A Whole New Mind: Ch 7-9

In Pink's "A Whole New Mind," chapter's 7-9 explain the other three senses Pink believes to be crucial while moving into this "Conceptual Age." These include Empathy, Play, and Meaning. (In prior posts, I spoke of the first three senses that Pink discussed in the first half of the book: Design, Story, and Symphony)

He declares on page 66 (the introduction to the 6 senses), "What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others." Empathy is what distinguishes us from any other species. On page 159, he explains Empathy as "the ability to stand in others' shoes, to see with their eyes, and to feel with their hearts...the ultimate virtual reality--climbing into another's mind to experience the world from that person's perspective." ( I thought his use of the term "virtual reality" was interesting, especially after we just recently finished the book "Snow Crash.") Empathy is such an important element in how we connect with others, really. He goes on to say that it is just as important in leadership roles in the work-force. This is how some managers and bosses are more effective with their employees.

He quotes one of my all time favorite heroes, Oprah Winfrey:

'Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate and to connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.'

I think this is huge! It speaks volumes. As a future teacher, I think this is a crucial element in becoming a successful leader in the classroom environment. It's also important to teach this skill as well. Like Pink mentions, it's important to learn others' facial expressions to become more aware of emotions, and feelings within our own societies. This can begin as early as the infancy stage! Reading others' body language or facial expressions can really promote such positive interactions with children and their peers as they go through school, on up into adult relationships, and into the work place!

The next two senses are "Play," and "Meaning." In the 8th Chpt, Pink literally tells us to go have fun. Evidence shows what positive health and professional benefits derive from laughing. "In the Conceptual Age, in work and in life, we all need to play." (66) He offers great tips to practice laughing. For instance, he suggests taking a multidimensional sense of humor test, "to measure individuals' level of mirth." (211) More info on this: tinyurl.com/6t7ff) He also suggests to "Play at Inventing" or "Get Your Game On" which can be achieved by simply playing a video game. Other examples that promote fun and laughter: Pink suggests to go play outside, like on the playground or just sit and really watch how kids play...grasping their "sense of wonder and curiosity." (214) He also says to dissect a joke... to understand why a joke is funny, so that we can understand better, which kinds of humor work and which do not. The last tip he suggests is to play a Right-Brain Game. It is "designed to test and enhance R-Directed abilities." (www.tecmogames.com)

Last but not least, Pink discusses "Meaning." We are becoming more aware of, and trying to "pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment." Part of this is to find happiness in non-material objects, and more within ourselves. He offers great resources to his readers which include books that share knowledge about meaning. Really trying to encourage people to find true contentment. He asks his readers to look at their lives and "Take the 20-10 Test" which asks the question: If you won or inherited $20 million and had it sitting in the bank, would you still be doing what you're doing now at the job you're at? He asks the same question, but with a different scenario...What if you found out you had 10 years to live, would you be doing the same things you're doing now? I think this is a great question to ask ourselves. It really makes you think about your life, and your passions in life--what makes you really happy inside.

Two more suggestions that I really enjoyed reading about "Meaning" was to Dedicate your work. He speaks of Danny Glover and how he dedicates every performance to someone, just like authors do in their books. This gives purpose and meaning to our work, when we think of it as a "gift" to someone. (244) This is something I'd like to incorporate into my own life in the near future! Lastly, Pink suggests that we picture ourselves at Ninety and reflect on things like, "What have you accomplished?" "What have you contributed?" "What are your regrets?" I tend to think of the accomplishments more frequently. My philosophy has always been this: I don't ever want to regret not doing anything in life." I've gone skydiving, I've traveled to Europe, I'm finishing up my Bachelor's Degree to go into teaching; I accomplish almost everything I aspire to. That has always been very important to me. The day will indeed come, when I look back on my life and ask those same questions. Did I do everything I wanted? Did I overcome a fear or anxiety I had? Did I tell everyone in my life that they are so very important to me and that I love them, and to thank them for all they have contributed to in my life? These things are so valuable in life... it's what gives us motivation and purpose in the choices we make every single day. Ultimately, it's what we live for.

In conclusion, I'll leave you with this. Pink quotes Viktor Frankl on page 244:

"Live as if you were living for the second time and had acted as wrongly the first time as you are about to act now."