Images in Use: Ecuador

In a visit to Cuenca, Ecuador, my colleague, Andy Cocker, and I worked with a senior class of college education psychology majors.  I spoke little Spanish and the students spoke no English.  Andy translated for us and we had an amazing experience at the Unidad Académica de Pedagogia.  We asked the students to choose a JICT image that helped them answer the question: 

What are your hopes and dreams about your future and your career?  (Cuales son sus esperanzas y sueños parasu futuro y su carrera?)

We were told that the students were used to lecture style and that they likely would hold back in participating.  We found quite the opposite.   

Student after student stood and shared openly and very passionately about their love of working with children and their excitement about going out into the world to seek their careers.  This opening exercise set the tone for a very interactive and rich dialogue that made their professor very happy. He was ‘over the moon’ with joy and we were invited back any time!

Group Discussion Improved with Images

I have asked people in several groups I have facilitated recently, particularly the group leaders, if they think the quality of the conversations would have been possible without using the JICT Image cards.  100% of the time the answer is unequivocally No!  The results we experienced in such a short time period would not have been possible without the cards.  The language that emerges from people is poetic.  There is a flow, a beauty, something that breathes through them – the love that breathes through people.

Images in Use: Iron Horse Christmas Luncheon

The images were a big hit at the annual Iron Horse Christmas luncheon.  The Iron Horse is a group of guys who have been meeting weekly for lunch for over 42 years. Wives are invited to this one traditional event.  I spread out the images across the long table and asked each guest to select an image to express how they felt about this special gathering.  Each person shared from his or her heart and the value of this long standing community was revealed.  Wow, was the conversation different this year from all other years.  

Transformational Testimonial

Often when I suggest to a client that taking a break would be beneficial, they respond with, “if I do, I’ll never finish [fill in the blank]” even after they have acknowledged that they never finish [fill it in] anyway.  Those who agree to try stepping into the peace, report amazing results as with one client who reported “greater clarity, more time, enjoying whatever presents itself in the moment” … peace actually leads to greater accomplishment & productivity.  Dare to try stepping into peace when the stress or anxiety is high; you may be surprised with the outcome. 

   

Wishes for a peaceful, joyful 2011 full of anticipation and wonder as you intend to create the organization (or the life) you intend. 

Image This - Sunset Lake / Dock

 What brings you peace?  Is it a place or a state of mind?  It is something close to this image or entirely different?  How much peace do you enjoy each day, each week?  How would more serve you?  

A recent article shared daunting statistics about social media use that caused me to reflect on peace.  Based on the statistics, 50% of the 400 million Facebook active users logon daily; more than 25 billion pieces of content are shared weekly by users.  From February, 2008 – February, 2009, Twitter’s growth topped 1,382%.  LinkedIn has 70 million members in over 200 countries.  Where is the peace?   

We have become a human “doing” vs. human “being” society.  Many of us thrive on activity, pride ourselves on multi taking and brag about how many things we can do simultaneously all the while, complaining that we never complete, have too much to do, and suffer from too few hours in the day.  

How often have you stopped in the midst of all the “tasking” to step aside for a piece of peace?  What might happen?  Use this image or visualize the place, thing or person that brings you peace.  What commitment are you willing to make for the next two weeks to embrace a daily piece of peace?   

On the Journey - Goose in Grass

As 2010 comes to a close, what is within you that you want to reveal to the world?  What gifts have you been hiding?  What fears arise when you think of sharing them freely?  What do you need to fully embody all that you can be as leader of your organization, your team or your family? 

Picture yourself on December 31, 2011 … what has changed?  What do you anticipate for you or your organization?  What are the conversations that you want to have to generate enthusiasm for what you anticipate in 2011?  How willing are you to take the steps necessary to achieve your goals?  How will revealing all of who you are, contribute to reaching the goals and dreams that you desire? 

Creativity in Action - Joy or Anticipation?

A client chose the image with the hanging glass ball and the question “how does all the glitters distract you from your purpose?”  Her answer was,” it does not … all that glitters inspires me”.  She shared that knowing that compensation for her work (the glitter of money) supports her to live freely and make contributions to the world is a huge motivator.  “I’m attracted to things that have sparkle and glitter, that speak to me of luxury and beauty.”  

The glittering glass globe served as a mantra for growing her business.  As she shared her gifts for educating people, it was the image of the glittering glass globe that inspired her to reach out more, invite conversations and create more glitter in her life and that of others.   

How does all that glitters inspire you (or not)? What brings you joy and where would you like more of it?

Picture Holding Page

Facilitators, Teachers, Trainers: JICT Images to inspire students

I am elated that one of my mentor's, Bob Dunham, who facilitates the Newfield Network's Coaching Excellence in Organizations Course (CEO), has started using the images in his conferences.  He spreads all 72 images out on the floor and asks a question, such as, "What is the value you bring to your clients?" He then asks his students to walk around and pick the card that speaks to them.  The sharing is very rich, heartfelt, and transformative for the group.  JICT Images is that tool that every facilitator, teacher, and trainer needs to bring forth new awareness and shift the energy of a group.

What are you grateful for this holiday season?

During the holidays, we spend time with family and often reflect on what we are grateful for.  This year, I am using the JICT images to inspire a different level of sharing. Before we are ready to sit down for our special holiday dinners, I will ask my family members to select an image that helps them express what they are most grateful for this holiday season.  We will go around the table showing our images and sharing our stories.  I can't wait to see what shows up!

Images for Coaching a Client

A few days ago I was struggling to support a client who was in angst over what she should do about her work situation. I pulled out the JICT Images and spread about 6 JICT Images on a table. I asked the client to center herself and then look at each image and allow words to come from her heart. It was amazing  what she "heard" from the images. She chose one to take home to reflect on more as she considered her choices around her dilemma. What beautiful choices came from the metaphors of images.

Images as Inspiration for What is Needed

I asked participants in a large group to choose 3 JICT Images that spoke to their hearts about what they needed to stay true to their purpose in life. Groups of 3 shared their images with each other. We barely completed the activity in the allotted time as there was so much great sharing created from the images.

Images as Stories

Just wanted to share a wonderful experience I had with my book club on November 1st which is Dias de los Muertos. I hosted a dinner party where each person brought a picture of a relative that wanted to celebrate because they are no longer living. Each person shared a picture of the relative being celebrated and told a story about that person. All of us attached a picture with a story and shared in the celebrations. Images created stories that we will never forget!

Girlfriends: Birthday Lunch Card Purchase & Inspiration

Girlfriends … after meeting for a birthday lunch the group decided to purchase a set of cards for future gatherings. 

The note sent to the creators read:

"At our Saturday YaYa coffee we in attendance voted to all chip in to purchase a set of Irene’s company’s thought-provoking JICT (Journey, Intuition, Creativity, Transformation) coaching cards. At the promotional price with tax and shipping, the cost is just about $80; $10 each is right on the money.

I ordered a kit today that will be shipped to me but will be YaYa property so that we can all share it and use it at YaYa gatherings. What fun -- and inspiring insights – now await us all!"

Birthday lunch use that inspired the purchase: 

 

Each friend chose an image from the set and shared, how it spoke to her and what it represented for the coming year for the birthday girlfriend.