• #42 (no title)

Barbara Scoville, LCSW

~ Pioneers of Peace™

Barbara Scoville, LCSW

Monthly Archives: January 2014

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: The Game (Round 21)

31 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Mindfulness, Resilience, Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: A Game, The Power to Do

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic self, Games, Identity, Michelangelo, self, Self awareness, Self discovery, Self Discovery the Michelangelo

images“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”Michelangelo

For most of us the answer to the question, “Who am I?” is work in progress. There are times when we are certain who we are, what we like, and what we want; and other times when it seems we have no idea at all.

It has been said that identity isn’t just about what you have done, but what you would like to experience.

Playing “Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way” is a fun game designed to help you discover who you really are. You will be given a series of choices and asked which option resonates most with you.  Some will seem easy . . . black and white, while others will require careful contemplation.

Play the game each week and over time watch how your identity takes form; like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble, only to reveal what he already knew was inside.

Included in the game is a polling box in which you can cast your vote and see how your answer compares with others.

Game Rules:

1. Think about each option and decide which one you identify with the most.

2. You may feel like you can identify with both, but choose the one you lean towards.

3. Feel free to think about the options in any way you like: literally, symbolically, metaphorically, preferentially, etc.

4. Claim your identity by voting in the polling box at the bottom of the page, and just for the fun of it see what others are saying.

5. Check in each week to answer the latest question that will reveal your identity.

6. Keep a written record of your responses and watch a description of yourself unfold.

Option: Play this game with your friend or partner. See how well you know each other and build your relationship by sharing aspects of your personality.

Ready to play?

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

This week’s question (Round 21)

Are you more “Math” or “English?”

1240447_10200648736848566_795156431_n

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

How to Improve Relationships and Make a Kinder World-Tiny Buddha.com

26 Sunday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Caregiver's Storyboard, Emotion School, Life Mastery Skills, Mindfulness, Pioneers of Peace, Resilience, The Optimism Corner, The Power to Do, Wellness

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

altruism, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Compassion, Kind words, Kindness, Relationships, Stanford University, Tiny Buddha, Tiny Buddha Facebook

Dinner with the Vardeu's

Greetings Friends!

The post I wrote for Tiny Buddha posted on their website last Friday (www.tinybuddha.com). I’m not tech savy enough to make it appear in it’s entirity on this blog, so I have given you the link.

http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-to-improve-relationships-and-make-a-kinder-world/

I’m thrilled with the feedback I received. Over 2100 people liked it on the Tiny Buddha Facebook page and The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (Stanford University) re-blogged it. I hope you enjoy it 🙂

Until next time…

May you find your cup half full 🙂

Barbara

1240447_10200648736848566_795156431_n

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: The Game (Round 20)

23 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Mindfulness, Resilience, Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: A Game, Wellness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic self, Identity, Michelangelo, Self awareness, Self discovery, Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way, Self-esteem

images“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”Michelangelo

For most of us the answer to the question, “Who am I?” is work in progress. There are times when we are certain who we are, what we like, and what we want; and other times when it seems we have no idea at all.

It has been said that identity isn’t just about what you have done, but what you would like to experience.

Playing “Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way” is a fun game designed to help you discover who you really are. You will be given a series of choices and asked which option resonates most with you.  Some will seem easy . . . black and white, while others will require careful contemplation.

Play the game each week and over time watch how your identity takes form; like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble, only to reveal what he already knew was inside.

Included in the game is a polling box in which you can cast your vote and see how your answer compares with others.

Game Rules:

1. Think about each option and decide which one you identify with the most.

2. You may feel like you can identify with both, but choose the one you lean towards.

3. Feel free to think about the options in any way you like: literally, symbolically, metaphorically, preferentially, etc.

4. Claim your identity by voting in the polling box at the bottom of the page, and just for the fun of it see what others are saying.

5. Check in each week to answer the latest question that will reveal your identity.

6. Keep a written record of your responses and watch a description of yourself unfold.

Option: Play this game with your friend or partner. See how well you know each other and build your relationship by sharing aspects of your personality.

Ready to play?

