On being a genius

I was listening to a client of mine talk about how everyone can have a 'genius' within them. For myself I have a fascination with geniuses and like to spend some time reading their works (because if they were geniuses we certainly have a lot to learn from them). So in my previous posts I have often mentioned them e.g.  Daniel (from the bible), to Emily Bronte the author of Wuthering Heights. So on hearing that I realised yes, perhaps everyone does 'have' a genius, but we just haven't nurtured it, cultivated it ... we probably will just allow it to remain dormant. If we don't use our gift, we can lose our gift, right?

As a child, I think many of us received inspiration which was never really harnessed or channelled into something that we say would become more productive or more prevalent in later year. With some children, however, their 'gifting' or 'talent' or 'genius' within them was cultivated, either by themselves, a teacher or a significant other (e.g. partner, parent, sibling, mentor, counsellor, etc). And that genius within them was allowed to flourish. Some of them became famous, others did not, but still like many of us the genius remains locked inside waiting for the 'key' to come and unlock it.

Elizabeth Gilbert author of Eat, Pray and Love concurs that it's not about being a genius, but 'having' a genius. The Greeks called it Daemons (e.g. Socrates) and the Romans called it Genius (that is they acknowledged inspiration from another spiritual dimension). It's about ideas coming into us – as a source from the outside. Elizabeth believes it to be about a glimpse of God; personally I would not accept that everything is from God in the spiritual dimension, as there is light and darkness (Yin Yang principle if you will), but at least that wonderment and inspiration can have the germ of the divine within it, even if that germ only shows the wretchedness of man and his futile condition (as found in a lot of modern culture). This depravity of the human condition mystically shows a need for redemption and the need to rise above. Well, before I start losing you here I'll get back to the programme Elizabeth is on, and she says that the abilities we have are on loan to us, so use what we have got. Show the world your wonderment, have an olay olay experience. [Olay the Spanish word for cheering and applauding, coming to them via the conquests of the Moors who used the word Allah].

First Say to yourself what you would be and then ...

Click on the images to read further.

Quick Fix Artist Statements

Here is a computer generated artist statement that took me just 2 minutes to make.
Only thing is I'm not quite sure what it is saying, but from this statement I could go and make some art.

Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Symbiotic Reproduction

The matrix creates, the chaos accentuates. In the material space, art objects are reproductions of the imaginations of the matrix -- a matrix that uses the chaos as a zeitgeist to deconstruct ideas, patterns, and emotions. With the synergy of the electronic environment, the matrix is conceiving a point where it will be free from the chaos to transcend immersions into the parameters of the delphic space. Work of Meta-Art in the Age of Symbiotic Reproduction contains 10 minimal shockwave engines (also refered to as "soundtoys") that enable the user to make audio/visual compositions.

measuring chains, constructing realities
putting into place forms
a matrix of illusion and disillusion
a strange attracting force
so that a seduced reality will be able to spontaneously feed on it


Paula Stenberg's work investigates the nuances of vibrations through the use of slow motion and close-ups which emphasize the Symbiotic nature of digital media. Stenberg explores abstract and scenery as motifs to describe the idea of imaginary space. Using loops, non-linear narratives, and interactive images as patterns, Stenberg creates meditative environments which suggest the expansion of art...


OKAY I am pretty much lost with all this, but if you want to try it out, here it goes:
www.playdamage.org/market-o-matic/

7 Steps to a New Career

Author: Molly Owens

If your job is leaving you feeling bored, frustrated, uninspired, or burned out, you’re probably wondering what else is out there. Where can you find a career that makes you excited to get to work each day? Does your dream job really exist? It may seem overwhelming to try to find that perfect career, especially if you’re feeling stuck in your current one, but if you start small and do some hard thinking, you’ll find that a satisfying career is not so far out of reach.





1. Start positive. If you’re dissatisfied with your current job, it may be hard to identify the elements you like about it. Most people, though, enjoy at least a few aspects of even the dreariest job. You may hate your boss but love your colleagues. Or maybe you believe in the cause you’re working for, despite the dismal pay. Make a list of the things you like about your current job—these are your first clues about what to look for in a new one.





2. Think big. Now’s the time to make a wish list. What characteristics would make a job perfect for you? Would it be flexible hours, a cooperative team, more responsibility? Maybe you’d like a chance to work in a creative or artistic setting, or the opportunity to show your leadership potential. Don’t worry about whether these things are realistic or whether there’s a job out there that fits the bill (not just yet!). Make a list of all the factors that you’re looking for in a dream career.





