https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4 How Marty's work resonates with me. en-us 2017-01-16 13:13:09 UTC 2024-09-30 03:27:37 UTC hello@padlet.com mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147361281 At the UCO summer workshop before my first year as a dance major. I took a yoga class with April Helen. During a moment of guided mediation she said, "You know everything there is to know about the universe, you just have to listen."

She was the owner and teacher at the Art of Yoga. I pursued her wisdom feverishly, even when life took her to travel around the world. I remain in contact with her to discuss any and all my epiphanies. 

Her wisdom was so profound to me in that moment that I have held onto it since the summer of 2007. As a result of that class, I felt a spark light up inside of me that fully agrees with Marty (we're really good friends in my head so we're on a first name basis) when he talks about the problem with monism (p.9). The scientific method is a wonderful way to measure one element of any experiment, but the human experience is multidimensional. Any theory not reflecting the complexities of one's journey is incomplete.]]> 2017-01-16 14:12:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147361281 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147364041 A quick reference of John Cacioppo labeling loneliness as a "disabling condition" (p. 21) reminded of a my friend, Derek.

Derek was a long time friend of my husband, Larry. Larry moved Derek into our house despite my diva demands. Derek had been given a terrible hand in life yet still had the grit to overcome his depression. One night years ago during a a party, Derek told me he was tired of being lonely. I shrugged it off as I sobered up and didn't think anything of it. Fast forward to summer 2015, we had to move out to be with Larry's mother, leaving Derek on his own. Derek committed suicide September 2016. No matter how shocking, there is an underlying truth that both Larry and I knew he was lonely. Loneliness is disabling. ]]> 2017-01-16 14:26:11 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147364041 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147365944 Perpetual Motion Modern and Aerial Dance Company's innovative work and sisterhood gave me meaning and a sense that I belonged to something bigger then myself. Marty was right, I made pennies working for Perpetual Motion but it gave me so much joy. I was immersed in all things Perpetual Motion. And I brought flow and engagement back to Jefferson, my first district site as a public school dance teacher. ]]> 2017-01-16 14:36:19 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147365944 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147367147 Despite my love for Perpetual Motion, I don't believe I was getting a 2.9:1 positive to negative statement ratio. I dedicated a solid five years to Perpetual Motion. I still  want to return to Perpetual Motion,  but grad school was my way to escape something that I love that wasn't necessarily loving me as much in return. 
Kim in the picture below with me, was a ridiculously talented aerial artist. She created some of the most challenging choreography I've done in my entire life. If we knew about positive psychology back then, like the Losada ratio how different would our lives be now? Would we still be engaged?]]> 2017-01-16 14:42:09 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147367147 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147369025 Marty begins chapter 2 with the gratitude visit (p. 30). I find this amusing.

Larry and I got married right before his mother was diagnosed with stage Iv lung cancer. She was given a year and we moved in to be with her. I'm thankful for that time. But it was hard. There were times I felt so hopeless that I thought the answer was a divorce. But as April Helen said, "you know everything there is to know about the universe."

After a low moment, I downloaded a gratitude app and set a daily alarm at 3:30 to practice gratitude. Not only did it save my marriage but now the alarm will go off in the middle of a school meeting or rehearsal. The faculty and dancers all stop what they are doing and say what they are grateful for that day. I am excited to extend this practice to include why I'm grateful (p. 33). ]]> 2017-01-16 14:52:07 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147369025 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147972047 And a bush would suddenly light on fire and say to me, "What are you doing? Get back in there and do what you were put on Earth to do!"
Douglass is my calling, or as the book explains it is my vocation (p. 75). 

Fusion, the advance dance class at Douglass is the fruit of our labor that started back in 2013. The positive relationships (p.20) built over the years have made way for critical feed back and creativity (p.78). As stated earlier, we know everything there is to know about the universe. Something inside of me always knew that If I was going to start a successful program it was going to have to come one positive personal experience at a time. ]]> 2017-01-18 23:10:48 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147972047 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147972669 as Angela Lee Duckworth stated in her letter (p. 103), that they are not interested in learning because it's hard. But its my fault if I am not honest with myself and allow I myself stop learning. 

This past spring I felt the bitter taste of teacher burn out creeping in. It was most likely served in the form of feeling unappreciated. During summer break I began learning meditation. Through meditation I finally began understanding chakras. Because of this discovery I can honestly say I have learned so much about myself and how I relate to my surrounds, especially my students and I am less likely to miss an opportunity to grow. By taking responsibility of my own learning, I add a palpable passion that students can enjoy. Happiness ebbs and flows with one's daily experience (p. 11). My palpable passion comes from investing in my well being (p. 13. ]]> 2017-01-18 23:21:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147972669 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147975807 The letter from Aren Cohen (p. 73) talking about how she found a husband was so cheesy to me. I literally laughed out loud thinking about how this woman was trying to compare her life to Sex and the City. And then I realized I've never seen Sex in the City and I tortured myself for years that Larry and I were so untraditional. How? 

Here is a list:
1. We're discouraged to have children because it's bad for the environment.
2. We didn't have a traditional engagement. One day in the bath tub we decided to pick a day to have a party. On that day we signed a marriage certificate. 
3. We have no goals or aspirations to make more money. We just want to be happy doing things that we like. 
4. Our obsession/curiosity of holistic medicine and metaphysics will always prioritize over participating in society like everyone else. 

The list is longer and more detailed but to get to the point, it wasn't until I saw the value in Larry's companionship over any other element of our existence did I truly honor the depth of our relationship. I use to get wrapped up in the romance of T.V. shows, discouraged by the simplicity of Larry's love.  But the love he gives me fuels my self exploration in evolving into my highest self. So Aren, I ain't mad at ya. I wish more people would envision the love they want to better unlock the potential of love in their lives. ]]> 2017-01-19 00:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147975807 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147976788 I gripe and complain that we aren't making progress. Our students need coping skills. They need an advocate that empowers them and guides them through decision making. They need someone to express pain, frustration, abandonment, and sadness, without judgement or unsolicited advice. They need counselors! Not ones that write their schedules but one that focuses on their well being. 

Chapter 5 is it! I dabbled in theories of dance therapy in my classroom but never fully dove into anything serious. My hesitation was I didn't want to over step the spiritual beliefs of students. Positive education supports students' spirituality! And now I'm excited more then ever to commit to a vision I have long had but was wandering; look for a solid platform to stand on. Positive education empowers us to listen to the universe speaking from within us. Positive education empowers us to ascend to our highest potential. Positive education opens our mind's eye to one's own success (p. 96). Positive education guides us to coexist!]]> 2017-01-19 00:23:55 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147976788 mcakrey https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147977227 Why all this personally life story business? I have this light inside of me, blazing a fire, forcing its way out. It's the universe speaking through me. I know that you know everything there is to know about the universe, but do you? Have you listened? 
In 2013, I got a call from HR that Douglass and Centennial were wanting to start dance programs, I immediately chose Douglass. I knew the rumors about the scandals and the drama. But I also knew about the athletes. I wanted to work with the athletes.
I have this passion for injury prevention through dance, yoga, and pilates. I've always wanted to share this knowledge with athletes, but they always run away from me. But now! I have the key! And that is Positive Education. All these experiences have led me to cultivating my own mindfulness so that I can give others the gift of mindfulness! My hope is to see it spread like a wild fire through our campus and sow seeds of hope into the community (p. 93), cultivating a flourishing east side.]]> 2017-01-19 00:30:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mcakrey/i7r0lxfglix4/wish/147977227