine and anchovy shortage. There is some chance that the same persistent high pressure system that is causing California’s drought is also forcing the fish elsewhere. The data is preliminary, but CA could be in for a rough ride if history repeats itself in the form of a phenomenon called the pacific decadal oscillation. Yes, they can shift the weather for decades.

Hard to miss the aesthetic quality of a California Sea Lion. Evolutionary forces made this creature sleek and highly maneuverable underwater. Different than seals because of features like the ear flap (quite visible in this shot), sea lions are sometimes called eared seals. The males can get up to 8 feet and over 600 pounds. Females, like this beauty with her pup, come in at about 220 pounds. Sea lions can dive to a depth of 1,000 feet. In 2012 researchers discovered that they collapse their lungs at around 600 feet to store air in the upper passages and to stave off decompression sickness after ascent.

The more you see, the more you’ll look.

Thanks this week to Ken D, Larry H and Charles S.

Love and Happiness!
Neville

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
Greek Proverb