Second Helping: Starfish Throwing

"Standing along the edge of the sea, a man catches sight of a young woman who appears to be engaged in a ritual dance. She stoops down , then straightens to her full height, casting her arm out in an arc. Drawing closer, he sees that the beach around her is littered with starfish, and she is throwing them one by one into the sea. He lightly mocks her, "there are stranded starfish as far as the eye can see, for miles up the beach. What difference can saving a few of them possibly make?" Smiling she bends down and once again tosses a starfish out over the water, saying serenely, "It certainly makes a difference to this one." - Rosalind and Benjamin Zander in The Art of Possibility  

Each of us is the dancer with opportunities to contribute, to be useful to the metaphorical starfish. But you knew that. 

The many times you choose to say a kind word, give a friend a hug, or even say nothing rather than negativity all represent 'starfish throwing'. 

When you show MUDITA, "your joy is my joy," congratulating a friend or teammate on their achievement, you push against the tide. 

Gratitude or grievance, joy or indifference, contribution or standing back make all the difference in the world to that solitary starfish. 

Represent MVB with an abundance mentality. 

Lagniappe. Here's a Brave AI take: 

Summary

“The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions and approach to life. The authors, a psychologist and a conductor, respectively, present 12 breakthrough practices for cultivating a mindset of possibility, creativity, and abundance. By embracing a more optimistic and open-minded perspective, readers can transform their personal and professional lives, fostering deeper connections, greater resilience, and a sense of fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

1. Frames of Reference: The book emphasizes the importance of our mental frameworks in shaping our perceptions and possibilities. By recognizing that our frames are invented, we can choose to create new, more empowering ones.
2. Abundance Mentality: The authors advocate for an abundance mindset, where resources are plentiful, and possibilities are endless. This approach encourages collaboration, generosity, and a focus on mutual benefit.
3. Giving an A: The practice of giving everyone an A (automatic assumption of excellence) fosters a culture of positivity, trust, and growth.
4. Embracing Uncertainty: The book encourages readers to lean into uncertainty and ambiguity, recognizing that these states can be opportunities for growth and innovation.
5. Practicing Possibility: The authors provide practical exercises and anecdotes to illustrate how to apply these principles in daily life, from relationships and communication to leadership and problem-solving.

Strengths

• Inspiring and thought-provoking, with a unique blend of psychological insights and musical analogies
• Offers practical, actionable advice for cultivating a mindset of possibility
• Encourages readers to challenge their assumptions and adopt a more optimistic outlook

Weaknesses

• Some readers may find the writing style and examples too anecdotal or lacking in concrete, scientific evidence
• The book’s focus on individual transformation may not fully address systemic or structural barriers to possibility

Recommendation

“The Art of Possibility” is a valuable read for anyone seeking to cultivate a more positive, creative, and abundant mindset. While it may not provide a comprehensive roadmap for solving all life’s challenges, it offers a powerful framework for rethinking one’s approach to life and relationships. Recommended for individuals, leaders, and teams seeking to foster a culture of possibility and innovation.