The week that started 23rd December

Reflecting on 2019

Preparing for next year by reflecting, using The Year Ahead (free). I found doing that so informative. I did loads of stuff this year, more than I’d remembered. So it was good to give that space. More to come in next week’s notes.

I got back into journalling as well, which feels good. Especially as I’m drawing more now.

Rustic and beautiful stylistic representation of a tree stripped bare

Learning environment

Drawing and visualising

I really wanted to draw more this year, and bikablo training gave me what I needed to do that with a learning environment that:

  • nurtured my skills,
  • broke down things that previously seemed too difficult,
  • gave me a set of tools,
  • encouraged my confidence, and
  • gave me time and practice space.

Space to think

Speaking of a learning environment, I started reading Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind by Nancy Kline, and I love it so far. It’s about creating a thinking environment. Really affirms my discomfort with interrupting people.

I’m not sure I agree with the first principle, which is “Everything we do depends for its quality on the thinking we do first.” However, I know I do want to give much more time and space for my own thinking, as well as for those around me. And I’m finding the book useful and interesting.

thinking for yourself is a RADICAL act. if set up right conditions, then people think for themselves. high quality listening + incisive questions.
better than doesn't equal good. pierce denial. places that say: you matter. paying attention leads to time and results. encouragement is magic.
everyone gets a turn and no one gets trampled. no interruptions. humans need solitude and attention - protect those. giving time SAVES time.
My sketchnotes, so far, on Time to Think

I’ve been thinking about the learning I want to do next year, both personally and professionally. As well as reflecting on this year and the upcoming one.

Trees

Started learning about being an arborist. I don’t want to change careers, but I do find this profession fascinating.

Continued looking for tree courses too, and took some things out of my budget so I can prioritise trees. Yay!

Other stuff

I heard about moral foundations theory recently and I find it fascinating.

Not watched videos Matt Avella and Pick Up Limes in awhile. Glad to be doing that again.

From the comments: “When you say no, you are only saying no to one option. When you say yes, you are saying no to every other option. No is a decision. Yes is a responsibility. Be careful what (and who) you say yes to. It will shape your day, your career, your family, your life.“ – James Clear

This week in audio

Classical

Composer weekly – what a great idea for a playlist! I like this piece that featured on it this week: The Diary of Anne Frank. And I love this album: Smetana: Dreams. But my favourite playlist at the moment is: Spotify Orchestra: Cello

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWYi4w24l7FTx

Everything else…

Started listening to the Heart Wisdom podcast. I found this metaphor of 5 rivers useful:

  • Sensations (senses)
  • Feelings (emotions)
  • Perceptions (learned)
  • Thoughts
  • Conscience
Food for thought…