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The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life
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The core of our humanity rests in our nature to create and explore. We look to the stars, the depths of the ocean and far into the human mind searching for the possibilities we have not yet found. It is hard to imagine a life without unlimited possibility and yet as we grow up we seem to lose the ability to look at our reality as limitless. Rather, we end up in deadend jobs, unhappy relationships and negative cycles of misguided gratification. The Art of Possibility is a wonderful reminder of the child-like faith we can rediscover and the possibilities we can create.
I enjoyed reading the combined perspectives of husband and wife, Rosamund and Benjamin - the former a therapist and executive coach, and the latter the conductor for the Boston Philharmonic. Together the Zander's outline twelve practices leading to the unblocking of circumstances that stop us from realizing our full potential. The philosophy begins with the idea of reinventing the framework in which we exist. Simply put our framework is invented, so why not invent a framework that enhances our life and the life of those around us. By drawing a different frame around the same set of circumstances new, less limiting pathways come into view. Here is an example sited in the book:
Recognizing Pablo Picasso in a train compartment, a man inquired of the artist why he did not paint people "the way they really are". Picasso asked what he meant by that expression. The man opened his wallet and took out a snapshot of his wife, saying, "That's my wife." Picasso responded, "Isn't she rather small and flat?"
The Art of Possibility is an inspirational yet practical book filled with personal accounts and powerful stories. Take the time to read this book as it will motivate you to reinvent your world, seek out greater possibilities and accomplish extraordinary things in your work and life.
For more information on this book, visit http://www.benjaminzander.com/book/ and http://www.rosamundzander.com/art.html
"In Their Playing You Hear not only precision, color and balance, but thunder, lightning and the language of the heart." This is what the Boston Globe said about a performance by conductor Benjamin Zander with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, but it could apply equally to the Zanders' inspirational book, the product of a synthesis of the diverse worlds of the symphony orchestra and cutting-edge psychology.
The Art of Possibility offers a set of breakthrough practices for creativity in all human enterprises. Infused with the energy of their dynamic partnership, the book joins together Ben's extraordinary talent as a mover and shaker, teacher, and communicator, with Rosamund Stone Zander's genius for creating innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment. In lively counterpoint, the authors provide us with a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of our lives.
The Zanders' deceptively simple practices are based on two premises: that life is composed as a story ("it's all invented") and that, with new definitions, much more is possible than people ordinarily think. The book shifts our perspective with uplifting stories, parables, and anecdotes from the authors' personal experiences as well as from famous and everyday heroes. From "Giving an A," to the mysterious "Rule Number 6," to "Leading from Any Chair" -- the account of Ben's stunning realization that the conductor/leader's power is directly linked to how much greatness he is willing to grant to others -- each practice offers an opportunity for personal and organizational transformation.
The Art of Possibility provides a lifealtering approach to fulfilling dreams large and small. The Zanders invite us all to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.
Rosamund Zander runs workshops for individuals and organizations to formulate vision and direction. She has developed a presentation on leadership and creativity in collaboration with Benjamin Zander that has been delivered to major corporations around the world. She maintains a private practice in psychotherapy and an Accomplishment Program for people wishing to complete a major project.
Benjamin Zander has an extensive speaking career, traveling the world lecturing to organizations on leadership. He has appeared four times as a keynote speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he was presented with the Crystal award for "outstanding contributions in the Arts and international relations". The best-selling book, The Art of Possibility, co-authored with his partner, leading psychotherapist Rosamund Zander, has been translated into fifteen languages. Mr. Zander was awarded the 2002 "Caring Citizen of the Humanities" Award by the International Council for Caring Communities at the United Nations.
ISBN: 0142001104
Format: Paperback, 224pp
Pub. Date: September, 2002
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
about jeni...
Nationally-recognized author, speaker and corporate trainer, Jeni Herberger leverages 18 years experience within the design industry providing others with practical strategies on doing business better and living life fuller.
"I want to take the opportunity to share with you just a few of the books I believe hold philosophies and practices that enhance our lives. Besides that, you just can't beat a good book!"
Jeni is a featured speaker at the 2007 How Design Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 10 – 13 and the In-HOWse Designer Conference in Austin, Texas, September 9 – 11.