From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
What a find Glenn Capelli was! Not only one of the best speakers on learning and learning organizations, I have ever heard - but a poet and songwriter as well. His company The True Learning Center is based in Perth, he has a range of products aimed at helping people to learn and that boost self esteem - for both children and adults. Listening to one of his tapes called My Magic Brain I decided to buy one for all my nieces , nephews and children I cared about! Not to mention a lot of grown ups I love.
Many songs caught my attention but the two that inspired me to write this column were "Pervi Blin Comom" and "Psychological Sunshine". The first is a wonderful song about Glenn's travels in life and how he was given the secret of the universe by a wise friend. The secret of life was in fact, 'Pervi Blin Comom' - which means 'the first pancake is always lumpy'!
Of course! Some of the most profound comments on life come from simple phrases. Think about it - most of the things we try in life are not perfect at first and yet we become disheartened or give up after our first attempt. Imagine what would happen if a toddler said to itself, "I'm not going to try and walk any more in case I fall over and look stupid" - it would be a 27 year old still crawling around the floor!
The first time anything happens to you or you have a new experience , there are often 'lumps'! But after lumpy pancakes come beautiful , thin, smooth, delicious, perfectly cooked ones as we practice and learn to adjust the temperature of our cooking pan ; modify the receipe and mixture; master our pouring technique and most importantly , learn to enjoy the process.
Isn't that true of life? With practice, learning and growing and adjusting and modifying and appreciating and caring and the right attitude we learn to master anything we want. Hey, it works for me! Make it a family motto - "Pervi Bin Comom'!
However, the other song "Psychological Sunshine" exploded in my mind! What a thought! Imagine if we consciously created our own psychological sunshine - light to penetrate through the dark clouds that sometime cover our heart and mind , and obscure our happiness, clarity , purpose and vision.
Normal sunshine is fundamental for human wellness. Without it, we are nutrient deficient, chemically affected, our attitudes change, jet lag is prolonged and we feel miserable. In fact, there's even a disease caused by lack of sunshine. So it's important that we all have a dose of sunshine each day (sensible dose of course - too much of a good thing is usually great, unless it's sunshine with no sun screen!)
Why would psychological sunshine be any less important? In fact, you can't overdose on psychological sunshine ! You don't need sun screen - or dark glasses.
Where do we find psychological sunshine? As the song says
"And I give myself some psychological sunshine,
Alpha waves rollin' right across my mind
I can go anytime to the place in my mind
For my psychological sunshine"
You'll find it in your mind and your heart. When you send love to someone or give it to yourself you not only send them sunshine, but you fill yourself with light and warmth.
When you relive wonderful moments of your past; or focus on the dreams of your future; when you help others; when you learn something new; when you smile ; when you have a purpose in life; when you do something really well and celebrate; when you see and experience beauty ; when you are one with nature (no, I'm not a cosmic flowerchild - I just know that being surrounded by the magnificence of nature is extraordinarily powerful); when you talk to yourself with compassion and kindness (as opposed to being your own , most vicious critic!); when you make a choice to be happy; when you sing your lungs out - even ifyou can't sing!; when you forgive others and yourself for whatever; when you are living in the present moment; when you see a sunrise; when you face a fear and it goes away; when you take care of your body. There are millions of ways.
So folks, when the clouds are all around your heart, go for a walk; sing a happy song (one from Glenns tape is good) ; be near trees or the water; be gentle with yourself - say self esteem boosting comments to yourself; take time out, rest, relax ; smile a lot; do something you love; hang around children who are playing; really notice the world around you - be mindful of whatever you are doing at that moment; remember the good times in your life; give someone love (you and/or someone else); do some exercise; give someone a hug (if they would like it of course!). For starters, then .......
Wouldn't it be smart if we taught managers and parents this concept? Workplaces and homes could be bright , light, happy places! Why not start with you and your home - by yourself or with everyone together, make a list of anything you can think of that would bring psychological sunshine in to your life - keep adding to it and refer to the list often.
Just imagine how magnificent a psychological sunrise would be!
page Amanda Gore
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After laudio ,first pancake is always lumpy'!
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