This book completely changed the way I work with emotions because it provided an extremely clear way of distinguishing between emotions and judgments/narratives. There are transcripts of actual examples which provide new ways of thinking about how conversations could unfold. The rich language related to real needs and feelings is so helpful for navigating interpersonal worlds. Please read this book by Marshall Rosenberg
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Learning missions, reflections on learning design, tango ideas, book recommendations
Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell
This beautiful book, the Book of the Way, poetically invites us to move past categories of right and wrong and learn to flow with change. Stephen Mitchell's translation is so opening. Mitchell has translated many spiritual masterpieces and his voice in our times is such a gift.
Powers of Two: How Relationships Drive Creativity by Joshua Wolf Shenk
What this book gave me was more confidence in the way I have always most enjoyed working creatively: in partnerships. Joshua Wolf Shenk actually suggests that the idea of a lone genius is a myth and that really significant contributions are waay more likely to emerge when two very different minds tango together. (Though, the section on tango was a bit thin.) So glad Sharna Fabiano turned me on to this !
On Dialogue by David Bohm
This short and readable book by quantum physicist David Bohm calls for a new kind of wide-open-minded dialogue that actually makes change possible. That's what I hope will start to happen within any groups that wish to foster productive change, like our legislative bodies.
Leading from the Emerging Future by Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer
How do complex systems change? A big idea from this book is that we can't CREATE change unless we are willing to change OURSELVES. And it suggests an approach for "leaning in" to the emerging future even if we can't quite clearly see it or know, yet, what exactly needs to happen. Many inspiring examples - I found that the detailed frameworks in this book helped me more clearly imagine the kind of world I want to see emerge, and see ways I could support that emergence. And, following the journalling prompts was in itself transformative.
Love 2.0: Creating Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection by Barbara Fredrickson
This book redefines love as a kind of openness that you can practice, that leads to these "micro-moments of positivity resonance" that make you a scientifically healthier person.
A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict by Peter Ackerman and Jack Duvall
This is an excellent book on nonviolent resistance. The examples from Denmark during the Nazi occupation spoke to me. I believe the material in this book is extremely relevant and timely.
Thinking Points: Communicating our American Values and Vision by George Lakoff
I read a LOT. And a lot of these books are REALLY GOOD. I am going to share some of my favorite books with you. This one is a fast read that gave me a lot of insight into a more constructive way I could approach politics.