This post brought to you by the color blue
9 months ago
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Exercise Journal 9/11/09
It's a good thing I started the day with dancing and stretching, because I didn't get home until 9pm and at that point I'm usually too tired to do anything.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Goals, Baby Steps, and Accountability
With my alphabet soup of issues, disorders, and syndromes, it is very easy for me to get overwhelmed with all of my responsibilities with work, church, home, health, etc. The good news is that I'm usually pretty good about faking it around other people and still accomplishing what I have to, so most people don't know about the personal freaking out that is going on. Several months ago, I made a list of all the things that doctors, therapists, teachers, church leaders etc. said that I need to be doing every day and when I added up the time it was more than 24 hours. I can't do it all, but I can do more and gradually stretch myself toward those goals. I have found a plan that works for me, that allows me to feel like I'm accomplishing things and moving forward without feeling guilt--change that--without feeling as much guilt about the things I don't do.
Here's my plan:
On my fridge I have a list of 15 things that need to happen every day. Some are individual items and some are categories. For example, journaling and blogging count as the same item. I can't count it twice just because I blogged and wrote in my paper and pen journal. I started with a goal to do at least 3 items on the list everyday. I've gradually increased it to 7 items, but there are days that I do many more than that. Occasionally I even get the whole list. The important part is that I only have to do 7. Yes, there are days that it doesn't happen, but for the most part 7 is easy now, so I might be moving up to 8 soon.
The other great part is that I don't have to go all out with most of these. I can check off "doing the laundry" if I fold a few towels. The important part here is that I do some part of these items. Sometimes my scripture reading is one verse and sometimes that one verse leads to research on a topic and I take an hour to study. With all of these categories, doing a little usually gets me going and I can get more done than if I think about how big the task is and how long it will take to do it completely and perfectly.
So that's goals and baby steps. Now on to accountability. If I feel like I have to report to someone on something they want me to do, I end up resenting it. If I report on something that I want and am motivated to do, it keeps me on task. I recently started a practice journal on my other blog www.jmrvoicenotes.com. I want my students to practice more and at least make contact with their music every day. Since I want to do that too, I decided to blog about my practice so the students could check up on me and see if I'm doing what I said I would. Being accountable to friends is one thing, but being accountable to your students really puts the pressure on, in a good way. So far, I've done something everyday, and like the checklist on my fridge, the little things often lead to bigger things.
Based on the success of the practice journal model, I'm going to make myself accountable for something else on this blog--exercise. You wouldn't know it from looking at me, but I actually love to exercise. The problem is that by the time I take care of everything else, I often don't have the energy to get to the gym, let alone work out. So, I'm going with baby steps again. I get credit for exercising if I do any of these things: stretch, cardio at the gym, weights at the gym or home, physical therapy exercises, hallway laps between lessons, or dancing. Yes, I dance for exercise. No, you will never see it. I have the heart of a dancer, but even when I was really skinny, my body is just not proportioned well for dancing. I also have coordination issues. But, I love it, it's fun, and if the shades are closed I can do anything I want.
So my friends, there it is. The exercise journal might be kind of boring, so feel free to just notice that I did it and then skip it. However, if you see several paragraphs, you might want to check it out. I might have had a brilliant insight.
Here's my plan:
On my fridge I have a list of 15 things that need to happen every day. Some are individual items and some are categories. For example, journaling and blogging count as the same item. I can't count it twice just because I blogged and wrote in my paper and pen journal. I started with a goal to do at least 3 items on the list everyday. I've gradually increased it to 7 items, but there are days that I do many more than that. Occasionally I even get the whole list. The important part is that I only have to do 7. Yes, there are days that it doesn't happen, but for the most part 7 is easy now, so I might be moving up to 8 soon.
The other great part is that I don't have to go all out with most of these. I can check off "doing the laundry" if I fold a few towels. The important part here is that I do some part of these items. Sometimes my scripture reading is one verse and sometimes that one verse leads to research on a topic and I take an hour to study. With all of these categories, doing a little usually gets me going and I can get more done than if I think about how big the task is and how long it will take to do it completely and perfectly.