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

This Week’s Question (Round 20)

Are you more a “Stick” or a “Blade of Grass” 

Image

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Softly, Kindly

17 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Caregiver's Storyboard, Life Mastery Skills, Pioneers of Peace, Resilience

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Compassion, empathy, Gentleness, Kindness, Peace, Pioneers of Peace, Softly, Vulnerability

Image

Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. Scott Adams

Sunday night we had a double birthday party for my son and daughter-in-law. The house was packed with family and though it was a happy gathering, chaos abounded.

Amidst the large crowd, we had three dogs in attendance, one of which was our puppy, Mr. Bingley. Bingley was in heaven, chasing the children and being the center of attention.  Kids and puppies are a perfect combination.

However, several times during the evening, the little ones had to be reminded to be “soft” with our tiny 4-pound bundle of fur.  It was interesting to observe that when reminded, the kids knew exactly how to adjust their behavior:

  • Don’t shake; cradle close.
  • Don’t frighten; be gentle.
  • Stop yelling; talk softly.
  • Don’t hit; pet.

It wasn’t hard for them to change. They love Mr. Bingley and when they became aware that being rough might harm him, a transformation took place and little nurturers appeared. The chaos was replaced with a sweetness hard to describe.

Mr. Bingley

Mr. Bingley

In contrast, on a daily basis I hear stories of people harming others with their words and actions. Some of it is intentional, but often it is not.

It’s easy to forget that human beings, despite our size, age, or level of success, may at times have only the emotional strength of a 4-pound puppy.

Unfortunately we don’t have super powers to look inside a person’s heart. Sometimes it’s easy to see when others are hurting but all too often people are wearing masks so that they don’t appear vulnerable.

We would be wise to remind ourselves often to be “soft.”

I am not a golfer, but I have friends who are passionate about the sport. I used to think golfing was about how “hard” you hit the ball.

My friends explained that it’s not how “hard” you hit the ball, but the arc of your swing and where on the ball your club makes contact. They said that a fraction of an inch makes all the difference in how far and where your ball will land.

In other words, a tiny adjustment makes all the difference.

Using that same analogy, consider the power of a tiny adjustment to your words and deeds, and how it could ease a soul.

Small acts of kindness might include…

A genuine smile

A gesture like a “thumbs up”

A compliment

A text to say “I’m thinking of you”

A plate of cookies or loaf of bread

A pat on the back or touch on the arm

Listening

Sitting next to someone who is alone

All of these are little adjustments. They don’t require physical strength or great effort. It’s a matter of arc or intention, and where you hit the ball that makes all the difference. Softness is the strength that is required.

Such little effort can be transformative on a very large scale.

  • Don’t shake; cradle close.
  • Don’t frighten; be gentle.
  • Stop yelling; talk softly.
  • Don’t hit; pet.

How have you been touched by little kindnesses in your life? I’d love to hear your experiences.

That’s all for now my friends.

May you always find your cup half full 🙂

Love to all,

Barbara

Image

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: The Game (Round 19)

17 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Resilience, Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: A Game

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

authentic self, Identity, Michelangelo, Quality of life, Resilience, Seld Discovery the Michelangelo Way, Self awareness, Self discovery, Self-esteem

images“In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”Michelangelo

For most of us the answer to the question, “Who am I?” is work in progress. There are times when we are certain who we are, what we like, and what we want; and other times when it seems we have no idea at all.

It has been said that identity isn’t just about what you have done, but what you would like to experience.

Playing “Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way” is a fun game designed to help you discover who you really are. You will be given a series of choices and asked which option resonates most with you.  Some will seem easy . . . black and white, while others will require careful contemplation.

Play the game each week and over time watch how your identity takes form; like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble, only to reveal what he already knew was inside.

Included in the game is a polling box in which you can cast your vote and see how your answer compares with others.

Game Rules:

1. Think about each option and decide which one you identify with the most.

2. You may feel like you can identify with both, but choose the one you lean towards.

3. Feel free to think about the options in any way you like: literally, symbolically, metaphorically, preferentially, etc.

4. Claim your identity by voting in the polling box at the bottom of the page, and just for the fun of it see what others are saying.

5. Check in each week to answer the latest question that will reveal your identity.

6. Keep a written record of your responses and watch a description of yourself unfold.

Option: Play this game with your friend or partner. See how well you know each other and build your relationship by sharing aspects of your personality.

Ready to play?

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way

This week’s question: Round 19

Are You More a Lap Top or a Pen?

