I found this story to be so fascinating that I had to post it - also for you skeptics, I checked it out on snopes.com and it is true.
A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.
The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother moved him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.
In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.
No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average price was $100.
Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people.
The outlines were - in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour:
• Do we perceive beauty?
• Do we stop to appreciate it?
• Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?
One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:
• If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, on a 3.5 million dollar instrument, how many other things are we missing?
As adults you hear people say - I need to get back to my roots, get in touch with who I really am. Maybe all we're really saying is what happen to the child in me, when and where'd I leave him behind. And . . . how do I get my child back???
He hasn't gone anywhere, you're just to damn busy to play!!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'M PROUD OF YOU!!
I know I got your attention with those 4 simple yet powerful words. Take a moment and say that sentence, get a feel for how it feels to say that. Now go find a mirror, and look yourself in the eyes and say it to you. Say it again this time with more sincerity - not just in passing. Don't add anything, no comments, no nothing else just say I'm Proud Of You.
See how powerfully this simple sentence affects you when you read it, say it, see it being said?
OK when was the last time you said it to someone? When was the last time you said it to your children, How about your spouse? My wife said this simple sentence to me yesterday, and her words still echo in my memory.
If your not sure when the last time was . . .it's been to long.
I'm in Santa Clara, it's a Friday 5:00am , I'm at Ernie Reyes school on El Camino, I've just finishing my testing for 5th Degree and am on the deck standing in front of the judges. I'm sweaty, breathing heavy, but composed. Tom Callos says to the 27 UBBT members watching me test "I am so proud of this guy, you don't even know . . . ". That was over 4 years ago and it's still etched in my brain.
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not ever forget you."
– William Arthur Ward
If you’re using this simple little sentence regularly you are creating ties that bind people together forever. The kind of bond other people don't understand or believe exist.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is to show appreciation for something they have done. You are thereby giving them support, which often is all they need to keep them on the path they have chosen.
How often have you had someone come up and ask you for encouragement? Most of the time we have no way of knowing when someone needs a little push, a little encouragement, a small sign that they are on the right track.
People don't ask us they ask God, so be his messager.
"Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune."
– Sam Walton
We all appreciate a sign that what we are doing is good. Why not give it to others freely? All we have to do is think more about the other person than about ourselves.
But be careful. What I am talking about is genuine appreciation – not that empty smile accompanied by empty words. Not the quick sentence said in hast with little focus or sincerety. I'm talking about get their attention, look right at them, from the deepest part of you. . . "I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!", or how about "DO YOU KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU?"
Taking Action:
Who have you Praised today? Make it a point to start thinking about who you are going to give praise to today. Plan it out, practice it a little, making sure the timing is right so that you have maximum effect and positve results.
Making this part of your day will bring you rewards beyond your ability to understand.
Hey. . . . I AM SO VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!
- Stay Healthy and Strong
See how powerfully this simple sentence affects you when you read it, say it, see it being said?
OK when was the last time you said it to someone? When was the last time you said it to your children, How about your spouse? My wife said this simple sentence to me yesterday, and her words still echo in my memory.
If your not sure when the last time was . . .it's been to long.
I'm in Santa Clara, it's a Friday 5:00am , I'm at Ernie Reyes school on El Camino, I've just finishing my testing for 5th Degree and am on the deck standing in front of the judges. I'm sweaty, breathing heavy, but composed. Tom Callos says to the 27 UBBT members watching me test "I am so proud of this guy, you don't even know . . . ". That was over 4 years ago and it's still etched in my brain.
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not ever forget you."
– William Arthur Ward
If you’re using this simple little sentence regularly you are creating ties that bind people together forever. The kind of bond other people don't understand or believe exist.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is to show appreciation for something they have done. You are thereby giving them support, which often is all they need to keep them on the path they have chosen.
How often have you had someone come up and ask you for encouragement? Most of the time we have no way of knowing when someone needs a little push, a little encouragement, a small sign that they are on the right track.
People don't ask us they ask God, so be his messager.
"Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune."
– Sam Walton
We all appreciate a sign that what we are doing is good. Why not give it to others freely? All we have to do is think more about the other person than about ourselves.
But be careful. What I am talking about is genuine appreciation – not that empty smile accompanied by empty words. Not the quick sentence said in hast with little focus or sincerety. I'm talking about get their attention, look right at them, from the deepest part of you. . . "I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!", or how about "DO YOU KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU?"
Taking Action:
Who have you Praised today? Make it a point to start thinking about who you are going to give praise to today. Plan it out, practice it a little, making sure the timing is right so that you have maximum effect and positve results.