So that's goals and baby steps. Now on to accountability. If I feel like I have to report to someone on something they want me to do, I end up resenting it. If I report on something that I want and am motivated to do, it keeps me on task. I recently started a practice journal on my other blog www.jmrvoicenotes.com. I want my students to practice more and at least make contact with their music every day. Since I want to do that too, I decided to blog about my practice so the students could check up on me and see if I'm doing what I said I would. Being accountable to friends is one thing, but being accountable to your students really puts the pressure on, in a good way. So far, I've done something everyday, and like the checklist on my fridge, the little things often lead to bigger things.
Based on the success of the practice journal model, I'm going to make myself accountable for something else on this blog--exercise. You wouldn't know it from looking at me, but I actually love to exercise. The problem is that by the time I take care of everything else, I often don't have the energy to get to the gym, let alone work out. So, I'm going with baby steps again. I get credit for exercising if I do any of these things: stretch, cardio at the gym, weights at the gym or home, physical therapy exercises, hallway laps between lessons, or dancing. Yes, I dance for exercise. No, you will never see it. I have the heart of a dancer, but even when I was really skinny, my body is just not proportioned well for dancing. I also have coordination issues. But, I love it, it's fun, and if the shades are closed I can do anything I want.
So my friends, there it is. The exercise journal might be kind of boring, so feel free to just notice that I did it and then skip it. However, if you see several paragraphs, you might want to check it out. I might have had a brilliant insight.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Courage to Teach
Since I started my voice blog, I've spent much more time with it, and less on my other blog. Today, I have a post that fits perfectly with both, so I will be double posting (kind of like when I used the same paper for my college theatre history class and a music class.)
I just finished reading The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer. When I was just a few pages into it, I looked back at the original publication date (1998) and wondered how I missed reading this amazing book in the 10+ years that it's been out. It's been said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears (possibly a Buddist proverb; I can't find anything definite.) And I was definitely ready for this book.
I'm not going to do a book review, since I'm sure you can find better ones elsewhere, but I am going to share some of the things that tied in very well with where I am in my life right now. On page 10 he says, "This book builds on a simple premise: good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher."
Integrity has always been something I've worked for, but I feel like I'm embracing it more now. And I'm embracing it in a way that is new for me. In the past, in my life, I've tended to lean towards this definition of integrity: "firm adherance to a code of esp. moral or artistic values."
There is nothing particularly wrong with that, except that the values I was adhering to belonged to other people. The integrity Palmer talks about, and what I've been leaning towards now, is "the quality or state of being complete or undivided." It's understanding what my personal code of values is and living all parts of my life that way. It's knowing who I am and allowing that true identity to come through in my interactions with others, rather than responding the way I think they want me to respond.
Palmer also addressed the issue of paradox. We live in a society that works with either/or, black/white, yes/no dichotomies. However, much of what we know to be true involves paradox, seemingly contradictory ideas, that nevertheless are true and exist together. The concepts of justice and mercy create a paradox. How can they both exist? And yet this is the foundation on which the plan of salvation is built. Or in singing, look at chiaroscuro. It doesn't refer to somewhere between a bright and a dark sound. It refers to embracing both of those characteristics at the same time to find a balanced sound.
Finally, Palmer discusses subject-centered learning. In traditional teacher-centered learning, the teacher stands as an expert between the learners and subject. Everything the students know of the subject comes from the expert. They don't actually have access to the subject itself. He has some great diagrams you should check out if this isn't making sense the way I explain it. He instead advocates subject-centered learning, where we are all learners and have access to the subject itself. The teacher then functions more as a facilitator rather than an expert. You really do need to read his explanations on this. I'm just hoping to use this model more in my teaching. I think I've had some of it in the past. For example, I feel like I help students discover how to sing, and show them how to access their voices, rather that "teaching" them to sing.
It's a great book, so if you're looking for something to read, definitely check it out. I also recommend his book, "A Hidden Wholeness".
I just finished reading The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer. When I was just a few pages into it, I looked back at the original publication date (1998) and wondered how I missed reading this amazing book in the 10+ years that it's been out. It's been said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears (possibly a Buddist proverb; I can't find anything definite.) And I was definitely ready for this book.
I'm not going to do a book review, since I'm sure you can find better ones elsewhere, but I am going to share some of the things that tied in very well with where I am in my life right now. On page 10 he says, "This book builds on a simple premise: good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher."
