“Words are skins; the exchange of words is symbolically the touching of skins.” -Howard F. Stein in "Listening Deeply: An Approach to Understanding and Consulting in Organizational Culture" (1994) Words fascinate me... mostly because words are so rich in emotional and cultural content!
"Words were originally magic", Steve de Shazer once said. The idea of “I CAST, 2 ACT” is actually an ellipsis for a number of processes of constructive thinking in interpersonal relationships: Here’s how we work through the 4 stages:
I The question is: What determines Identity? Identity is a construct that can best be seen as an ongoing work-in-progress. The ‘I’ that you meet here is merely that part of me that I choose to disclose. "I AM"= I am who I believe I am now, and what I am becoming…. AND so much more than what can be captured in one sentence. I am sharing a part of my life, and hope to be sharing –gradually– most of my life’s work with you.
I am a mysterious work-of-art, even unto myself.....for just as soon I think I know myself then I find that -in a sense- a new part of who or what I am becoming, is emerging.
I am an entrepreneur, caregiver, corporate-team development coach and artist. I started my career path as a nurse, I then became a teacher. Further studies took me into Human Resources but eventually I ventured out into consulting and became the principal consultant-cum-coach in a not for profit Network. For the past thirty-odd years I discovered and developed interventions aimed at enabling others at "making our tomorrows better, starting today".
I once thought of myself as a woman... now I see myself somewhat differently. I see my womanhood as a part of a bigger picture for I am also human, part of the energy that combines people into communities. I am also a wife, mother and grandmother, and maybe this is what I am most grateful for. However, mostly I am a Caregiver: and in giving care I receive care. What are your thoughts on identity?
CAST The word cast refers to a verb, and it indicates an act of throwing (forcefully); pouring (into a mould); to assign a role in a play or performance.
When I cast my ideas or thoughts, into our presence do I also invite you to reflect upon your own experiences? The word cast can also refer to a noun. 1: it can be a protective shell to hold a broken bone in place until it has healed. 2: it can be the 'players'/actors in, for instance, a drama or a comedy...
When I cast my ideas or thoughts, into our presence do I also invite you to reflect upon your own experiences? The word cast can also refer to a noun. 1: it can be a protective shell to hold a broken bone in place until it has healed. 2: it can be the 'players'/actors in, for instance, a drama or a comedy...
When I cast my vote and TRUST wins – is it because it was my choice WHEN and WHO to trust! What about you?
2 Two, or to...
Since two is more than one this number could be just that - or it could be 'text' for "intention" - in other words it could also indicate the word 'to'. When I write and you read all that I wrote here we are for this moment more than one... You experience, interpret, think and maybe decide to comment… or not... are our skins symbolically touching?
And so it becomes an opportunity to act. If you leave without leaving a comment, it stays a one-way act…. but thanks all the same for dropping in... sort of.
ACT Once again the word contains meaning, emotion and/or grammar: it can be a noun, a verb... or even an acronym. Like in: Acceptance/Attitude} Commitment/Choice} Tracking} Progress. When you figure this one out let me know.
What do YOU think? I would really like to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to share your comments here.
