#9 - Nostalgia.

Have you ever felt drawn to a place before?

Since I started at my current job in the summer of '06, I've taken essentially the same route to work each day.  A fairly straight shot from Waldo to Mount Vernon, with a few curves, towns, and hills along the way to break it up a bit.

Apparently, after four years of this, my brain was looking to break up the routine a bit and I started daydreaming (I do this a lot, btw) of alternate routes.  Eventually I recalled a path that allowed me to hop on a highway closer to my home and take it through Cardington.

Even if it is shorter in distance, it makes up for it in stops.

However, I really felt compelled to give it a shot.  So, one day I headed out that way instead of my normal drive.  About halfway in, I realized why I was drawn to this new way to work: the Lutheran Memorial Camp.

This is actually kind of weird, considering I've only been on the property a handful of times, including a recent visit (we'll get to that in a minute).

Yet, the first time I saw the sign, I was instantly transported to a different time.  Oh, time travel does indeed exist, both forward and back.  We make plans, projections into the future, right?  Similarly, we can cast our minds back to a time long past, as if it just happened.

I thought of the first time that I was there as a camper in sixth grade.  Our school, like many others, took all the sixth graders out there for a week, while recruiting well-behaved seniors to serve as counselors.  What could go wrong, right?

Of course, there was some late night drama, lots of laughs, and a great experience in the wilderness (I actually learned some things), all in an idyllic setting.  I remember the senior counselors, how I thought they were so much older (and cooler) than us.

I went back six years later, for I was then a well-behaved senior.  I realized why I thought the seniors were cool when I was in sixth grade; as seniors, we were cool.  I took an acoustic guitar and the latest RATT cassette, I had it going on.  Again, I had a great time, wonderful facility.  The camp is perfectly suited to the purpose for which it is used.

Back to the current day.  After taking the new route for a few months, I finally detoured into the camp on my way in one day.

I forgot how long the driveway is, and how the whole camp is set in a wonderful woods.  My dream driveway would look a lot like this.

Once I got into the camp proper, the waves of nostalgia began.  I flashed back to memories of playing basketball and kickball, chasing girls (both visits), making candles, making rain sounds one night in the lodge with everyone (snapping, clapping, slapping our thighs) as it poured outside. Johnny Appleseed stories, wading in the creek, identifying different plants, and team building.

That was a week or so ago.  Today, on my drive home, I wanted to get to the root of why this place called to me, after only a couple substantive visits.

That's when I remembered: I had actually been there a couple other times.

Once, when I was a seventh or eighth grader, I went to visit a friend who lived really close to the camp.  He was one of my best friends as a kid, and our families spent a lot of time together.  He and I walked back a trail where a railroad track once lay, and wandered through the woods of the camp.  We chased crawdads in the creek; I tried snuff for the first (and last) time, and it made me sick.

The other time was with the same friend, only a few years later.  I think I was a sophomore in high school, and I was invited to his younger brother's birthday (I was actually between the two brothers in age).  I showed up to the party with my girlfriend at the time, and spent hardly any time at all at the party before bailing with the older brother and his girlfriend back the same trail to do some necking (ask you parents, kids) at the camp.  Sorry, KD for being a big ol' schmuck - I've grown up a little (ok, quite a bit) since then.

Thinking about spending time with my friend eventually led to memories of losing him when I was a freshman in college.  I was home on Christmas break, and ran into him early in the week.  We exchanged contact info (as much as we had in 1987) and made plans to get together soon.  It felt as if no time had passed between our last meetings, although it had been a few years.

A few days later, he was killed in an accident.

Yet, he is still alive for me, at least as long as I hold onto those memories.  I can travel in time.  I can hear his voice, hear him picking on me in a good way.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried a little bit.

But it wasn't a bad thing.  This seemingly random release of emotion is an indication of how powerful memories can be in our minds. 

Thanks, Lutheran Memorial Camp, nostalgia can be a wonderful thing.

D

#8 - Metacognition

Now wait just a minute there.  Where are you going?

Don't freak out, I'm not going to get all educational on you here (well, maybe a little, but still, don't freak out).

Disclaimer out of the way?  Good.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about thinking.  More accurately, I've been thinking about how wondrous it is that we can even consider the concept of thought.

Don't you think that it's interesting that even with as much as we know about the human body, including the brain, we still don't fully understand how our consciousness works?  Granted, we get how neurons send electrical signal, and what happens to people when there is damage to an area of the brain.

I promised you no edujargon, so I'll lay this out in a way that even I could understand:

"Metacognition is the process of thinking about thinking" (Kearsley, 2010).

So why am I fascinated so much by our consciousness, and our ability to philosophize in general?

I'm not sure.

