Meeting Clarity

A ICT Images Team Member was facilitating a board retreat with the support of the images: The first time I used the images was to help each of the five participants name the outcome that they wanted from the retreat. One selected the tunnel image to represent looking forward to finding clarity in the dark. Clarity had been missing for a long time and she wanted to know that all in the room agreed on the group purpose.

Speak from your Heart

A JICT Images Team Member was facilitating a group with the support of the images: In a moment of insight, I gave each person a random JICT Images card and from that card they had to name a criterion that they felt would be important in deciding who would receive the money they had to distribute. One person was given the image of the dried seaweed and she had no answer at first. Then she realized that what she wanted was to make sure that as many people as possible would benefit from their efforts. We posted the criteria and used it as a guide for our decision-making. We kept the cards on the table so we could stay connected to what was important.

Prickly Beauty

One of the JICT Team was facilitating a meeting. This is what she discovered with the use of JICT Images: As I recognized the low energy in the room I knew I needed to shift and lift the energy because no creativity was possible from this place. I asked them to select on image that connected to their understanding of the essence of the work of their organization. This allowed them to reconnect to what they care about and to see that what had been missing was the basic alignment of purpose all along. One person selected the cactus with the yellow flower. She said that in the world where children's play was been squeezed out of the educational experience of young children, that their work brought beauty into the bleakness.

JICT Images Around the World

Young girls in Ecuador are using JICT Images as they work in small groups. These images work with all ages and people who speak languages other than English… this is just one example. Notice the expressions on each face. Images take everyone to a deeper place, perhaps within the heart, where the center of emotions lives. When a person feels what she believes or desires it is many times easier to say it to herself or within a group. Have you had such an experience with images? Please share it with us!

Rotary is Fun

Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity & Leadership are the core values of Rotary International …each club adopts core values reflective of the club’s culture. The Minnetonka club has always held FUN as one of the prime core values … let’s ride!

Multiple Views

One leader shared her gratitude for the many ways Rotary offers her to serve. The options for community, international, club and vocational service provide a wide variety of perspectives to choose how to be of service in ways that make a difference. She cares about having an impact in the world; Rotary meets her value around caring and her need to serve.

The Nuturer

A mother swan and her cygnets spoke to our Executive Secretary … not surprising since she cares about supporting all the Rotarians in our district in oh, so many ways. And, her most important “life” role is Grandmother … she is a relatively new adoring, doting grandparent. While we knew her passion for “grandparenting”, it was extraordinary to see her glow as she shared her passion using the images of the “Swan family” as the catalyst!

The Rotary Bridge

Rotary serves as a bridge in many ways! It bridges communities … community leaders coming together build relationships that create trust. On a global level, it shrinks the world as members from clubs all over the world ban together to dig wells, educate women and cure Polio. It bridges gaps between generations as Rotarians mentor high school students. It bridges cultures as scholarships support peace scholars equipped to build trust between people and group study exchange teams visit foreign countries for vocational and cultural understanding.

The image speaks to the wide expanse of differences between people, communities and countries and how Rotary builds bridges to connect them.

Leadership from a Tree

Another past district governor, choose the “gnarly” tree because it represented the many layers of Rotary leadership. The roots represent past leaders who have built a solid infrastructure. The gnarly limbs depict the “oldsters” who have made a significant contribution and who need to be open to nurturing the new leaves to emerge so that the good work of Rotary can continue. The single tiny leaf on an old gnarly limb represents hope in the continued good work of Rotary by oldsters mentoring emerging leaders and being open to change … he cares about the sustainability of Rotary.

Wells in Haiti and Africa

A past district governor, shared her passion for clean water worldwide … our district is involved in drilling wells in Haiti and Africa … the image jumped out at her due to the running water and as she studied it, realized that it also spoke to her of the beauty that is Rotary as members devote time, energy and resources to make the world a more beautiful place whether supporting clean water, literacy or peace!!!