Integrity has always been something I've worked for, but I feel like I'm embracing it more now. And I'm embracing it in a way that is new for me. In the past, in my life, I've tended to lean towards this definition of integrity: "firm adherance to a code of esp. moral or artistic values."
There is nothing particularly wrong with that, except that the values I was adhering to belonged to other people. The integrity Palmer talks about, and what I've been leaning towards now, is "the quality or state of being complete or undivided." It's understanding what my personal code of values is and living all parts of my life that way. It's knowing who I am and allowing that true identity to come through in my interactions with others, rather than responding the way I think they want me to respond.
Palmer also addressed the issue of paradox. We live in a society that works with either/or, black/white, yes/no dichotomies. However, much of what we know to be true involves paradox, seemingly contradictory ideas, that nevertheless are true and exist together. The concepts of justice and mercy create a paradox. How can they both exist? And yet this is the foundation on which the plan of salvation is built. Or in singing, look at chiaroscuro. It doesn't refer to somewhere between a bright and a dark sound. It refers to embracing both of those characteristics at the same time to find a balanced sound.
Finally, Palmer discusses subject-centered learning. In traditional teacher-centered learning, the teacher stands as an expert between the learners and subject. Everything the students know of the subject comes from the expert. They don't actually have access to the subject itself. He has some great diagrams you should check out if this isn't making sense the way I explain it. He instead advocates subject-centered learning, where we are all learners and have access to the subject itself. The teacher then functions more as a facilitator rather than an expert. You really do need to read his explanations on this. I'm just hoping to use this model more in my teaching. I think I've had some of it in the past. For example, I feel like I help students discover how to sing, and show them how to access their voices, rather that "teaching" them to sing.
It's a great book, so if you're looking for something to read, definitely check it out. I also recommend his book, "A Hidden Wholeness".
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Listening to my body
I wish my brain and my body would function well on the same days. The last few days have been very productive in terms of getting things ready for school. I've been excited about things and have remained really focused while working. The problem is, that I've been so focused on my work that I haven't been listening to my body trying to tell me that I need to take a break. The last 2 nights I've literally been ill by the time I got home and ended up going to bed really early.
One of the most difficult challenges for me in dealing with fibromyalgia is pacing. On the bad days, you feel so awful that you don't get much done beyond what is absolutely required, and some days you can't do that. So when you have a good day, the tendency is to want to catch up. I feel fine so why shouldn't I do a,b, and c. And maybe d-p as well. Overdoing leads to more bad days. I know that, so why can't I do something about it.
My body is my friend. It does give me subtle warnings telling me when to back off and relax. If I do that, life is good. If I quit listening to my body, it has to yell louder and do whatever it can to get my attention.
One of my goals for this school year is to listen to my body more. I need to set limits on what I can do, even on those things I love to do. I've already scheduled the last lessons of the day for the school year. I'm not taking any students later than the ones that are already on the schedule. It's a start.
I'm looking forward to this long weekend. Yes, I have a lot to do, but nothing I have to do on someone else's timetable, so I plan to take lots of breaks.
One of the most difficult challenges for me in dealing with fibromyalgia is pacing. On the bad days, you feel so awful that you don't get much done beyond what is absolutely required, and some days you can't do that. So when you have a good day, the tendency is to want to catch up. I feel fine so why shouldn't I do a,b, and c. And maybe d-p as well. Overdoing leads to more bad days. I know that, so why can't I do something about it.
My body is my friend. It does give me subtle warnings telling me when to back off and relax. If I do that, life is good. If I quit listening to my body, it has to yell louder and do whatever it can to get my attention.
One of my goals for this school year is to listen to my body more. I need to set limits on what I can do, even on those things I love to do. I've already scheduled the last lessons of the day for the school year. I'm not taking any students later than the ones that are already on the schedule. It's a start.
I'm looking forward to this long weekend. Yes, I have a lot to do, but nothing I have to do on someone else's timetable, so I plan to take lots of breaks.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
There are 3 things that I believe. First, that truth can be found in many places. Second, that it's perfectly OK and even good to remove that truth from its original context and find how it applies to my life right now. Third, we find truth and its application to our lives when we are ready for it.
So, yesterday I flipped open my scripture a day calendar and found truth that has been staring me in the face my whole life, but I just wasn't ready for it.
Alma 29:1 (That's in the Book of Mormon for you non-Mormons.)
Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people.
