Happy Soul Food Friday!

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

A follow up from the Mother’s Day Fancy Dress Swim to combat Malaria

By the looks of it, these moms had an exhilarating experience doing good and celebrating motherhood!

(Thanks Marlaine)

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“No man should bring children into the world who is unwilling to persevere to the end in their nature and education.”— Plato

Some of you were inspired last week by Peyton Goddard.

I even heard from one fellow soul foodie that she and her mom taught Sunday School with Dianne Goddard and that Peyton would attend.

This link of Peyton’s speech along with her therapist is inspirational, insightful & humbling and allows us to see how both the teacher and the student bring out the best in one another

“Great is EACH!”

http://www.peytongoddard.com/aboutpeytonmovie.html

(Thanks Barb)

If “your attitude determines your altitude” this little guy can’t help but make you smile…
Our attitude toward life defines not only who we are, but the quality of life we will have.

Click here!

Anything bugging you today?  

Doesn’t seem so bad anymore, does it?

“Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain”.

(Thanks Chris)

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Want to know and overcome the 6 Enemies of Greatness and Happiness?
Read on…

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2012/02/28/the-six-enemies-of-greatness-and-happiness/

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Feeling a little snarky?

Here is a little wit with spit…

1. Never raise your hands to your kids. It leaves your groin unprotected.
2. I’m not into working out. My philosophy is no pain, no pain.
3. I’m in shape. Round is a shape.
4. I’m desperately trying to figure out why Kamikaze pilots wore helmets.
5. Do illiterate people get the full effect of alphabet soup?
6. I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.
7. Ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you, but when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.
8. Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but going faster is a maniac?
9. You have to stay in shape. My mother started walking 5 miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now and we have no idea where she is!
10. I have six locks on my door, all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three of them.
11. One out of every three Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of two of your best friends. If they are OK, then it must be you.
12. They show you how detergents take out bloodstains. I think if you’ve got a T-shirt with bloodstains all over it, maybe your laundry isn’t your biggest problem.
13. Ask people why they have deer heads on their walls and they tell you it’s because they’re such beautiful animals. I think my wife is beautiful, but I only have photographs of her on the wall.
14. A lady came up to me on the street, pointed at my suede jacket and said, “Don’t you know a cow was murdered for that jacket?” I said, “I didn’t know there were any witnesses. Now I’ll have to kill you too!”

(Thanks Larry)

Ready for some Magical Photos?

Check these out!

(Thanks Paul)

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Finally a bit of levity, as laughter is a good tonic for the soul

Oh Lucille!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/kPvciIdDZAE

(Thanks Larry)

Stay Soul-filled!

Love,
Neville

Happy Soul Food Moments!

Teaching is a Calling and They Give Their Whole Being While Imparting a Love of Learning:
Last night I was privileged to attend the celebration of the New Department of Education Studies (formerly TEP) after 40 years of serving the educational community as a thriving academic program.

Sponsored by UCSD Alumni this event celebrated “official department status” in the division of the Social Sciences at UCSD.

Attended by hosts of graduates, supporters and practitioners of research, scholarship and practice it was reminiscent of when I was one of the students that successfully petitioned the Academic Senate to convert the Communications program into a full-fledged department at UCSD many years ago.

It was especially fun to hang out with many interconnected generations of student & teachers. For example one of my karate students Luz C. is now teaching in the Ed Studies program, and has as her PhD. Student Suzanne B., who is currently teaching my son Arman in Middle School! We truly are interconnected…

Did you know Chancellor Fox after getting her Masters in Cleveland taught 7^th grade math, and that Dean Elman was a public school teacher in a bi-lingual program at the early stages of his illustrious career?
Jeff Elman and Bud Mehan were true activists and advocates for that which is right and boy could I relate to their “all in” spirit and actions. They still have that rebellious nature too!

Congrats to Alan Daly for getting tenure- you so deserve it- and my hats off to Amanda Datnow for leading this group to new levels of greatness and impact in this most worthy of professions!

Thanks for including me in your celebration.

This week’s voyage of discovery includes:

Collective Impact for Education
On Tuesday I was honored to be at a table with the San Diego Grantmakers Education Funder’s where 50 local groups have come together to explore and prepare for a collective impact approach to education in San Diego County. A big aha that struck me literally right between the eyes at this meeting, came during a discussion of the great work the Price Charities are doing with a cluster of schools in City Heights. When Principals were polled about their most urgent and pressing need to positively impact education at their schools, the #1 thing they needed in the schools, was wait for it…

GLASSES!

That’s right, many of the kids in this low income community did not have the ability to see properly, and glasses would fundamentally change the landscape of education for them.

The difference between looking and seeing is profound at many levels. Paying attention is one of the most powerful tools in our soul food tool kit.

A Soul filled interview with bestselling author Maurice Sendak and NPR’s Terry Gross
As you might have heard bestselling author of children’s books Maurice Sendak died this week at the age of 82. His classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are is an award-winning favorite for generations of kids including my own.

Also on Tuesday, Terry Gross whom I consider one of the best interviewers of all time for her ability to be a great listener, to pay acute attention and ask delectable questions dedicated the entire show to Maurice and it epitomizes great journalism.

While listening to the entire 45 minute segment might not be in the cards, I would invite you to simply listen to the last section of the last interview as Maurice shares his experience of living, aging and yes even dying.

Pick up the audio at the 41 minute mark for a genuine soul-filled 5 minutes of full catastrophe living!

Listen to how Maurice esteems Terry at the end if you want to experience the power of paying attention and the gift you provide when you do this for others

This was a real “driveway moment” as I simply could not turn off the radio, listening to this in-the-moment experience and bawling my eyes out.

Click on the link below, click on listen to the story, wait for the requisite 15 second commercial, then toggle to the 41 minute mark and strap in for a soul journey…

I am in love with the world
It is a blessing to find the time
Live your life, live your life, live your life…
http://www.npr.org/2012/05/08/152248901/fresh-air-remembers-author-maurice-sendak

Confront the brutal facts, but NEVER give up hope!
Speaking of inspirational, this is a remarkable story…

Pat and his wife Diane have a 42 year-old daughter who was severely, severely autistic.  She never looked anyone in the eye, or communicated in any way with anyone until she was 22.  But Pat and Diane spent those 22 years always making Peyton a part of their family and life.  She was never excluded from any conversation, family gathering, or school event. Pat and Peyton took her to normal classes all through grammar school and high school. Still not any reaction from Peyton…

And then, at 22, Peyton very awkwardly picked up a computer keyboard and typed the words, “I am Intellgent”.

This is about her story.

Today, Peyton is following through on her vow to be an advocate on behalf of other devalued people.

Her inspirational life embodies the notion that “All people are vastly valuable. Treasure all because each is great.”

http://www.amazon.com/Am-Intelligent-Heartbreak-Healing–A-Daughters/dp/076277925X/ref=sr_1_1?i.e.=UTF8&qid=1334582016&sr=8-1 

(Thanks Remar)

“Learn, learn, learn. Be thankful for everything. Everything is a present”
Many of you loved last week’s article about Alice Sommer Herz. This 5 minute video shares more about here remarkable story.

Alice Sommer Herz is thought of with affection by hundreds of thousands of people in the world as both a sage and a saint. Her wisdom is evident in almost everything that she says. Her saintliness is seen in her almost unique tolerance and her compassion. She has the true gift of forgiveness. “Life is beautiful, love is beautiful, nature and music are beautiful. Everything is a present.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5VTkQKgxkY&feature=related
(Thanks Anne)

Elevate your mood with this blend of sound and moving pictures in nature that is positively transcendental:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk6_hdRtJOE
(Thanks Mique)

Finally, these pictures are worth more than a thousand words…

What is your fav?

Take a look!
(Thanks Larry)

“The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”–MARCEL PROUST

It’s Soul Food time again!

Considering a Soul-Filled Mother’s Day?

Join the Fourth Annual Mothers’ Day Fancy Dress Swim in Oceanside where 100 women will be swimming -though just dipping in works just fine- to help prevent malaria worldwide.

100% of each $5 donated, purchases an insecticide treated bed net and spares fellow moms around the world the agony of losing their babies to malaria.

After this powerful way to launch Mother’s day, spend the rest of the day getting thoroughly pampered knowing you have made an impact not just at home but for a complete stranger.

Note: Non-swimmers can simply donate if they prefer not to get wet.

This is organized by OneSanDiego.org and the coordinator is Marlaine Cover who can be reached by Cell: 760.803.0837 or by email Marlaine@Parenting2pt0.org

http://www.worldswimagainstmalaria.com/Fundraiser.aspx?ProjectID=13&FundRaiserID=6471
(thanks Marlaine)

Life isn’t always Fair!

Here are 7 life lessons from the oldest holocaust survivor in the world that will really inspire you…

Do share which of the seven lessons resonates most for you in the blog comments…

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/19/my-take-7-life-lessons-from-a-holocaust-survivor/
(Thanks  Ruben)

With that reset are YOU Ready for the Real Rules of life?

The greater the hiding the more the self-revelation…

We are brought up to believe a certain set of rules: The early bird gets the worm. Slow and steady wins the race. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Good things happen to good people. Keep your faith, work hard, and all your dreams will come true. But then we grow up. We learn that life isn’t really fair. There are no fairy godmothers, and not everything works out in the end, no matter how good we have been or how hard we’ve tried.

Why, then, are these myths perpetuated? Because clichés and over-simple recipes for living provide a soothing way to manage our daily lives without confronting the harsh reality that some parts of our lives are out of our control.

For several decades, local expert and my friend – Ken Druck has been willing to stand up and write about what we have hidden from ourselves for so long: we need to confront life as it is, not as we want it to be.

We cannot magically wish things into reality. We cannot expect happiness or success to manifest from daily affirmations. By embracing the real rules of life, we discover life’s terms and learn to balance them with our own, preventing costly psychological debts and developing the life skills, underlying wisdom, and emotional freedom essential for fuller, richer lives.

Ken’s new book will resonate with what readers know to be true about how life really is. Readers will discover themselves in vibrant teaching stories from the front lines of Dr. Druck’s pioneering work with individuals, families, communities, leaders, and cutting-edge organizations. They will push the refresh button on long-held myths and limitations, turning them into empower truths, redirecting their lives in much more effective and purposeful ways, and reinvigorating the pursuit of their dream.

Sound interesting? Check out “The Real Rules of Life: Balancing Life’s Terms With Your Own” during their May 14th Bestseller Campaign Launch.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Real-Rules-Life-Balancing/dp/1401939716

Ken Druck, Ph.D.is the Founder of The Jenna Druck Center

www.jennadruck.org
(thanks Ken)

Ready for some good PunoGraphy?

Here goes…
I changed my iPod name to Titanic. It’s syncing now.

When chemists die, they barium.

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst .

I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. But he says he can stop any time.

How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I’d never met herbivore.

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity and I can’t put it down.

I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

They told me I had type A blood, but it was a Type-O.

Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations.

Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope there’s no pop quiz .

Energizer bunny arrested. Charged with battery.

I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it.

Did you hear about the cross eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils?

What does a clock do when it’s hungry? It goes back four seconds.

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Broken pencils are pointless.

I tried to catch some fog. I mist.

What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus.

England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.

I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.

I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.

All the toilets in New York’s police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on.

I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.

Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.

Velcro – what a rip off.

Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are sketchy.

Venison for dinner? Oh deer.

Earthquake in Washington obviously government’s fault.

I used to think I was indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.

I do not enjoy computer jokes. Not one bit.

Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too.
(thanks Larry H. )

HandShadowGraphy:

Now this is really creative!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryFQFzN6AMk
(thanks Larry G)

Planning Some Vacation Travel?

Enjoy this quick trip to the Greek Isles- no packing, lines or Euro crisis involved…

Click here!

Be Well, Laugh Lots, and Stay Soulful

Pay it forward!

Love,
Neville

“You are the only person on earth
who can use your ability.”

— Zig Ziglar

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

11 Benefits of Being Positive:

There is a lot of research on the positive effects of being positive and the negative effects of being negative. The research is clear. It really does pay to be positive and the benefits include enhanced health and longevity, happiness, career advancement, athletic performance, team building and financial success. Being positive is not just a nice way to live. It’s the way to live. In this spirit here are 11 benefits of being positive.