3. Brainstorm. Compile a list of every job, no matter how farfetched, that you’ve ever thought you might like or be good at. Don’t censor yourself; once you’ve got a good list going, you’ll start to see patterns. Look for common factors in the jobs you’ve listed. Maybe your fantasy careers are all active, fast-paced physical jobs (like firefighter, forest ranger, and FBI agent), or they might involve caring for and helping others (nurse, teacher, counselor).





4. Test yourself. There are dozens of career tests on the market designed to help you discover your ideal career. While these tests range in quality, from novelty tests on free sites to scientifically validated tests provided only by psychologists, there are many excellent resources online. Look for a website that provides well-researched career assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the Strong Interest Inventory, which will provide you with comprehensive information on appropriate careers for your personality type and interests.





5. Do some research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great resource for career searchers. Visit their website at bls.gov and click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook to view salary ranges, educational requirements, job descriptions, and growth projections for hundreds of careers.





6. Check with an expert. A career coach can help you further identify the elements of a career that will bring you lasting satisfaction. A knowledgeable coach can also suggest careers similar to ones you’ve come up with yourself, and help you decide which careers best fit your goals.





7. Start where you are. If it’s not practical for you to completely retrain for a new career right now, think again about what’s missing from your current job. Is there a different position within your current company that provides more of what you need? Could you keep your job title, but find a new company with a better work environment? You might even ask your boss about making changes in your regular responsibilities that would allow you to do more of what you enjoy. Changing careers is a major goal, and if you can start by taking gradual steps towards doing what you really want, you’ll find that your efforts pay off quickly in greater satisfaction with your work.

About the Author:

Molly Owens holds a B.A in Psychology and has completed graduate work in counseling and psychological assessment. She has a background in counseling, education, and the corporate workplace, and provides career assessment and coaching at http://www.PersonalityDesk.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 7 Steps to a New Career

The Chaos Blues

I found this sheet the other day among my career counselling notes. It does not have an author to it, so if someone knows who wrote it, they can advise me so I can acknowledge the person.

The Chaos Blues

Verse 1:
Had a look at my job just the other day
It seems that someone has taken away
My expenses account (his expenses account)
And my company car
I know time are tough but this time he's gone too far!

Chorus
We got Chaos, appearing everywhere,
We got chaos, it's the new frontier.
We got change and chance and, happenstance,
We made a big loss, now we got a new boss,
Well like it or not, I'm telling you, we got Chaos!

Verse 2:
It don't seem fair it just don't seem right,
I'm not giving in without a fight!
Then I got the call
He took the holidays too
He said "I'm sorry boy, there was nothing else I could do!"

Well me and the boys, went to see the boss,
And we told him straight we didn't give a toss
About the bottom line
What about loyalty?'Now you're saying we don 't even get a lousy cauppa tea!

Chorus

Verse 3:
Well, I lost that job and I took a course
I saddled me up and brand new horse
And I followed my nose
And I chased my dream
I spread the word all around my network team.

Then I said goodbye to animosity
And I rolled on out some curiosity
You see I'm flexible
And I'm adaptable
I'm gonna take disaster and turn it right into opportunity!

Chorus 2:
We got chaos, it's at every turn
WE got chaos, but you can look and learn
We got serendipitous happenstance
We got learning to fly by the seat of our pants
Now I just cant' get enough of that Chaos!!!

Repeat Chorus 1:
We got Chaos, appearing everywhere,
We got chaos, it's the new frontier.
We got change and chance and, happenstance,
We made a big loss, now we got a new boss,
Well like it or not, I'm telling you, we got chaos!

Guided Fantasy: Career Exploration

The use of fantasy and visualisation can be utilised with good effect in career counselling.

The Guided Fantasy when used in career exploration involves the following:

1. Relaxation.
   Think of an idyllic scene (e.g. sunset on a beach, park like surroundings, etc).
   
   
   Tighten your fist and facial muscles, and then relax them.
   Breath from your diaphragm - it's like a balloon - so gently let your stomach move out as you inhale.
2. Read from a script:
   
   • "Now you feel relaxed, I would like you to picture yourself in five years' time. You feel very content with your life and confident. What work are you doing?"
   • "I'd like you to imagine a typical day. You get up, really looking forward to your day. You get dressed, what do you put on?" (is it a suit, casual clothes, what sort of image – corporate, casual, etc)
   • "You have breakfast and go to work – how do you get there?"
   • "Are you alone or is there someone with you?"
   • "You arrive at work – take a look around you before you start work. What does it look like? Are there any other people present? What are you particularly looking forward to about your day?"
   • "You start your work – how do you spend your morning? Your morning tea? Who are you with? (e.g. clients? and what sort of clients; customers; colleagues)"
   • After morning tea what do you find yourself doing?
   • "What do you do for lunch? With who? For how long?"
   • What happens after lunch?
   • "The afternoon is here, what is happening?"
   • "You have reached the end of your day, what have you accomplished or achieved? Do you feel satisfied? What has been satisfying? What praises have come your way? Or feedback?
   • After work what do you do? Where do you go?
   • How do you spend your evening?
3. Then think back to your idyllic setting and open your eyes.
   