Let me give you a little background as to why I never found truth here before. First of all, this is a often quoted scripture in Mormondom. As I'm sure you know, missionary work is big in this church. In fact, I've often complained that we talk more about missionary work than the gospel itself, but that's a post for another day. When my bishop asked me if I was interested in going on a mission, my reply was that I just didn't feel it was the right thing at that point in my life. And that was the truth. My personal feelings about missionary work are that if I am living in a way that people see something that they want, then they will ask me about it. I've never been a go out and tell the world person. I'm a little that way in advertising for voice lessons as well. Yes, I am the one that goes to Orientation and Open House to talk to parents and kids about lessons, but generally I believe that the work I do speaks for itself. If students like what happens in my studio, they will tell friends and family.
So, I've never been one to go out and tell the world to change their lives. I also really had an issue with "crying repentance". The images that came to mind with that phrase are of people on street corners yelling that we are all doomed to Hell unless we change our evil ways.
But yesterday when I read this verse, "crying repentance" meant sharing the joy that we don't have to be stuck in awful situations. Repentance is about life changes. It's about moving forward in positive ways. That is something that I want to share with every people.
So instead of just being done with scriptures for the day, I opened my Book of Mormon to the full chapter to see what else was there. I'll be honest, some of it still doesn't sit very well with me, but I also saw that Alma's feelings about "crying repentance" are very similar to my feelings about teaching people to sing. My comments are in bold.
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more or doing something that carries more prestige (performing professionally or teaching at a university instead of high school). I know, however, that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. This is where I'm supposed to be and where I can make a difference.
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. I don't have to save the art of singing all by myself. Wonderful teachers and performers are in place to help make sure that happens. I just need to take care of my kids.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. Singing and teaching are not about me and my ego. It's about the music and when I can help someone find joy in their lives through music, then I find joy as well. I love being the person that brings light and truth. And I'm glad that God, the universe, and my co-workers have trusted me with this task.
10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. I have been given the amazing gift of music and I am so thankful for it in my life.
14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.
It's not just my singing that brings joy into my life. When my students make beautiful sound or discover something new in themselves, or when my colleagues have success in their teaching and performing, it gives me joy. There is not a limit on the amount of joy that can exist. Others succeeding does not take anything away from me.
So, yesterday I flipped open my scripture a day calendar and found truth that has been staring me in the face my whole life, but I just wasn't ready for it.
Alma 29:1 (That's in the Book of Mormon for you non-Mormons.)
Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people.
Let me give you a little background as to why I never found truth here before. First of all, this is a often quoted scripture in Mormondom. As I'm sure you know, missionary work is big in this church. In fact, I've often complained that we talk more about missionary work than the gospel itself, but that's a post for another day. When my bishop asked me if I was interested in going on a mission, my reply was that I just didn't feel it was the right thing at that point in my life. And that was the truth. My personal feelings about missionary work are that if I am living in a way that people see something that they want, then they will ask me about it. I've never been a go out and tell the world person. I'm a little that way in advertising for voice lessons as well. Yes, I am the one that goes to Orientation and Open House to talk to parents and kids about lessons, but generally I believe that the work I do speaks for itself. If students like what happens in my studio, they will tell friends and family.
So, I've never been one to go out and tell the world to change their lives. I also really had an issue with "crying repentance". The images that came to mind with that phrase are of people on street corners yelling that we are all doomed to Hell unless we change our evil ways.
But yesterday when I read this verse, "crying repentance" meant sharing the joy that we don't have to be stuck in awful situations. Repentance is about life changes. It's about moving forward in positive ways. That is something that I want to share with every people.
So instead of just being done with scriptures for the day, I opened my Book of Mormon to the full chapter to see what else was there. I'll be honest, some of it still doesn't sit very well with me, but I also saw that Alma's feelings about "crying repentance" are very similar to my feelings about teaching people to sing. My comments are in bold.
6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more or doing something that carries more prestige (performing professionally or teaching at a university instead of high school). I know, however, that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. This is where I'm supposed to be and where I can make a difference.
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. I don't have to save the art of singing all by myself. Wonderful teachers and performers are in place to help make sure that happens. I just need to take care of my kids.
9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. Singing and teaching are not about me and my ego. It's about the music and when I can help someone find joy in their lives through music, then I find joy as well. I love being the person that brings light and truth. And I'm glad that God, the universe, and my co-workers have trusted me with this task.
10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. I have been given the amazing gift of music and I am so thankful for it in my life.
14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.
It's not just my singing that brings joy into my life. When my students make beautiful sound or discover something new in themselves, or when my colleagues have success in their teaching and performing, it gives me joy. There is not a limit on the amount of joy that can exist. Others succeeding does not take anything away from me.
So there you have it--The Gospel According to Jeannine
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Great week!
I've had a very productive week this week, which is good since school starts on the 8th and who knows what I'll be able to do then beyond school stuff. Actually, school stuff if what is consuming my life right now. About a month ago I made a list of all the things that I needed to do before school starts. I've been working on that list and scratching things off, but when I made a new list yesterday, it was longer, not shorter!
My studio webiste is now up and running (and almost error free). You can see it at www.jeanninerobinett.com
Prospective students can register right on the site. Current students can access their own accounts and see when they are scheduled for lessons, how much they owe, rep lists, handouts, etc. I'm excited to see how the students make use of it this year.
I've also spent a lot of time this week revising my studio guide and other handouts. I also started another blog specifically related to all my singing stuff, so hopefully I'll focus more on "deep" issues here. But, you'll still probably get what basically amounts to an online journal entry. If you're interested in the voice blog, you can see it at www.jmrvoicenotes.blogspot.com
Usually I spend Saturday digging out the mess that I make of my house all week, but today, it's not bad. I might actually get some more deep cleaning done. The funny thing is, I'm actually looking forward to it.
Here's something a little bit interesting (hopefully)--For the last few months I've been doing topical scripture study, looking up verses related to whatever interests me that day. One chapter (Colossians 3) keeps resurfacing, even though my topics keep changing. I love verses 14 and 15: "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
A related scripture that has become my new favorite is Doctrine &Covenants 88:125: "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
What would the world be like if we all did that? What would my life be like if I remembered to live like that more often? Maybe I should add that to the "To Do" list.
My studio webiste is now up and running (and almost error free). You can see it at www.jeanninerobinett.com
Prospective students can register right on the site. Current students can access their own accounts and see when they are scheduled for lessons, how much they owe, rep lists, handouts, etc. I'm excited to see how the students make use of it this year.
I've also spent a lot of time this week revising my studio guide and other handouts. I also started another blog specifically related to all my singing stuff, so hopefully I'll focus more on "deep" issues here. But, you'll still probably get what basically amounts to an online journal entry. If you're interested in the voice blog, you can see it at www.jmrvoicenotes.blogspot.com
Usually I spend Saturday digging out the mess that I make of my house all week, but today, it's not bad. I might actually get some more deep cleaning done. The funny thing is, I'm actually looking forward to it.
Here's something a little bit interesting (hopefully)--For the last few months I've been doing topical scripture study, looking up verses related to whatever interests me that day. One chapter (Colossians 3) keeps resurfacing, even though my topics keep changing. I love verses 14 and 15: "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
A related scripture that has become my new favorite is Doctrine &Covenants 88:125: "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."
What would the world be like if we all did that? What would my life be like if I remembered to live like that more often? Maybe I should add that to the "To Do" list.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Technology update
My computer is mostly working. I have a new (used) power cord. The USB card didn't work, so I had to return it and they didn't have another, so everything that needs a USB port is on hold. I also need to have my crazy cursor fixed. It keeps floating away. But other than that, the computer situation is good.
I haven't switched to high -speed internet yet, but it's on my list of things to do.
The website for my voice studio is just about ready. Hopefully I'll have everything finished by the time school starts.
And if blog and Facebook addictions weren't enough, I now have an iphone addiction. I bought the iphone 3GS for use in my studio and I'm having a great time figuring it out.
So, if it seems I've disappeared, I'm probably either dealing with an issue with my old technology, or getting totally sucked into the new stuff. Love it!
I haven't switched to high -speed internet yet, but it's on my list of things to do.
The website for my voice studio is just about ready. Hopefully I'll have everything finished by the time school starts.
And if blog and Facebook addictions weren't enough, I now have an iphone addiction. I bought the iphone 3GS for use in my studio and I'm having a great time figuring it out.
So, if it seems I've disappeared, I'm probably either dealing with an issue with my old technology, or getting totally sucked into the new stuff. Love it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)