1. Positive People Live Longer – In a study of nuns, those that regularly expressed positive emotions lived on average 10 years longer. (The Nun Study)

2. Positive work environments outperform negative work environments. (Daniel Goleman)

3. Positive, optimistic sales people sell more than pessimistic sales people. (Martin Seligman)

4. Positive leaders are able to make better decisions under pressure. (Heartmath.org)

5. Marriages are much more likely to succeed when the couple experiences a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions whereas when the ratio approaches 1 to 1, marriages are more likely to end in divorce. (John Gottman)

6. Positive people who regularly express positive emotions are more resilient when facing stress, challenges and adversity. (Several Studies)

7. Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture which helps them identify solutions whereas negative people maintain a narrower perspective and tend to focus on problems. (Barbara Fredrickson)

8. Positive thoughts and emotions counter the negative effects of stress. For example, you can’t be thankful and stressed at the same time. (Several Studies)

9. Positive emotions such as gratitude and appreciation help athletes perform at a higher level. (Heartmath.org)

10. Positive people have more friends which is a key factor of happiness and longevity. (Robert D. Putnam)

11. Positive and popular leaders are more likely to garner the support of others and receive pay raises and promotions and achieve greater success in the workplace. (Tim Sanders)

(Thanks Larry)

Some highlights from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s (HHDL) First San Diego visit entitled “Compassion without Borders”:

HHDL was in San Diego for several days, speaking at all the major universities. I was privileged to attend his UCSD event as I serve on the UCSD Alumni Board. The topic was Climate Change but the discussion encapsulated so much more from a wise and humble soul…

Important global issues such as Climate Change require agreement that it is a problem, as well as collective agreement on the response. Unlike bloodshed and violence that are “visibly abhorrent”, climate change is a slow, silent killer and invisibly abhorrent; hence the lack of public awareness and support to address the critical issue.

A theme HHDL brought up was universal responsibility, and how global interests must take precedence over national interests. “Look at birds: Even they respect their nests because they know their survival depends on it,” he said. “This small blue planet is our only home. If we do not respect it, the entire planet and billions and billions of species will be affected. This is a question of life, a question of survival for the entire planet.”.

The Left Behind 2.7 Billion… Out of 7 billion people on this planet, 2.7 billion people have no access to fossil fuels. The resulting cost to their health, and planet’s health is disastrous, and If we don’t stem the tide in the next 5 to 10 years the prognosis gets progressively worse! This urgency is scientific not political or ideological as validated but the eminent scientists that were panelists with HHDL on the stage.

Sometimes human development requires a  “Change of Spirit”. We work hard to cultivate sharper minds, and that is good because Mind creates Meaning. However, Spirit creates Understanding. Many of our most insidious challenges are the result of wrong identification of self. In other words we believe we are somehow different from our neighbor. But don’t believe everything you think! We need to open our eyes, and our hearts to the nature of our condition as a community, living together inter-dependently on this small blue planet we call our home.

His HHDL has cultivated such a genuine respect & admiration for the practice of science because in his words; Skepticism à Creates Questions àBring Research à Fosters Analysis à Generates Answers! And this is the very same process on the spiritual path…

Developing our minds makes us smarter. Developing our spirit, cultivates warm-heartedness, and this is an essential ingredient in a complete education. Note: Sounds like a pretty good case for Soul Food Fridays!

(Thanks UCSD)

Committed to Giving Your Kids a Complete Education? Turn your Family, Friends and Community on to Back Pack Free Friday May 4th:

Every day millions of children go to school tired, dehydrated, and many times also hungry. Back Pack Free Friday focuses public awareness on the very real burdens lack of appreciation for children’s foundational health, places on children and schools. Back Pack Free Friday is sponsored by an international consciousness movement called Parenting 2.0 (P20), the top ranked parenting group on LinkedIn with nearly 1,700 members in more than 40 countries.  P20 advocates a more proactive educational process for non-academic Life Skills.

I am proud to be a member of Parenting 2.0, and invite you to join the group, participate in and spread the word about our Back Pack Free Friday campaign that launches May 4th.

For more information visit:  http://parenting2pt0.org/media/

Here is additional information from another P20 member who blogged about this at: http://braininsights.blogspot.com/2012/04/lifting-burden-off-children-and-schools.html

(Thanks Marlaine)

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Mission Fed ArtWalk 2012:

Artwalk is a flagship event for Art in San Diego and Mission Fed is proud to be the title sponsor for the 5^th year in a row. ArtReach (a non-profit)- but I prefer for benefit -brings art professionals into the classroom to unleash the artist in every one of us.