4. 
   
5. Write down your fantasy.

This exercise will give you some self-awareness of what your desire is, however, self-awareness for its own sake brings little satisfaction. Pathways needs to be sought. You can make a visual mind map of those pathways you seek to journey on.

By reviewing your fantasy you may start by looking at what clothes you were wearing, and do you currently have those in your wardrobe? What about perfume or after shave lotion? Jewellery, accessories? Your pathway would involve you buying some clothes to fit that look. This is about image making.

Your colleagues, what sort of people are they? Where are they most likely to mix? Where are they most likely to work? Your pathway would start by networking with these people, joining clubs or organisations they belong to.

Ask yourself various questions like these to stimulate ideas for completing your visual mind map: pathways.

Self-esteem Exercise: Re-invent Yourself

Feeling stagnant? Depressed? Feel like a failure? Holding back from your aspirations? Or just not going forward, but not going backwards? ... drifting .... if you're happy with that, fine, but if you're not, then why don't you RE-INVENT yourself?

Take a look at Madonna she does it all the time, whenever she releases a new album, she's a new persona. She's dynamic in that she doesn't stay with the status quo. She never gives you more of the same, instead she gives you a new show, a new experience and she gains a new audience.


Re-inventing yourself requires a nod of approval to change. Don't think about it, just do it. If you're reluctant to think about change then don't use that word, substitute it, reframe it in your mind to something that sounds a little more adventurous or less off putting ... so think of re-inventing yourself.

You may like to, however, reflect on what sort of image to re-invent yourself into:

• professional
• stylist
• smart
• sporty
• arty
• classic
• bohemian
• trendy
• casual
• alternative
• Western
• other ..............
  

Sonya Friedman from Smart Cookies Don't Crumble states "How we feel about change, in whatever form, helps to illustrate and define how we see ourselves."

So taking a cue from her, I've developed some simple ideas that you can choose to get the process of re-inventing yourself underway:

• get yourself a new hairstyle (totally different to what you are used to);
• buy yourself a new wardrobe (i.e. clothes and jewellery that you normally would not choose for yourself);
• change your style of clothing (review above list for inspiration);
• change your eating habits e.g. Sushi on Sundays;
• wake up half an hour earlier on work days;
• change your route to work;
• let yourself go gray for that distinguished, mature and cultured look;
• lose some weight.

Some more extravagant ideas:

• buy yourself a new car or even a motorbike (I still fancy riding a Ducati);
• buy yourself a 'designer smile';
• splash out on some new perfume or after shave lotion.

And other ideas not related to your image:

• start voluntary work or supporting financially other people less off than yourself;
• read a new newspaper from the usual one you read;
• check out new food in the supermarket;
• rearrange your house/furniture;
• take up a new hobby or interest (e.g. gardening, archery, whatever takes your fancy).

Okay, so now to your journalling. Fairly easy one for preparation.
You just need a double page spread in your journal. You are going to make a "Re-invention Track" - the metaphor is running a race around a track; and you can take as long as you want to get to your destination or the finish line.

You will need to sketch with pencil your track, making a circular path gradually moving into the centre of your page.

Collect together some photos. One of your present self, and maybe an aspirational picture of someone else you'd like to look like or copy, or leave it blank with a question mark in the middle.

You will notice how this track is not made as a timeline -- that linear approach can be too restrictive with creative people -- whereas the circle allows you the freedom to move onto the next area (your milestones) when you choose.

The milestones you will develop up as a legend and code them into symbols and plot these on your track. Then give them an explanation in your legend what that milestone is. I've just used Tom Bow pens. The arrows on the track are actual acetate photo corners from Prima Marketing.


You can define your own success level. You don't wait for others to define the 'carrot' you will pursue – it's a code for you. So you don't need to have the legend on the page, and you can make it a chart and put it on your fridge. For the purpose of this exercise though, I have included the legend on the page.


Finally, in the words of genius Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe "Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men." So let your own re-invention (your dream) move first your own heart (especially when you start achieving your milestones, that helps build your self-esteem too!) and then it will move the hearts of other people. They will notice the change. You may even become aspirational to them for their own re-invention. This exercise has come from my art journalling exercises from my personal blog.