Making this part of your day will bring you rewards beyond your ability to understand.
Hey. . . . I AM SO VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!
- Stay Healthy and Strong
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Why Do Martial Art Classes Develop Great Kids?
Why do martial arts classes work? Why do teachers, counselors, and doctors recommend martial art classes for children having difficulty with Focus, Self Control, and Confidence? I have parents that have tried every sport possible and come to me as a last resort. What does martial art bring to your child that these other activities don't? You could say it's the rules, but all sports have rules, martial arts is an activity that teaches your child to have good agility, balance, coordination and physical strength, so do most all sports. The list that compares martial arts to another sport is long, but there are a few areas where there is a marked difference,
· a) Everyone gets to play.
· b) No teasing, name calling, and no one will laugh at you.
· c) You work at your own pace, your competition is yourself.
· d) Your mistakes are considered part of the learning process.
· e) Little goals turn into small successes.
Everyone gets to play:
You say all sports have this rule, especially for young children. True, but the feeling of being put into a game toward the end because your coach has to make sure and follow a particular rule has a way different feel than getting to kick and punch the bag just as many times as the kid next to me, who even your child can see is way more talented. Talent is not a facture when it comes to how much your child gets to participate in class.
THERE ARE NO BENCH WARMERS IN MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES!!
Also because of this policy your child will be given the chance to practice their martial arts in class much much more than if they are relegated to the 2nd or 3rd team in a particular sport. More practice of their kicks and punches means they continually improve and at a faster rate.
No teasing, or name calling and no one will laugh at you;
The children in our martial arts classes learn very quickly that if this happens in one of our classes 1) the class is stopped 2) we huddle-up for a mat chat 3) we talk about the negative issues around teasing, name calling and laughing at someone 4) the two children are asked to stand up, face each other, bow, and apologies made. 5) everyone is reminded that polite behaviour is part of their advancement, you can have the best kick in the school, but if you don't have good manners you will not advance. Class then picks up where we left off
Our martial arts class is a no tease, no name calling, no laughing at others ZONE - that we take very serious. Allowing this behaviour in one of our classes will completely undermine any positive gains we would accomplish, and is not tolerated.
You work at your own pace, your competition is yourself;
Young children learn quickly, retain information, accept their mistakes, and participate more freely when the idea of competition with someone else is removed. Your child does not need to be compared to another child to improve. Your child should not be penalized because their focus, self control, and confidence is not as developed as another child. Yet this is exactly what competitive sports does.
Long before your child needs to understand the concept of winning and lousing they need to develop their personal concepts - if your child is struggling with focus, self control and confidence issues putting them into traditional sports to early can be a mistake
A child needs a relaxed, fun, non-competitive environment to improve and hone skills like focus, self control, and confidence. An environment that has structure and rules, that make him responsible for improving himself, where reward is given not because he's faster, more agile, or stronger than another child, but because today he's a little better than HE / SHE was yesterday. By starting your child with this type of self-competition, he will develop the confidence and discipline that will be needed later if and when he decides to participate in sports.
Your mistakes are considered part of the process;
When a child makes a mistake you set in motion a natural process, that should be positive and educational, IF you simply refocus, make small changes, learning what not to do, continue with proper practice and the process will work itself out. When that process is followed through to its correct ending the child will walk away from the experience more confident and self assured than ever. Correcting one mistake simple makes room for the next one, its part of the learning process, not a statement of failure. Using your mistakes to move toward your goals is what a martial arts class will teach your child.
Little goals turn into small successes, small successes turn into big triumphs;
At our martial arts school the idea of Black Belt is important, most of our training is designed to prepare us for Black Belt testing and attaining that Black Belt is a hugh triumph.
This concept of "little goals create big success" process is what keeps your child coming back to class. Every time he shows improvement he's rewarded - it could be as simple as a "High 5" from his instructor, a new stripe on their belt or one of the best feelings in the world getting promoted and receiving the next color belt on his way to Black Belt.
So O.K. lets think about this;
You've enrolled your child in our martial arts class - he is now in a program where he's
1) Given just as many opportunities in class as all the other children
Remember - NO BENCH WARMERS
2) Not being teased or laughed at.
3) His only competition is himself.
4) His mistakes are considered learning tools, and
5) Every time he shows improvement he gets rewarded,
Oh Ya, and remember while this process is happening, as far as your child is concerned their just having fun kicking, punching, yelling and reaching their goals.