Art and Spirit are integral aspects of the human experience. Discernment requires not just looking but seeing! Our aesthetics are forged in spirit and ironically, vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity & change.

Seeing ourselves differently, this change of spirit can be sparked by art. It reaches a deeper part of ourselves, it touches our soul.

Your rational mind may or may not be able to explain the awe and wonder that manifests when you resonate with the artistic but it is there…

Explaining is fine, but when we start to explain AWAY; awe, wonder, mystery, the sacred, the magical we stifle a key aspect of the human experience and thwart the soul.

Think Different has become a maxim of modernity

Try SEE Different and watch as “shift happens”…

Come to Little Italy this weekend and experience the best of San Diego’s local art scene for yourself

ArtWalk 2012 Email

(Thanks Mission Fed)

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Google Earth reconnects a lost child with his mother after 25 years!

An amazing story that speaks to an unintended consequence and power of the information age…

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/4/2012041720120417223101765ab97b287/Google-Earth-helps-lost-Indian-boy-trace-Mom-25-years-later.html

(Thanks Brian)

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A Real Tearjerker: One young person’s attitude in the face of adversity giving rise to greatness…

Korea’s Got Talent and this young man understands that “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” as Zig Ziglar likes to say…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThI7QT8znpc&feature=youtu.be

(Thanks Heidi)

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Soul Food Friday is never complete without some Animal Crackers:

Enjoy some pet humor…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34z5dCmC4M

(Thanks Sarah M.)

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Stay Soulful, Artful and Inspired!

Pay it forward…
Love,
Neville

“Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.”
— Pablo Picasso

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Imagination is a very special ingredient in our soul food repertoire, and this piece was submitted by two separate sources (thanks Larry & Robin) to bring you joy and delight.

Remember when you were a little kid and how the power of your imagination kept you occupied for hours?

This little guy, with the support of his dad, acted on his imagination and built a whole arcade out of cardboard in East LA.

Sadly because of its location nobody came 😦

Then one equally imaginative customer decided to use a similarly important soul-food ingredient (a conscious act of kindness) to make this dream come true!

Watch this all the way to the end…

http://vimeo.com/40000072

Servant Leaders are constantly getting hammered in the media

In stark contrast to mainstream mania, here is a leader that models real leadership and courage (terror faced just like the rest of us but just a bit longer than most)

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/04/13/woman_rescued_by_nj_mayor_in_serious_condition/

(thanks Louis)

Wonder why many of the Yoga poses are named after animals?

This won’t solve the mystery but will make you smile all the way to the Finnish J

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/sep/15/yoga-bear-finland#/?picture=366722335&index=0
(thanks Rex)

It really is all about Perspective:

Stare at this picture carefully and you will see this man turn his face.
Is it is all about how you look?

(Thanks Larry)

Music Interlude:

Whether you are young and already animated, or aging and in need of some re-animation, music has a unique power to transform our lives.

First check out these young’uns kicking it on their musical instruments

Click here: sleepymanbanjoboys – YouTube 

(Thanks Larry)

Then see the power of Music profoundly awaken the souls of senior citizens

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKDXuCE7LeQ&sns=em

(thanks Heidi)

Finally, go deep in your own underwater paradise in Fiji and Tonga

http://www.youtube.com/embed/mcbHKAWIk3I

(thanks Larry)

Feed your imagination, cultivate your leadership skills, stay flexible, maintain perspective, let the music move you and go deep into soul-filled living!

Love,

Neville

“I laugh when I hear that the fish in the water is thirsty…”

— Kabir

Happy Soul Food Friday!

If you had people over for the Passover/Easter weekend, I am guessing you could probably have used this table

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh_qn62zny0

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Here is something else you can store under your bed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxcKBcqZyNA

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Tired of bike racks and even pedaling? This bike from VW engineers takes ‘transportation within transportation’ it to a whole new level -and is a great feat!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXhhWXw9V7A

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Some Contemporary Poetry to fill your soul…

The Journey

Above the mountains
the geese turn into the light again
Painting their black silhouettes on an open sky.
Sometimes everything has to be inscribed across the heavens
so you can find the one line already written inside you.
Sometimes it takes a great sky to find that
small, bright and indescribable wedge of freedom in your own heart.
Sometimes with the bones of the black sticks left when the fire has gone out
someone has written something new in the ashes of your life.
You are not leaving
You are arriving.

