Art of Possibility - Presentation Zen
The post below is an excerpt from a longer post about Dr. Randy Pausch and his “Last Lecture” presentation. I initially was attracted to the picture and quote by Martha Graham and then I went to read the whole post which featured “The Last Lecture”. I was very moved by the video’s and wanted to keep a record of the article on my blog. The Art of Possibility by Ben and Rosamund Zander is one of my favourite books. I used it last year in my Project Streetjibe - addressing youth poverty in York Region.
Randy, a professor at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the pancreas in the summer of 2006. In August of 2007, Randy was told by the doctors that he had 3-6 months of healthy living left. A month after Randy was given just 3-6 months to live, he delivered an inspiring presentation at his university, a presentation that has touched millions of people around the world. His presentation is a remarkable contribution.To get some background on Randy’s story and lecture watch this short video promo below from an ABC special on the “Last Lecture.”
Keeping the channel open
We are our stories — though thanks in large part to our education and habits — we have learned to doubt our stories and edit them; we have learned to doubt ourselves. This is the greatest shame of all. Randy reminds us that we can choose to live the life —and tell the story — that is truly within us. Randy’s life story is perhaps a reminder to you: What’s holding you back? We may each just be a blip on the continuum, but we matter while we’re here, so why not make a difference? Why not make a big difference? This is my takeaway from Randy’s amazing presentations. And this reminds me of a wonderful Martha Graham quote that was featured in The Art of Possibility:Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. I made the Keynote slide below with the quote and use it occasionally; in hangs on my wall next to my desk as a reminder to “keep the channel open.” (Click for the full size.)
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.”
— Martha Graham