Martial arts classes work because they are the perfect atmosphere for the development of Self-Confidence, Self-Discipline, and Self-Control. It doesn't matter what level of maturity your child is at when he/she steps into their first class, martial arts is designed to improve the "SELF" in everyone.
For more information, or to observe one of our classes please call
Patrick Hoffmann 707-935-7118 or e-mail me or visit us at our web site http://www.sonomataekwondo.com/
· a) Everyone gets to play.
· b) No teasing, name calling, and no one will laugh at you.
· c) You work at your own pace, your competition is yourself.
· d) Your mistakes are considered part of the learning process.
· e) Little goals turn into small successes.
Everyone gets to play:
You say all sports have this rule, especially for young children. True, but the feeling of being put into a game toward the end because your coach has to make sure and follow a particular rule has a way different feel than getting to kick and punch the bag just as many times as the kid next to me, who even your child can see is way more talented. Talent is not a facture when it comes to how much your child gets to participate in class.
THERE ARE NO BENCH WARMERS IN MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES!!
Also because of this policy your child will be given the chance to practice their martial arts in class much much more than if they are relegated to the 2nd or 3rd team in a particular sport. More practice of their kicks and punches means they continually improve and at a faster rate.
No teasing, or name calling and no one will laugh at you;
The children in our martial arts classes learn very quickly that if this happens in one of our classes 1) the class is stopped 2) we huddle-up for a mat chat 3) we talk about the negative issues around teasing, name calling and laughing at someone 4) the two children are asked to stand up, face each other, bow, and apologies made. 5) everyone is reminded that polite behaviour is part of their advancement, you can have the best kick in the school, but if you don't have good manners you will not advance. Class then picks up where we left off
Our martial arts class is a no tease, no name calling, no laughing at others ZONE - that we take very serious. Allowing this behaviour in one of our classes will completely undermine any positive gains we would accomplish, and is not tolerated.
You work at your own pace, your competition is yourself;
Young children learn quickly, retain information, accept their mistakes, and participate more freely when the idea of competition with someone else is removed. Your child does not need to be compared to another child to improve. Your child should not be penalized because their focus, self control, and confidence is not as developed as another child. Yet this is exactly what competitive sports does.
Long before your child needs to understand the concept of winning and lousing they need to develop their personal concepts - if your child is struggling with focus, self control and confidence issues putting them into traditional sports to early can be a mistake
A child needs a relaxed, fun, non-competitive environment to improve and hone skills like focus, self control, and confidence. An environment that has structure and rules, that make him responsible for improving himself, where reward is given not because he's faster, more agile, or stronger than another child, but because today he's a little better than HE / SHE was yesterday. By starting your child with this type of self-competition, he will develop the confidence and discipline that will be needed later if and when he decides to participate in sports.
Your mistakes are considered part of the process;
When a child makes a mistake you set in motion a natural process, that should be positive and educational, IF you simply refocus, make small changes, learning what not to do, continue with proper practice and the process will work itself out. When that process is followed through to its correct ending the child will walk away from the experience more confident and self assured than ever. Correcting one mistake simple makes room for the next one, its part of the learning process, not a statement of failure. Using your mistakes to move toward your goals is what a martial arts class will teach your child.
Little goals turn into small successes, small successes turn into big triumphs;
At our martial arts school the idea of Black Belt is important, most of our training is designed to prepare us for Black Belt testing and attaining that Black Belt is a hugh triumph.
This concept of "little goals create big success" process is what keeps your child coming back to class. Every time he shows improvement he's rewarded - it could be as simple as a "High 5" from his instructor, a new stripe on their belt or one of the best feelings in the world getting promoted and receiving the next color belt on his way to Black Belt.
So O.K. lets think about this;
You've enrolled your child in our martial arts class - he is now in a program where he's
1) Given just as many opportunities in class as all the other children
Remember - NO BENCH WARMERS
2) Not being teased or laughed at.
3) His only competition is himself.
4) His mistakes are considered learning tools, and
5) Every time he shows improvement he gets rewarded,
Oh Ya, and remember while this process is happening, as far as your child is concerned their just having fun kicking, punching, yelling and reaching their goals.
Martial arts classes work because they are the perfect atmosphere for the development of Self-Confidence, Self-Discipline, and Self-Control. It doesn't matter what level of maturity your child is at when he/she steps into their first class, martial arts is designed to improve the "SELF" in everyone.
For more information, or to observe one of our classes please call
Patrick Hoffmann 707-935-7118 or e-mail me or visit us at our web site http://www.sonomataekwondo.com/
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