By David Whyte

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Business Schools actually teaching and studying Mindfulness, so execs can clear their heads and become aware of reflexive emotional actions that can lead to bad decisions ?

Read this article

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Let’s end as we often do, with the power of pictures, where you can create your own captions!

Caption These

Thanks Larry, Elisa, Ron S, for this week’s contributions!

Stay Kind & Pay it forward…
Love, Neville

“One should guard against preaching to young people success in the customary form as the main aim in life. The most important motive for work in school and in life is pleasure in work, pleasure in its result, and the knowledge of the value of the result to the community.” – Albert Einstein, On Education

Happy Soul-filled Friday!

The Power of Attitude:

Have you ever run into people that seem eternally positive? It’s not like they are putting you on or anything, they just genuinely have cultivated the skill of being and focusing on the positive things in life. They embody the notion that attitudes are infectious and make theirs definitely worth catching!

At work we are blessed to have a plant service. Ernie New is our BD and Client Care Specialist from Green Leaf Interior Plant Solutions. Ernie does “the rounds” making sure our plants are healthy, happy and watered just right.

But Ernie doesn’t just care for the plants. Plant care, in my opinion, is just a great excuse to care for people!

While we may see his role as the plant guy, I think we are missing his PURPOSE as a people guy.

Our I does not equal R, in other words our identity is not our role

Ernie is always positive, takes the time to connect with you personally if you are receptive, or does his thing innocuously if you are busy, and just seems to know when and how to extend himself.

As a student of human behavior, I have observed him keenly for months and last week felt compelled to ask him about his attitude and how the heck he remains so positive ALL THE TIME?

His response was quite illuminating.  Ernie said, “I don’t give much thought or attention to the negative”. In other words, it wasn’t some big deal or focus or personal commitment or externally imposed way of being. Ernie simply made THE DECISION to focus on the positive and at minimum, not focus on the negative.

All things being equal in the plant care business (or any business for that matter), I would want an Ernie taking care of my plants because at the same time he is also taking care of me!

Our role is not our identity.
At Mission Fed we are not in the financial services business, we are in the trust business.
It might be useful to self-assess how this plays out in your various roles too…

When each of us get clear on why we are here and the real impact we CAN have in the day-to-day lives of others BLISS HAPPENS!

Alignment with our Passion and Purpose transform our relationships to ourselves, one another and our world, and today I take my hat off to Ernie New from Green Leaf Interior Plant Solutions for modeling “the way”!
(thanks Ernie)

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Leading with Attitude is Critically important.

Here are 10 THOUGHTS ABOUT LEADERSHIP that resonated for me this week…

1. People follow the leader first and the leader’s vision second – It does not matter if the leader shares a powerful vision, if the leader is not someone who people will follow the vision will never be realized. As a leader, who you are makes a difference. The most important message you can share is yourself.

2. Trust is the force that connects people to the leader and his/her vision – Without trust there is a huge gap between the leader and the vision. Without trust people will stay off the bus. However if people trust the leader they will hop on the bus with the leader and help move the bus forward towards the vision.

3. Leadership is not just about what you do but what you can inspire, encourage and empower others to do.

4. A leader brings out the best within others by sharing the best within themselves.

5. Just because you’re driving the bus doesn’t mean you have the right to run people over – Abraham Lincoln said “Most anyone can stand adversity, but to test a man’s character give him power.” The more power you are granted the more it is your responsibility to serve, develop and empower others. When you help them grow they’ll help you grow.

6. “Rules without Relationship Leads to Rebellion” – Andy Stanley said this and it’s one of my favorite quotes. As a leader you can have all the rules you want but if you don’t invest in your people and develop a relationship with them they will rebel. This applies amazingly to children as well. It’s all about relationships.

7. Lead with optimism, enthusiasm and positive energy, guard against pessimism and weed out negativity.

8. Great Leaders know they don’t have all the answers – Rather they build a team of people who either know the answers or will find them.

