Campus session 18/10/11 - Viewing the familiar as unfamiliar

Hey guys

Well the last campus session was very enlightening again. 

We took part in a number of different exercises to illustrate different parts of this next task from Module 1. 

As we took part in each activity we were asked to look at (observe) what we had just done, to think about (notice) it and finally to evaluate it (reflect).

An example of this for me was a game where if we failed at the task we had to clap and jump up and down. It was not until afterwards when thinking about Observe, Notice and Reflect that i realised that i really have a problem with failing. 

I internally observed the game we had just played, noticed that i felt uncomfortable with the celebrating when we messed up and reflected. Leading me to a greater understanding of myself. I do not feel it is OK to fail, and definitely do not believe that it is something that should be celebrated.

What to do with this? - We all know that making mistakes is another very valuable way of learning. Indeed some say that you learn more from your mistakes than from you successes. So the feelings of mistakes not being OK could be quite an inhibiting belief to harbour. 

How to use this? - Now I am aware of it I can put an action plan in place to start over riding these feelings. 

What's my action plan? - Not sure yet...but I'll get back to you.

Our final task was to split into groups and attempt to illustrate one of the many points we discussed throughout the course of the session.

Our amazing group decided to tackle the aspect of viewing the familiar as unfamiliar from the Cumpus session. We did this through a series of thought provoking photographs. As you look through them, please take a moment to register your feelings, thoughts and evaluation of the image. Then when you read my own views on it note any differences as this, in part, illustrates how what is obvious (familiar) to you can be un-noticed (unfamiliar) to someone else and visa versa.

I would also encourage you to look at the views of the other three members of my group Charlie Ballard, Hannah Kenneally-Muir and Rhonda Parker as theirs will undoubtedly be different again (visit them again if they have not yet had a chance to post). 

Picture number 1

The first picture is actually on Adessola Akinleye's Blog and involves the four of us sitting on a bench. 

Before reading the next paragraph (My thoughts on picture 1) have a look and think, what are they looking at then come back to read MY thoughts.

My thoughts on picture 1

On the bench I was looking at the stone work on the university buildings roof and the gorgeous blue sky being broken up into different in natural yet smooth shapes in-between the struts. All four of us on the same bench with the same view yet, i'm sure, very different experiences.

Picture number 2

What is this building, what does it mean to you, what do you think of, feel

My thoughts on picture 2

I see a beautiful old period property that looks like a setting for a presidential home or a dolls house. A bit stark and soulless, square and uninteresting.

Picture number 3

What's happening in this picture, what does it mean to you, what do you think of, feel

My thoughts on picture 3

I think of someone stepping out into the sunlight after a hard dark depressing time. Did you think of someone going in ... interesting!

Picture number 4

what do you think of, what does this mean to you, what do you feel

My thoughts on picture 4

I love stair cases. I wonder what's at the top and bottom of them. When I look at this one i instantly think - What is at the top of this magnificent stair case. With that much effort put into this beautiful piece, there's got to be something exciting at the top. Did you have a downward or upwards inclination?

Quite a fun and interesting experiment.

Please do quickly comment what your own views on the pictures (I would love to know), and how successful you felt we were in our efforts to illustrate the point; familiar as unfamiliar 

I hope that you are all well and enjoying the course thus far. 

As ever, if I can be of any help then please do not hesitate to contact me and I'll do what ever I can.

Stay safe - Phil