It’s Thursday, and I’m still enthusiastic! As usual, please let me know what you think via twitter at @jamiesmartcom, on my Facebook page here, or in the comments section. At the end, I’ll tell you how you can get one of your #enthusiasms featured in a future edition.
1. A quote that got my attention and held it
This quote comes from the ethnobotanist-cum-shaman Terence McKenna. The only other ethnobotanist I know of is Carlos Castaneda, so that may give you some context. Here’s the quote:
“We have to create culture, don't watch TV, don't read magazines, don't even listen to NPR. Create your own roadshow. The nexus of space and time where you are now is the most immediate sector of your universe, and if you're worrying about Michael Jackson or Bill Clinton or somebody else, then you are disempowered, you're giving it all away to icons, icons which are maintained by an electronic media so that you want to dress like X or have lips like Y. This is shit-brained, this kind of thinking. That is all cultural diversion, and what is real is you and your friends and your associations, your highs, your orgasms, your hopes, your plans, your fears. And we are told 'no', we're unimportant, we're peripheral. 'Get a degree, get a job, get a this, get a that.' And then you're a player, you don't want to even play in that game. You want to reclaim your mind and get it out of the hands of the cultural engineers who want to turn you into a half-baked moron consuming all this trash that's being manufactured out of the bones of a dying world.” — Terence Mckenna
2. I like this blacksmith’s attitude
You may have heard some of the numerous 9/11 conspiracy theories. While there are many people out there claiming to “know for sure” or have proof for what was behind 9/11, I find it difficult to share their certainty. Some things seem more probable than others, but I don’t know what happened. This guy doesn’t either, but I like how he dismantles one of the arguments in 2 minutes flat.
3. The best storyteller I’ve ever heard (and one of the best comedians I’ve ever seen)
Daniel Kitson is far and away the best storyteller I’ve ever come across. I first saw him perform at the Sydney Opera House back in 2007 (a heartbreakingly beautiful show called C90). Kitson is hilarious, clever, heartfelt and has a masterful awareness of the human condition. You can listen to his performance from The Stand here, and pay him whatever you want to for it danielkitson.bandcamp.com/album/the-stand-august-2005
4. A gorgeous walk
Last weekend was the 4th module of the Certified Clarity Coach Training Programme, and I was staying at a flat in Camden Town. Each morning, I walked from my flat, across beautiful Regents Park to the University where we hold the training. I love going for walks, and this one is beautiful. It’s so great that, despite being a big city, London has so many beautiful green spaces.
5. This week’s 3-minute miracle
Primal Scream are one of the best English rock bands of all time, despite the fact that lead singer Bobby Gillespie can barely sing. I’ve seen them perform live a couple of times, and they delivered the goods both times. Movin’ On Up is brilliant. Enjoy!
That’s it for this week. If you have questions, suggestions or want to let me know what you’re enthusiastic about, just tweet one of yours and put my twitter name @jamiesmartcom and the #Enthusiasms hashtag in there so I can find it. If I’m enthusiastic about something you’re enthusiastic about, it might just get featured in a future TTE.
Big love
Jamie
P.S. The next instalment of Project Glasswing is nearly ready to kick off! If you’d like to be considered for the latest intake of the programme, we’ve filled 27 of the 36 places, so there’s room for you if…
– You are a coach, therapist or change-worker (Eg. Sports coach, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, business coach, bodyworker etc)
– You have at least one year’s experience of working with clients (either paid, pro-bono or both)
– You probably charge by the hour, but want use a “coaching package” model and increase your income
– You have room to work with at least one longer term contract client, starting in February
– You’re an enthusiastic, friendly people-person
– You have a coachable spirit, and are willing to step out of your comfort zone if necessary, and
– You can keep a secret
If that’s you, then email me at info@jamiesmart.com, and let me know where you’re located and a little about yourself (if you don’t know what to tell me about, look at the list above for inspiration). Change the subject line to “Project Glasswing”. I’ll be choosing people in the next couple of weeks. Talk to you soon! J