I only know that, as a lay person, I've had an interest in the human mind for a long time (I'm sure that a parallel universe Damon is a neuroscientist of some sort).  Why else would I order some Philip K. Dick and Ray Kurzweil when presented with a Barnes and Noble gift card? (Of course, my father may have had something to do with the love of SciFi with his everchanging collection of hardcovers and paperbacks.  We're talking Asimov, Pohl, Heinlein, Clarke, the big hitters.)

I love curiosity.  I love creativity. As far as I know, and, to the degree that we display these traits, they are exclusively human.  Sure, some animals are curious, but how many of them compose blog posts on consciousness?

I'm currently reading The Element by Ken Robinson, Ph.D., and it speaks directly to the issues discussed above: how creativity and intelligence are not mutually exclusive. (note: I'm only in the third chapter of the book as of this posting.  I highly recommend the book, although you may find it a bit of a slow, circular start.)

Can I tell you a quick(ish) story?

When I was in the eighth grade, I knew what I wanted to do for a living; I wanted to be a band director.  Specifically, I wanted to come back to my (then future) alma mater and be the band director.

I was an adequate musician in a small school (big fish little pond), even though I didn't work hard at it.

As humbling as it is to admit, I was torn to SHREDS in my first week of music theory by one of the most brilliant musical minds I've ever met, the late Dr. Joseph Thomas.  In that week, we were required to submit some music theory workbook pages on key signatures and clefs and notes and other basic theory things that everyone else knew.

I had no theory background, so I got a D- on that assignment, with some fairly strong commentary, some of which suggested I might want to consider an alternate major.

I should mention that I was at the top of my high school class academically - not to brag, just to provide context.

I had no idea what a D- even looked like in person.

Still, I had the dream of being the band director, so I buckled down and actually learned.  Dr. Thomas' music theory and aural training classes were challenging but incredibly educational.  For example, in the second year theory course, we were often asked to write one sentence about a particular measure in a score he would supply.  The measure, or chord, or phrase, would be something pivotal to the piece and he would expect us to not only see that, but also to find a way to write about it eloquently.  He was as harsh on us regarding sentence structure as he was on the content of the writing.

I remember this, because I was engaged in the course.

Sadly, I don't remember much else about my undergrad coursework, primarily because I approached those classes as a means to an end: a degree.  Need the degree if you're going to go back to teach at your alma mater, right?

Wait.  Why am I telling you this, when the point of this post is thinking about thinking?

I'm just reflecting on my thought processes at the time, from the standpoint of a career educator, and realizing how any of my professors (or K-12 teachers) could have engaged me in their content.

In Dr. Thomas' classes, I was required to be creative.  One part of our final exam for my second year aural training exam was to select three traditional Christmas carol melodies (from memory) and supply the original harmonization as well as a reharmonization that we composed. Part writing rules apply!

Eventually, I passed my classes, did my student teaching, and earned my teaching credentials.  I subbed for a couple years, taught at a small Catholic school for a couple years, and eventually ended up realizing my childhood dream; I was hired to teach at my alma mater.

I only lasted four years, before leaving for a technology professional development position at another educational entity.

Even though I came to the conclusion that teaching music at the K-12 level just wasn't for me, I still believe that music is an integral part of who I am.

I play bass and guitar for a singing group that my children are in, once in awhile I get to play some worship music at church or at work, and I write some weird electronica pieces from time to time.  Writing or playing music allows my consciousness to enter Flow, and that's a good thing.  If it was good enough for Einstein (Foster, 2005), probably good enough for me, right?

Likewise, education, and the process of educating others, is also a big part of me.  Ask my wife, I struggle to turn off "teacher mode," regardless of my context.

However, both of these activities allow me to use my brain, and think about things, in a different way.

I charge you to let you mind wander, be creative, think big thoughts, and dream big dreams.

Will all of us be the President of the United States of America when we grow up?

Nope.

But that doesn't mean that your daydreams won't turn into something that could change the world.

Think about your thinking, in order to find ways that you are creative!

References:

Foster, B. (2005). Einstein and his love of music. Retrieved from http://www.pha.jhu.edu/einstein/stuff/einstein&music.pdf

Kearsley, G. (2010). The Theory Into Practice Database. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/meta.html

TWITA #3

Seriously.

I don't care who you are, you can find a way to help other people.  This man is compassion, embodied in human form.  If you know the caste system in India at all, you realize how powerful his actions are.

http://wimp.com/wecould/

D

#6 - Humbled.

I'm trying to do good things without trumpeting my accomplishments.

I could provide you with a list of how I try to make a difference in the world, but it really doesn't matter.

Why?

Because no matter what I do, someone else does more.

It really isn't a competition, instead, it is a wonderful lesson for me to learn (over, and over, and over again, apparently).