9. Leaders inspire and teach their people to focus on solutions, not complaints. (The No Complaining Rule)

10. Great leaders know that success is a process not a destination – One of my heroes John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, never focused on winning. He knew that winning was the byproduct of great leadership, teamwork, focus, commitment and execution of the fundamentals. As a leader focus on your people and process, not the outcome

(thanks Larry)

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Everyone is a Superhero!

Check out this individual’s commitment to helping kids
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/rosenwald-md/post/who-is-the-route-29-batman-this-guy/2012/03/28/gIQA8nPjgS_blog.html
(thanks Rex)

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Our superhero traits sometimes are part of our nature and sometimes need to be nurtured. Enjoy this little guy who shows us that it is never too early to rock out… http://youtu.be/4wt824D1Bqg
(thanks Arman)

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Connecting with the natural world can be extremely centering and soul filling
This first slide deck is striking in the contrast of black and white photography of animals in Africa: Click here

The second Is a stunning hi def video from Alberta, Canada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ThFCg0tBDck
(thanks Chris for these two)

Finally, if a picture is worth a thousand words resonate with this…
A Visual Meaning of Words
(thanks Heidi)

Pay it forward!
Love,
Neville

It’s time for your Soul Food Friday again!

In the past week, in two different settings; one for the American Marketing Association Cause Conference and the other for the Platinum Awards, an event honoring some of the best and brightest at Mission Fed, I have had the opportunity to build on an idea that is integral to two separate sources:

The 2007 bestseller, The Passion Test http://www.thepassiontest.com/TPT/TheBook/index.cfm whose authors Janet and Chris Atwood I hooked up with recently

and “Born to Be Good, The Science of a Meaningful Life” By Dacher Keltner  http://www.amazon.com/Born-Be-Good-Science-Meaningful/dp/039306512X

The essence of the predictive question here is, “Do you believe the world is a beneficent place?” and “How many of you believe that we were born inherently good and are actually wired to help others?

In Born to Be Good, from the relatively new field of affective science, the author makes a compelling case that humans are not hardwired to lead lives that are “nasty and brutish” but we are in fact born to be good. He investigates an old mystery of human evolution; Why have we evolved positive emotions like gratitude, amusement, awe, and compassion that promote ethical action and are the fabric of cooperative societies?

Isn’t that an interesting and important question for us to ponder?

While there was a time when ‘might may have seemed right’- evolutionarily speaking, today more than ever we require one another to be successful, and those that can actually get along better with others seem more likely to be successful in a complex, networked world.

This misuse of might is not just about physical dominance- mind you. We can be just as brutish being intellectually dominating as well. We have all met people that we think to ourselves, “They are so smart, they are stupid!”

Our modern intellectual, rational, analytical brain is brilliant at explaining things.
But “when all you have got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!”

Explaining things is a very useful pursuit. But when this morphs into explaining AWAY things, we start explaining away; awe, compassion, faith, trust, mystery, goodness, kindness, wonder and this does NOT create social value and a healthy society….

Got any thoughts on this?

Speaking of social value and effective leadership, on this week’s slate:

Education-
Changing Global Educational Paradigms:
I shared this one months ago, but it bears re-watching if we are even remotely serious about education, check out:
RSA Animate – Changing Education Paradigms
(thanks Kathy)

Transforming Local Education:
If San Diego Is to Work Tomorrow, Business Must Join in Educating Young People Today: San Diego Business Journal Article
 (thanks Andrea Y C)

Applied Technology in Education:
Exclusively iPads in the classroom and the end of text books as we know it?
It is happening here and now, as we speak in Burlington Massachusetts …
Check out: http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2012/03/23/schools-textbooks-ipad
(thanks NPR and Andrea for digging up the link)

What you focus on MANIFESTS!
Looking for a little happy news to counter the negative doom and gloom and sensational hype that dominates mainstream media?
Explore the Happy News website, that actually focuses on good stuff.
Here is one story that validates the power of honor & humility
http://www.happynews.com/news/3192012/man-returns-money-laden-bag.htm
(thanks Heidi)

Soul Food is not complete without Babies or Pets: 
Experience this explosive welcome home for one Marine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsqEHuuMfYo
(thanks Larry G.)