Desire to Fly

Do you desire to fly?
What does flying high in the sky allow you?
What emotions come to you?
Is it fear or is it a sense of freedom?
What does flying not allow you?
How do your emotions shift when you consider the second thought?

Orange Magic

Is this magic? What is your impression of what you see in this picture? What emotions arise for you as you view it? Does it make a difference if you know what this is?

What if you knew it was very real… a bubbling pot in Yellowstone with orange bacteria that grows on the “beach” because of the temperature of the water?

When we have a conversation to discover the truth, our reality may shift.

Where Do You Look

What do you see first? Where we look can make a difference.

Are you looking up and out at the mountains in the distance or are you looking only at the deep, dark lake?

Do you allow the trees to block you from whatever you see in the distance?

How could you “see” differently and what does that allow for you?

7 Principles for Contentment

The author of an article I read recently offered a list that resonated with me. As 2012 jumps into full swing, I offer “7 Principles for Contentment” … see what food for thought, new awareness or inspiration these provide.

Principle for Contentment #1 … learn to trust
If you closed your eyes and were guided across the bridge, how long would it take before you opened your eyes? What conversations are important to nurture trust?

Principle for Contentment #2 … live in the here and now
What beauty are you missing on your life journey either because you are attached to the past or focused on the future? What beauty surrounds you in the “here and now”?

Principle for Contentment #3 … honor and respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others
What should you say “no” to right now? What have you said no to because a “should” has been in the way? What would revitalize you if you said yes?

Principle for Contentment #4 … slow down
Pay close attention to the route as you travel to work. Take a walk just to absorb all that surrounds you. As you dry the dishes, savor the moisture removed by the towel. Notice each snowflake or rain drop.

Principle for Contentment #5 … take yourself more lightly; laugh more daily
Laughter has many health benefits. Research shows that children laugh, on average 400 times per day – adults 15 times. So, adults, how much more laughter each day would enhance your wellbeing? How many times per day will you commit to laughter? [A footnote: watch an episode of Golden Girls; you cannot possibly get through it without laughing MANY times].


Principle for Contentment #6 … expect the best
What we focus on expands … expecting the best allows us to create more (and better) than we could ever imagine. If we expect the worst for sure we’ll get it! What is your preference?

Principle for Contentment #7 … be grateful
Several years ago after the death of my spouse, I began keeping a “gratitude journal” as part of my grieving process. WOW … was this an eye opener. In the midst of what seemed like unhappiness forever, expressing gratitude supported me to want to BE happy and allowed me to count my blessings. Start with just 3 things per day … like the commercial says, “bet you can’t record JUST 3”! Share your gratitude revelations with us here.

Laughter as Stress Reliever

It is said that pre-verbal babies laugh 300 times per day … on average adults only 30. There is research to support that laughter is therapeutic, a healer. And, that laughter reduces stress. I’ve made a commitment to laugh more often daily … it is good for my health! How about you?

Competition or Collaboration

A Wall Street Journal article early this year spoke of the fact that at a female entrepreneur event, it seemed women were “being too cozy”. This opinion brought into focus the difference in the feminine vs. masculine approach to business. Collaboration is becoming a more viable way of doing business - THANKFULLY. Support advances efforts and generates abundance. Isn’t that what we really want? OR are there some out there who want to see others defeated? Who yearn for watching businesses fail and entrepreneurs not succeed?

In actuality, there is really ENOUGH for everyone and when we all use out gifts to their greatest good, we all succeed. As feminine energy influences our world in stronger ways, my hope is that we will see more “cozier” interactions … and not just at VC or networking events. Success for all is my dream!

Retirees Bench

A bench under the trees reminded an HR professional that though she worked with clients to plan and manage retirement, she wanted to let go of past ideas of retirees “sitting on benches” (the old way).

Since retirees are spending retirement time very differently than former generations, different ways of looking at planning and managing retirement is necessary. This revelation left her aglee with enthusiasm … her commitment to look at her work in a different way will undoubtedly positively support her clients.

Inspiration for Change

An attorney was inspired by the image of an old façade to implement practices that would stand the test of time while being open to new methods. He had been mired in belief that the “test of time” and “new methods” were mutually exclusive.

Coaching opened new awareness; the visual inspired a shift to a new understanding … the value in maintaining things that have value while incorporating “new” things that provide value.

Support for Clients

A small business owner shared in an introduction that the bronze statue with arms outstretched reflected that she cared about supporting potential clients.

The image was an inspiration to motivate her to reach far and wide and not allow her gremlins to sabotage her efforts or to put distance between what she had to offer and the support clients needed.

She was amazed that this message came to her because of the image she chose. Prior to this she had not been conscious that she was self-sabotaging.

Image Inspires Living BIG

A user who is considering making a career shift, blindly chose the image of several brightly colored, differently shaped vases on a window sill. This spoke bright, bold, vibrant to her and inspired her to embrace the idea of living BIG in the world in whatever she chooses. It also planted the seed that there are a variety of options … it inspired her not to be limited by only one “shape”. She has a renewed sense of motivation and direction. Who knew brightly colored vases could inspire new direction in the career search?

Which Path Leads to Hope

“One Way” (the image above) reminded a user, who was in job transition, that her dad had hammered home “there is always more than one way” to do anything, (wise man)! This led her to create a vision map that included a variety of paths for exploration in her search. It also generated more possibilities and replaced despair with excitement about her search. WOW; images inspire hope!

Together Again

It is interesting what people see in this JICT Images photograph. Some folks have shared that they see a happy couple joining hands. Other see the separation… the arm behind the back… the not reaching out by the figure on the left as revealing something not right between the two figures. More important than what you see, is what does it reveal about you?

Are you seeing something within your relationship with someone or what is “true” about the couple? Where do the emotions we experience when we ponder images come from? Are they revealing more about ourselves than about anything else? Is this why we at JICT Images say: “Images take us to the heart of the matter?”

What do you think? We would love to have you post them on our blog.

Reveal My False Front

Do you have a “false front” that you reveal to a group when you first join? I pondered this JICT Images picture while thinking about this question. Can we really trick others into seeing only what we think we are revealing… this false front?

I believe that our presence… the “whole of us” is revealed to others. The other person’s subconscious picks up on the truth of us and a “false front” only confuses them a little over a small amount of time. Many scientific researchers say we perceive much more about a person from the nonverbal than the verbal. So, others most likely perceive whether what we are wanting to project… our false front… has substance behind it or not.  

What comments do you have about this image?

Different Suits

How would your group be served by different "suits"?

Do you ever wish “if only” everyone in your group were of the same “suit”? This image shows images for the 4 suits identified within a deck of cards. Every wonder why there is more than one? I believe that different people have different gifts. If we were all the same it might be rather boring after awhile. A personality that thinks and feels differently from the “spade” type might offer a possibility we “diamonds” would never realize. Now if I could just understand what makes a “club” tick??

What Does Your Group Look Like

We all belong to groups… some we like more than others. Forming (or choosing) an image that reveals how you view your group can be more than revealing… it can lead to some actions that would serve the group in being more functional.

For example, what kind of group does this JICT Images picture represent? You may see the colored string representing different kinds of people within your group. You may feel that there are some “knots” in the group… some places of disagreement, but that in the “big picture” it works as a beautiful thing! You may view the silhouettes as leaders who put their “stamp” on the group… and then decide if it interferes or supports the group.

Whatever you “see” is what you may be feeling within your heart. It may show you what is important for the group or it may show you where to focus or maybe even what is being ignored. Whatever comes to your mind… your heart… is important to ponder.

So, what do you see? Add your comment by responding to this post.

Forming a New Group

Are you in charge of forming a new group? Have you noticed how people sometimes are quiet and don’t talk as they wait for your to begin the meeting? If people are in small groups at tables, place a few JICT Images cards on each table.

As people come in suggest they discuss the images… whatever comes to mind… with people at their table. What we have found is that people really open up (speak from their hearts) with the support of an image or two. It is almost magical how images allow us to go deep into the emotional realm where we share from our deepest caring and reveal more of who we truly are. When you begin the meeting people will feel much more connected to those with whom they have shared and the meeting will begin in a more relaxed way that more easily supports your intention for this new group. People will be more willing to share with each other and the sharing will be on a deeper level.

Sharing at a Birthday Party

Jane, one of the creators of JICT Images, created a wonderful way to get attendees at her birthday party (or any group) to share something from their hearts.

She gave each person a couple of image cards and asked them to look at the questions on the back of the cards. (Of course they looked at the image, also!) Then she asked for a sharing of how the question spoke to them at that moment. It was amazing what was shared and how it made the birthday girl feel!!

Well Functioning Group

What supports a group in functioning well? Is it how individual members connect with each other from the beginning? Is it whether they work “as one” or keep their individuality? We have found that JICT Images can support a group in working more effectively. Using images, as we have said many times, supports individuals and groups in getting to “the heart of the matter”. When the individuals within a group share what they really care about… both as individuals and for the group, the understanding of each individual and the connection created among all members of the group supports an effective team.

What do you believe are some of the important considerations in leading a group and how do you include them as you facilitate a group?

Language shift

• What message does your language share in the world? 
• How does it reflect your values [or not]? 
• What shift(s) are you ready to name to language your values in the world? 
• Once you’ve named them, what actions will support you to shift?

Lots to think about … move forward with compassion. It takes practice and at least 30 days to change a habit!

Synchronicity

I get a daily message from the Universe (you can too, at www.tut.com) – inspirational or thought provoking.

As I prepared to write this column, a pertinent message came one day:

What if from now on and forevermore, people stopped using the word "evil" and replaced it with "ignorance"?

Yeah, less fear, more better; global transformation. Evil, on its own, does not exist, and yes, you can fix "stupid”. Umh, interesting thing about synchronicity!

No Shoulding

Think about language again … “I love to spend time with my grandkids” vs. “I should spend time with my grandkids”. For most grandparents the former is true. Consider the difference. Loving to do something exudes an entirely different energy that “should” do something. With “love” there is ease and excitement, a sense of peace. With “should” comes guilt and stress; a sense of dread. So, in which place do you want to be, the loving place or the shoulding place?

Where are there “shoulds” in your life that you want to shift to “love”? In most cases this shift will necessitate a major life change, a declaration that I will do things VERY differently. I’m up for the shift; how about you? What image speaks “no shoulding” to you? Mine is shown here.

One way to make a shift is to choose a symbol that reflects the place you want to be … mine is soaring, peacefully in the deep blue sky. When a “should” surfaces, I bring that image into focus and ask myself, “what new awareness would empower me to shift to “love”? And then, what changes are needed to move to the “love” place?

Coaching Collaboration Connection

Mary Welch, author of Alive Aware Awake wrote about the shift in our world from competitiveness and coerciveness to collaboration and compassion. Her words resonated with me; I feel it too!

Interestingly I got a notice about the first ICF MidWest Regional Coaching Conference. Guess what the theme is? Coaching: Celebration, Collaboration, Connection! Raising the Bar. I’m encouraged to see evidence of the recognition of the need to shift to a kinder, gentler way in the world. As I watch world events, I cannot help but dream that people the world over gain recognition of the need for a change language and adopt more empowering words.

I believe that as more women more into leadership in all places in the world, we’ll continue to see this shift occur. Increased feminine energy will support creating this shift ... we are stepping up to be the change we want to see in the world. Take time to embrace gratitude and share it not only for what you have, but also for who you are

Peace through Language

I’ve noticed how many times in how many places so many people use language that is destructive. “I won the battle” in relation to weight loss. “We are on a path to win the war” … against poverty, or homelessness or breast cancer. Let’s “fight the fight” to triumph over our inadequacies.

Language is generative! Use of “battle”, “war”, “fight” is creating just that. One of my intentions for 2012 is to pay closer attention to my language, notice what it is generating and eliminate the words and phrases that are generating destruction and negativity.

Who is interested in joining me to generate more peace in the world? Post a response to share your intentions.

This image and the accompanying question speaks of peace to me. What awaits you on the other side [of “non war metaphors”]?

Secrets of Geese

Denise Hedges, Business BreakThrough Institute, recently included an article on this topic in her newsletter; it inspired me. Thank you, Denise, for reminding me that geese have so much to offer our human species; they are amazing!

The “V” formation is efficient and taps the talents of all members of the flock. Whose talent on your team has been overlooked? Inviting that team member to fully participate will benefit the entire team (never mind encouraging the person invited!).

The “V” formation also ensures that ALL team members equally share the workload. Each goose in turn takes the lead; sharing the lead [and the updraft] allows the flock to travel 70% farther than any single bird could travel in the same time. Where are the places that shared leadership would create an environment of collaboration and support? None of us can truly do it alone! Notice places where an updraft would create efficiency!

When a member of the flock is injured or ill, others stay with her until she is healed and ready to resume flight. What a lesson for each of us. Who needs support and tending on your team? In so many places in our lives, the task is the “holy grail”; we forget that it is only due to the relationships that we accomplish the tasks. Think back to a time when you realized that together we can accomplish far more than one individual alone.

Denise ended her article with a particularly poignant story I’d like to share here …

And finally, geese mate for life, looking out for each other no matter what, for a lifetime.

There's a story I've never forgotten about a hunter who shot down a goose along a windy beach. As the goose lies dying, her mate comes down and nestles beside her, covering her with his wing in a way that seemed almost human in its tenderness and loving protectiveness.

The hunter was so affected by the sight and mortified by what he'd done that he just stood there in silence, his shoulders drooped.  After a few minutes, overcome with emotion, he flung his shotgun in the water and walked away. He never hunted again.

An unbreakable bond ... what's that worth? How does knowing that you'll always have someone by your side no matter what happens change things for you?

I’d echo Denise’s observation … we can learn a lot from geese.

JICT open position

Help us Spread the Word!  JICT LLC is looking for your help … our intention for 2012 is to add a sales agent to our team! 

We are looking for a good communicator who is trustworthy, service oriented and self-motivated with connections to our target market … managers, coaches, facilitators, human resource professionals.

The position is for an independent contractor who will work on commission basis to share JICT Images, a set of evocative images with questions, [http://bit.ly/jictorderinfo OR http://bit.ly/jictorder] in the world and meet jointly established goals.



How can you help?

• Contact us if you are interested
• Pass along this opportunity to share a unique product with colleagues.
• Share our need for a sales representative with those in your networks. The ideal candidate possesses excellent sales skills and is as interested in people development as in sales.
• Publish this message on your social media sites

Who in your network can lead us to someone who would enjoy sharing a message that supports people to “get to the heart of the matter”?

Choose to Look Up

Sometimes we find ourselves in a place of sadness and we curl up in resignation.

What would it allow us if we sat up straight, even arched our backs, and looked around?

Are there other choices to make now?

Which one do you choose?

All or Nothing

Do you notice that some branches are not frozen?

Where does this fit in your life?

What does it allow for you to see that it is almost never “all or nothing”?

Are there more possibilities available to you now?

What emotions arise for you when you step back and see the whole picture?

Choosing a Path

We have a choice in the paths we take. One may appear to be a straight line to our destination. One may be uphill slightly, down hill slightly and then have a steep climb. And, one may be slightly uphill and then downhill all the way.

How do you make the choice?

Bouquet for You

Here’s a bouquet for you… fitting for February and Valentines Day.

Which tulip are you?

How do you “fit in”?

Are you one of the bunch or the one hanging out to the side?

Where in your life do you desire to be the purple one and where do you desire to be one of the bunch?

With Someone

Who do you want to walk with in 2012?

We have a choice in who shares the different domains in our life. We have a choice in how we walk on the path with that person… together or apart. What actions can you take now that will support whatever it is you desire in your relationships?

Fill it Up

If each of the stones is an event for you in 2012, what actions can you take to ensure each one gets filled with what you desire? What would that look like for you and what would serve you to make it happen?

Break Downs

... can be break throughs!

One of the JICT Team was asked recently: What is one key value of the images?

Jane said that the cards instantly deliver a breakthrough for a client. Use them when you are stuck or going nowhere and need to infuse new energy into a coaching conversation. The person asking the question added that the images transform breakdowns into breakthroughs. This is a complete tool kit - cards, questions, and a how to manual. “This is a product for coaches by coaches."

Vulnerability Is

At the recent Newfield conference, Charles Feltman began a session on Trust by posing … Vulnerability is ________ …

As people spoke this image struck me as reflecting most possibilities shared. Vulnerability is open (and closed), complex (and simple), strong (and weak) painful (and comforting) and the list can go on. Vulnerability is what opens us to experiences; without allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, we stay in our shell. Where do you show up fully vulnerable?

Charles followed this by asking that we complete this sentence. Vulnerability feels like ___________ ...

Responses ranged from painful to hurtful to stabbing and then moved to safe, open and secure. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open to each other’s hearts so that we can fully experience and receive. Where would it serve you to FEEL more vulnerable?

Connection in Tucson

Our week in Tucson ended attending a Newfield Conference where we all met in 2005. How refreshing to reconnect with our roots… and with an interesting topic at the fore. The time together with our colleagues traversed between serious topics … trust, energy, life events and wellness to lots of laughter, story telling and how we can balance the serious and the light. Enlightening and Invigorating!

Following the Light

What is the most enlightening moment you have had recently?

I had a significant moment of enlightenment recently that involved being in the moment. My lesson is reflected in emerging from the tunnel … staying in focus … stopping to consider all aspects of a situation. WOW! I neglected to emerge from the tunnel in a timely manner and infringed on the work at hand. The light at the end of the tunnel will be my visual reminder to follow the light and notice when I am blinded.

JICT Associate Program

Transformational Testimonial...

Recently a JICT Images believer shared the images with coaches at a regional ICF meeting. They all said that the quality of the images, number of cards in a box, and the questions are far superior to what you receive in some other image products and are very well priced. Wow… what a great affirmation for us! Thank you, fellow coaches, the JICT Team agrees.

Our goal for 2012 is to get JICT Images in even more of the hands of those who serve others as coaches or group leaders of any kind. If you would like to help and make a commission on any project sold, please contact us at info@JICTimages.com for more information on our JICT Associate Program.

Valued Alone Time

I am an extrovert so people energize me… at least most of my life they have. During my time in Tucson with my business partners, I found myself alone one morning … I’m a night owl; they are early risers. By the time I got up (just past 6:30 am) they had left for a walk. At first I had a feeling of abandonment which quickly released into “I can do my own thing this morning”! I found myself reveling and realizing that as much as people energize me, I really do value my alone time. The revelation is reflected in this image of a hawk soaring in the beautiful sky. While she is all alone there are scads of flora and fauna below … never mind some people!

My revelation brought to light the balance I value in reflection and interaction … and that I am energized by both. I invite you to take some time to notice how reflection serves you. How might claiming time for reflection support you?

2012 Goals

On the Journey...
As you set goals for 2012, is there a place where you desire to stay for awhile… to actually park your boat and rest, dream, or allow an idea to incubate?

And then when will it be time to get back in the boat and take off for uncharted waters?

Both things are important considerations as you move ahead. May you glide easily through the waters of 2012!

Problem Solving

I spent a week in Tucson recently with the JICT Images team....

As we traversed the territory of a marketing plan, sales strategies, roles, etc., we encountered some challenging times. Images offered a dive into the “heart of the matter”. Each person chose an image that allowed her to speak from the heart and open territory for conversation in a challenging area. That led to a heartfelt exchange that helped us address conflict in a respectful and honoring way. The image of the “stuck car” offered me an opportunity to share that I saw a problem … together we named and discussed the issues AND created a solution. We all left that conversation feeling positive and with solid actions to move us forward.