November's featured writer Dawn DePasquale, PhD

Atlanta Creativity Exchange 2010
May 6-8, 2010
"Hooked at the Roots"
November's featured writer Dawn DePasquale, PhD
'Unplugged: Remotus Perspectus'

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Dear Alan,

I'm a humble, lovable, facilitator. But when the company, where I've contracted FT for 10 years, decides to eliminate contractor, I realize that, like many others, I need to re-invent myself. In a moment of clarity, which oddly enough came simultaneously with eating a peanut butter wafer bar, I remember that I have a friend with a little country cabin. No internet accessibility. No TV. Unplugged. Could I do it? As a flaming extrovert, I had my doubts. But off I go...to think.

Day 1 - Following the country-style directions...like "make a right at the horses, left at the red house", I find the cabin. With computer on my lap, stacks of files around me, I excitedly experiment with my new Buzan's iMindMapping software.

As the Mind Map takes shape I begin to think about how I'll shape a future for myself. And I realize, if nothing else, I'll have proof that I had spent the day thinking...in color...with branches and topics and sub-topics.

Day 2 - I wake with some fresh thoughts thanks to the natural process of incubation. Now if I could only get my brain to do that when I'm awake! By early afternoon, I've added to yesterday's Mind Map with additional speech and training topics, domain names, and even a network of sages for advice.

I am feeling wildly omnipotent as I discover how to put a border around a Word document, add color, import symbols, and wrap text! However, transferring a headshot photo proves to be interesting when I "deftly" copy it only to find one whole page taken up by my right eye. Now, do I know any 'artsy' HR directors?

Day 3 - My goal, before I leave this morning, is to develop additional speaking topics. But the sun is shining, so I think I'll go read a book by the stream. Perhaps it's prophetic that the cabin-owners have "Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle.

After an hour of reading, I came to two conclusions. One, I don't think I'm really getting this 'Zen' thing. Two, it's perfectly OK to not to get it, as long as you do it in the "NOW". I also gained from this book, that it is OK not to do anything. It's called 'being'. Whew!

So, with Mind Map in hand, and with a sense of Zen-like peace, I load files and suitcases into the car. As I drive home to my life, I feel victorious. Well, at least hopeful.


Dawn