experiential learning

Paul du Toit said that he lives in his head for days a time. To be honest, I think I've been living in my head all my life... This is not so much an esoterical expose of life inasmuch as it is a simple observation.

I'm a scientist by profession: I think in boxes, models, equations, equilibriums, order, etc., etc.
I am by virtue of my training: critical, theoretical and calculating. I am oftentimes intolerant, blunt and impatient.

But the last couple weeks and months have challenged me to the core.
I've had the "aah-haah" moment more in these couple weeks than I have in the last couple years.

Why?

Simple really.

I can think of three triggers or catalysts for the change:
1) my wife who challenged me to respond rather than react
2) Nancy Kline who challenged me to listen
3) A strategy class which challenged me to look for the breakdancing brown bear

I've seen guys and girls raise a ton of $$ in two weeks.
I've seen a house being built in a week.
I've seen creativity that has left me speechless.
I've seen people coming out of their shells if they are given half an opportunity
I've seen what the potential is with the collective creativity of a group
I've seen how diversity has been leveraged into action
I've been humbled
I've been in awe

I've learnt (and am learning...) how to listen, respond and create a space for creativity.

And for all of that I am eternally grateful. Thank you everyone