Here are a couple recent examples that should clarify where I'm coming from:

1.  My kids are in a Christian singing group that has an annual retreat around the end of October.  All day Saturday rehearsals, fun time on Sat. night, sleepover, and then all day Sunday rehearsals topped off by a performance for the parents.

I play bass in the band, and my wife is the coordinator for the group, so we're committed to the weekend.  However, there are many other parents who sacrifice their personal time to help out and chaperone.  One such individual helped provide me with some perspective at this last retreat.

Everything was going great for me during the weekend, right up until an hour before the performance.  We had just eaten a potluck lunch, and all of a sudden, I wasn't feeling so hot.  I struggled mightily throughout the performance, but was able to make it all the way through without bailing.

Feeling pretty good about myself for putting the group ahead of my nausea, I read Facebook the next day to find that not only did the aforementioned individual sleep in the boys' cabin as a chaperone (a prescription for little sleep), he went into work on Sunday night and worked third shift.

All day Saturday running sound, up late Saturday night, all day Sunday running sound, followed by a full shift in a factory on Sunday night.

Makes my little battle seem pretty insignificant, right?

Wait, it gets better.

2.  Where I work, we have meetings.  Lots of them.

One of my colleagues seems to perpetually struggle with the concept of maintaining consciousness in the meeting context.  No matter where we meet, there's a good chance he's going to doze a little at some point.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I might have made some comments of a mocking or humorous nature regarding this situation.  As it turns out, he has a pretty good reason for being a bit sleepy during the day.

He volunteers at a men's homeless shelter downtown.

Since someone needs to be on duty overnight, that responsibility falls to him when no one else can be found.

So, there are days where he will work during the day, go home for a few hours, and then stay awake all night at the shelter to supervise.

I'm thinking that if that were me, I might be a bit sleepy in meetings as well.

Again, I don't think that living a good life is a competition against others; instead, I think that we can all do good without boasting, and just be an inspiration by example to others.  I can tell you that both of these men have inspired me to step it up a bit, especially regarding the concept of sacrifice.

Who challenges you to do the same?

TWITA #2

The second installment in the "That's what I'm talking about" series is focused on a friend of mine who is truly inspirational.  Actually, both he and his wife inspire me to be a better person, and to appreciate all of the varied blessings (and challenges) I face daily.

Let me go back to the beginning.

I met Joel and Sheryl in church, a number of years ago.  As a musician, I quickly plugged into the choir, where Joel was instrumental (pun intended) in making the group shine.  He sang tenor (wonderful sense of pitch) and also accompanied the choir on piano at various points.  He had an incredible ability to improvise for the offertory and communion, and I truly enjoyed what he presented musically.

Unfortunately, in 2002, Joel was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  I'll let Sheryl tell this part of the story:

In October of 2002, Joel was diagnosed with a malignant, inoperable brain tumor on the left side of his brain near the motor control and speech areas of his brain, and given 9-12 months to live. Shortly after the biopsy, he developed a staph infection at the surgery site. The infection put him back in the hospital (an hour away from our house) for a month and resulted in three more brain surgeries, the final one also resulting in the removal of a portion of his cranium. We nearly lost him several times.

Since then, he has had blood clots in both legs, siezures, radiation, several rounds of chemo, pneumonia, shingles, more chemo, and in 2007, a horrible fall. The seizures left his right side very weak and rendered his right arm and hand useless; he resembles a stroke victim. 

When he fell, he hit his head on a cement floor and was life-flighted to the hospital with substantial bleeding in his brain. We nearly lost him again. We were told that he would probably never walk again, and that his abilities would be severely diminished. He spent a month in the hospital and inpatient rehab units. He walked out of that unit using a cane.

Through all of this, Joel has assured me that everything would be okay. Today, he can barely speak, but he communicates very well. When asked how he is, his answer is always a smile and, "I'm fine". He has accompanied both of our sons on the piano, using only his left hand. If I hadn't been watching, I never would have guessed he was using one hand. He is the one who points out the rainbows when all the rest of us can see is the rain.

I witnessed Joel's physical decline first hand.  I saw him go from an incredibly gifted musician who had some tingling in his hand, to an individual who (as Sheryl puts it) resembles a severe stroke victim.

I was really sad.  Sad, and angry.  I couldn't understand how a wonderful person like this could be stricken in this way.

What Sheryl doesn't say in her Facebook note above, is that after his diagnosis and he began to have difficulty with motor coordination and speech, he volunteered his time at the elementary school down the road (literally) from his house.  He continued volunteering until his serious fall in 2007, proving to me that when life is challenging, the strong rise to the challenge.

The thing is, Sheryl is just as inspiring to me.  She would say (and has, trust me) that you just have to do what is necessary to continue on.  I get that, and I know that if faced with a similar situation, I would do whatever is necessary to make things work for my family.