Finally, take some time to smell the roses…
Click here!
This is a friend test. Send virtual flowers to as many friends as you “like”!
(thanks Larry)

Pay it forward…
Love,
Neville

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

Happy Soul Food Friday!

This week:

Social Hypnosis v. Paying Attention

Take this test and see what is right in front of us, yet hidden in plain sight (thanks Larry)

A Think Test

On Creativity

Enjoy amazing music by this mega-talented young person for the first 13:15 or just jump to the 17 minute mark to learn about sync and flow and then watch improv happen right in front of your eyes!

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jennifer_lin_improvs_piano_magic.html

Planning any Travel?
Keep an eye out for these scams. Social engineering and then some… (thanks Mohit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO6CFSosqKE&NR=1

Personal Development & Leadership:

As we reflect on the question (where am I?), and combine it with “the goal of growing people” (where are we going?), I started to think about “what” to change (how am I going to get there?).

Here is some really interesting and well-researched insight around our “strengths and weaknesses.”

This info is focused on what makes great leaders and contributors in the workplace, but I think it will transfer to other areas.

It can be summarized like this – there are two areas you can choose to work on:

1. Correct a weakness (60% choose to work on this)
2. Magnify something you are reasonably good at (30% work on this)

Turns out one of these has better results, is more fun, and a more positive experience…

This video explains it better than I can and only takes 3 minutes and 22 seconds of your Leadership Development time:

http://zengerfolkman.com/player/vid-building-strengths-zenger.html

The punch line is around the 2:50 mark (thanks Paul)

Making a Difference in the Community:

Here is a link to our Community Relations Newsletter

And last but not least here is a meaningful lesson about how Time makes a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One day you will no longer be the big dog…
just the old dog….

and it’s nice to be surrounded by friends.

Pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

 

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” – Mother Teresa

It’s Soul Food Friday

Stay Soul-Filled and Share Your Energy- the World Needs YOU!

On Leadership:

This week I had the privilege of sharing some thoughts on Leadership with the Management team at Mission Fed. Here are two clips that allowed me to get to the heart of two key dimensions of leadership. The first while heavy, addresses the fundamental question about leadership is individually focused, and speaks to personal accountability. The second is much lighter and more group focused as it relates to engagement, recognizing the role everyone plays in that process.

As we know, most major events start with the singing of the national anthem. Now, imagine what it is like to do this as a 13 year old in front of 20,000 people…
Check out this video

(Thanks Rex)

How to Start a Movement:

Click here!

(Thanks Jack & Sonia)

Thanks for all that every one of you do to Lead, Follow and as needed sometimes just Get out of the way when it comes to leadership in your circles of influence!

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Kid’s Helping Creating the Conditions to Stop Bullying:

Listen to one young person’s advice to her peers in this YouTube video as part of Monster March

Watch this

(Thanks Victoria)

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Committed to Social Justice?
This clip at the most recent TED conference garnered one of the largest standing “Os” and features both thoughtful content AND is brilliantly delivered:

http://www.ted.com/talks/bryan_stevenson_we_need_to_talk_about_an_injustice.html

(Thanks Jack and TED)

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2nd Annual Sustainable Feast Event

Mission Fed is one of the sponsors of the 2nd Annual Sustainable Feast event, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Taking place on April 22, and set in the heart of Point Loma’s Liberty Station, this event will pair local farms with top chefs in San Diego who will prepare fantastic food—up close and personal. Two great bands will be present and the Outdoor Education Fun Zone will demonstrate how fun learning through nature can be. For more information, or to purchase some tix, check out the two clips below—and visit the event website.

http://youtu.be/STf8otE6jrQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgsr30jNXDs

Don’t Throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater:

Here is a little positive energy with respect to our Armed Forces- where all give some and some give all– to afford us the freedom and lifestyle we are blessed to enjoy. This wordless video will leave you a little speechless…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyZ9b4My6NU

(Thanks Larry)

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Now to Lighter Fare…

How smart is your right foot?  Try the test below—

Click here!

Finally Warm the Cockles of your Heart with:

 Pets and Kids!

Pay it forward!

Love,

Neville

UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL,
PART OF THEIR SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED