Frontiers Friday #21. Devotion to the Craft (Part 2)
Frontiers of Psychotherapist Development
Frontiers Friday #21. Devotion to the Craft (Part 2)
Dispatch number #21 is packed with 1 super-short Frontiers blog, 3 recommendations from people who devote themselves to their craft, and one relevant quote.
From My Desk: Consistency
Watch: 10 Years With Hayao Miyazaki
I spent the last five days watching this 4-part documentary of the fame animator of Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo... and so many more.
I love going behind the scenes, and to see people working at their craft.
This documentary takes you on the inside of Gimbli Studios and the creative force (and grumpiness) of Miyazaki.
If you are interested, here are my notes from the documentary. Fascinating to learn about his heartrending relationship with his ill-mother, his difficulties with his son who works with him.
(Hat-Tip to Mason Currey, author of Daily Rituals. His Twitter post shows screenshots of Miyazaki in constant struggle. Worth checking out.)
Audiobook: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Many of you would know the Hollywood comedian Steve Martin. Did you know about the sacrifice and hardship he took to become one of greats in his field?
Here's from the blurb: "At age 10 Martin started his career at Disneyland, selling guidebooks in the newly opened theme park. In the decade that followed, he worked in the Disney magic shop and the Bird Cage Theatre at Knott's Berry Farm, performing his first magic/comedy act a dozen times a week. The story of these years, during which he practiced and honed his craft, is moving and revelatory."
I love the fact that he combined his love for bluegrass music playing his banjo with his stand-up comedy.
(I recommend the audiobook version because it's impactful hearing Steve Martin's voice his own words, not by some professional narrator).
Watch: The Last Dance
The Chicago Bulls basketball empire goes down in NBA history as one for the legends.
I grew up watching the Bulls and admiring Jordan like any kid interested in basketball.
It was years later that I learned about the roll head coach Phil Jackson played.
This documentary was a treat and an eye-opener for me.
(I liked how Jackson harnessed the gift of the rebel-figure Dennis Rodman. He tried to give Rodman the space that he needs, even if it came with a cost. He called Rodman a "heyoka"... In native American culture, Jackson said this referred to someone who walks backwards.)
Words Worth Contemplating:
"We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training".
~Archilochus
Reflection:
If being consistent means keeping a promise to yourself, what do you need to be consistent with in order to become better at what you do as a therapist?
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