However, she has not let any of this seeming tragedy affect her contribution to the community of which she is part.  She helps out with the marching band (after planting Joel in a seat in the stands), she is active (an officer, no less) in the music boosters, and can always be found when something needs to be done.

I have heard others, in similar situations, express anger at God for allowing this to happen.

Not Joel and Sheryl.  They realize that every day is a gift, so why waste time being angry all the time.

Thank you Joel and Sheryl for being an inspiration to me!

That's What I'm Talking About (TWITA) #1

In addition to my own rants and raves, I would like to occasionally present stories of people who are actually doing something to make the world a better place.

I have a whole series I need to share with you, including a surprise volunteer and a twice-inspiring friend, but I would like to start with a story of a family that I absolutely love.

This is the story of a mom (home business, home schooler, great wit), a dad (an officer in the military and an all around great guy - seriously, if you don't like him after meeting him, I probably don't want to hang out with you), and three kids.

This family decided to take the words of Jesus seriously; they've adopted a young man from halfway around the globe.

Go here and read, and then come back for follow up thoughts.

I'll wait.





Good?

Did you get the part at the end, where we were asked as readers what we thought our impact would be if the "body of Christ functioned as it was intended" to function?

Missy also talks about how not everyone needs to adopt a child, however, we can all play a role.

That's what I'm talking about.

If all of us picked up the rope and pulled, we could move the world.  It takes SO much to do what these people have done (money, time, patience, understanding, compassion, love, support, etc.), and organizations such as the one described in the post are wonderful vehicle for organizing efforts to help.

Find your path to helping others.

#5 - Intellectual Elites?

Having been on a number of search committees, as well as having actually hired people, I am a firm believer in bringing in the best person for the job. Part of this process is matching the skills, talents, and knowledge of the individuals applying with the position available.

This is a good thing, right?

When interviewing surgical residents, Hospitals want to insure that not only do the prospective surgeons have the necessary education and training, but they also have extensive experience in order to be successful in the operating room at the hospital.

How about CEO of a large company? Having an MBA and expert knowledge of business processes and systems help keep companies streamlined and profitable for their investors.

Similarly, we expect that the teachers that work with our children have a high quality education and experience with different teaching techniques that will allow them to connect with all the children that they teach, moving them forward academically.

What do these groups (and many, many more) have in common?

They are all elite in some way.

But what does elite really mean?

From Merriam-Webster.com:

Definition of ELITE

1 a singular or plural in construction : the choice part : cream
b singular or plural in construction : the best of a class
c singular or plural in construction : the socially superior part of society
d : a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
e : a member of such an elite —usually used in plural 

For our purposes here, d is the definition that addresses the issue under discussion (although, I'll get to e as well).

Many people strive for YEARS to become elite in their craft.  When kids are playing football in the backyard, do they dream about riding the bench, or being the star quarterback?  When one of those same kids shows promise, what do we do?  We throw resources and opportunities at that child (hopefully) and they continue on the path to developing into a superstar, because on Sunday afternoons, you want to see the best pitted against the best, right?

These examples (plus many more I could quickly conjure up: the master luthier, the phenomenal chef, the technological whiz kid, etc.) speak to the fact that, as a nation, we admire those who excel in their field.

Except in one area.

Politics.

There is a current trend (although, it has certainly come up before) against intellectuals in politics that I simply cannot wrap my head around.

Again, I refer you back to the beginning of this post where I discussed hiring the best person for the job.  Shouldn't we want to have smart people running this country?  That seems too much like common sense to me, so I'm sure I'm missing something along the way.

Before I go any further, I want to assure you that I am not advocating for some intellectual elitist oligarchy or anything like that -  I simply want to KNOW that my elected official is cognitively equipped to handle the challenges inherent in running a country of this size.

Why my concern?

Primarily, I'm hearing phrases like "the intellectual elite" or "so-called experts" from one side of the aisle, and, as an academician, I find it troubling.  Trust me, I don't know everything there is to know about everything, but I do know some things.  If Congress were to convene a task force focused on increasing the social presence of online faculty, I feel that I could speak to that issue with some authority.

It is easy to be folksy and speak in generalities when running for office, isn't it?  Do you want to elect a president that would be "fun to have a beer with" or do you want to hire someone who will be the most effective in governing the nation?

Speaking of language, do you hear a lot of specifics from either side during a campaign?

Nope.

You hear "cut spending" but not what to cut.  

Don't you want the people who represent your legislative (and executive) interests to be open and honest with you about the way your government works?  A phrase that is often used in my house is "tough choices" - referring to the decisions that must be made to stick to the budget or get rid of clutter, generally.

Now, some readers may think that I'm saying you have to have advanced degrees to run for office in this country - that's not what I'm saying at all.

I'm simply stating that running for office on a platform of bashing those who DO have the curiosity to keep growing intellectually is not productive in creating a better country than we have today.