Image

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Power of Words

17 Friday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Caregiver's Storyboard, Life Mastery Skills, Mindfulness, Pioneers of Peace, Quotes, Resilience, Wellness

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Buddha, Charity, Compassion, empathy, Happiness, Kindness, Mindfulness, Peace, Pioneers of Peace, Resilience, The Power of Words

Image 6Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace. ~Buddha

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Pink Milk Nights and Looking Forward

02 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Emotion School, Life Mastery Skills, Mindfulness, Resilience, Wellness

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Adventure, Authenticity, Balance, Compassion, Courage, Creativity, Happiness, health, Inspiration, Joseph Campbell, Mindfulness, New Year, New Year's Eve, New Year's Resolutions, Simplicity

photo

“You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.” ~ Joseph Campbell

 Pink Milk Nights and Looking Forward

As I sit writing this post, I’m drinking a cup of herbal tea heavily laden with orange blossom honey.  Looking out my bedroom window, I see the Oquirrh  Mountains which are blanketed with lavender snow and touched by peach colored clouds. Heaven. Tonight promises to be a “Pink Milk Night.”

When my children were young we made a special treat when the evening sky was pink. Grenadine syrup and milk; aka “Pink Milk.” Happy memories of days gone by fill my mind as I ponder the year to come.

I don’t know what this year will bring and I have learned to be careful about exerting too much will over the future. This year I look to principles rather than outcomes

Rather than lose 20 pounds… I choose health.

Rather than going to Europe… I choose mind-expanding adventure.

Rather than cleaning and de-cluttering my home… I choose simplicity.

Rather than saving and making more money… I choose abundance.

Rather than gaining 1000 readers… I choose authenticity.

Rather than folding 1000 cranes… I choose creativity.

Rather than being confident… I choose courage.

Rather than being efficient with my time… I choose to be mindful.

Rather than striving for perfection… I choose balance.

Rather than numbering the ways I will serve… I choose compassion.

Rather than reading countless books…I choose inspiration.

Rather than trying to fix what is wrong… I choose happiness.

Tonight may you begin the journey of finding the life that is waiting for you in 2014. Happiest of New Year‘s to you my dear friends.

Love,

Barbara

IMG_0775

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Happy New Year!

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by Barbara Scoville, LCSW in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

An oldie but a goodie…more later. Happy New Year 2014!

Barbara Scoville, LCSW

times-square-new-york

Crackers, cheese ball, sour cream, fresh artisan bread, bean dip fixings, and tortilla chips are all necessities for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Along with the throngs of last minute shoppers, we made our way to the local grocery store. While there, my son saw an acquaintance from his youth who had had a well-publicized tragic childhood. He walked up to him, said “Hello,” and asked how he was doing. The man’s reply was, “Not very good. I’ve had a really hard year but tomorrow is New Year’s and I get to start all over.”

Last night shortly after the clock struck midnight, my daughter suggested we try something different and all write down our New Year’s resolutions, to be placed in a time capsule not to be opened until next New Year’s Eve. Almost everyone gave her a hard time but eventually acquiesced. The little ones were most…

View original post 390 more words

Share this:

  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Recent Posts

  • Ripples on the Ocean of Kindness
  • Food for Thought
  • Meditating in Paris
  • Walking the Labryinth
  • When an Empty Basket is a Good Thing

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • April 2019
  • May 2018
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012

Categories

  • Altruism
  • Caregiver's Storyboard
  • charitable sewing
  • Compassionate Knitting
  • Emotion School
  • Fear
  • homeless
  • homeless youth
  • Homelessness
  • humanitarian service
  • Imagination
  • Inspiration
  • Life Mastery Skills
  • making a difference
  • Meditation
  • Metta
  • Mindfulness
  • Motivation
  • Pioneers of Peace
  • Quotes
  • Recipes
  • Refugees
  • Resilience
  • Self Discovery the Michelangelo Way: A Game
  • The Optimism Corner
  • The Pioneers of Peace Thanks"Giving" Cup Campaign
  • The Power to Do
  • The Thanks"giving" Cup Campaign
  • Uncategorized
  • Utah Refugee Center
  • Valentine's Day
  • VOA Homeless Youth Resource Center
  • Wellness

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 191 other followers

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Barbara Scoville, LCSW
    • Join 191 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Barbara Scoville, LCSW
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: