Open the Box

In this episode - Open the Box. . .

When you receive a gift that’s beautifully boxed what’s your first impulse. My guess is you would enthusiastically open the box.

Let me ask you this, what if, in a flash of insight, you realized that you’ve had in your possession the most precious gift on earth yet you’ve never taken the time to open the box?

I’m referring to the power of your creative imagination.

Earl Nightingale summarized it best, “We become what we think about, but the thinking is up to us.”

Let’s examine our daily thoughts, what do you think about? Are your thoughts dependent on your reaction to situations and others? If so that special gift we’re talking about is not being used at all. And if we’re not careful our imagination can lead us into confusing complications. So let’s strive for simplicity.

It's been said the brain has four powers, think of them as switches you can turn on and off.

Switch number:

The power to absorb information and knowledge.
The power of retention.
The power of making judgments.
The power to think creatively.

Children use this fourth switch all the time. They do it by simply asking questions. No admonition or holding back. Just wholesome to the point questions.

Granted people are swayed every day by the media, friends, and neighbors to think negative, self-destructive thoughts. But you can change that.

First, you must recognize that creative ideas can come from anyone at any time.

Keep an idea file. Ideas in the early stages need to be nurtured, record your ideas.
Ideas need encouragement. Treat your ideas with care. Encourage creative thinking in yourself and others.
Creative thinking is like mining for Diamonds in the richest soil you’ll get mostly small ones but if you stay with it you’ll find that big one your looking for too.

So what are you waiting for - turn on switch number four.

How you ask?

Spend 30 minutes a day digging in that gold mine between your ears. At first, those thoughts may be off the wall, absurd thoughts. That’s okay. Capture them.

I’m betting there’s a smartphone in your pocket. A powerful tool to record audio, video, or written text of your brilliant ideas. Ok, I get it, maybe your thoughts are not so brilliant but if you work at it every day for just 30 minutes you will be amazed at what you come up with.

Start with a goal that you want desperately to achieve. By mining those thoughts you will achieve that goal.

It was Ralph Waldo Emerson that said, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimensions.”

So live a little, open the box. Unleash the power of your creative imagination. Why not?

This is Patrick Ball, thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Unknown said…

Thanks Patrick... your message is Silid.. own your thoughts .. don’t let others hijack them..

May 20, 2020 at 11:35 AM

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog