Archive for August, 2010
“Learn to bumble your way to success.” – Doc Meek
August 31st, 2010 | 
Author: Tuesday, August 32, 2010. Today I am grateful for the bumblebee. Aeronautical engineers have determined that it cannot fly. Its wings are too far forward and too small and the resultant weight and balance problem means it would fall to the earth, backwards, if it attempted to fly. Here’s the good news! No one told the bumblebee!
Videos for bumble bee song
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Bumble Bee 3 min – 18 Apr 2006 Uploaded by MidnightMoonlight www.youtube.com |
I have taught new and seasoned teachers who are trying to learn new ways of helping kids to learn more successfully: “Go into your fear and just bumble through. Persist. You’ll feel foolish at first and fail at first. And then . . . success.”
One teacher reported: “If Dr. Meek hadn’t told me I would fail [at first], I would not have kept trying. My class failure rate has gone from way high to way low in just one year’s time.”
Here’s to bumbling, persisting in the face of failure, and learning new ways along with our students and children!
Doc Meek, Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
P.S. Thank you Anita [my older sister] for preparing a family dinner today for the extended family! I am grateful for you and your service to the whole family and to many other people as well, over many years.
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
=======================================
“Get Happy.” – Esther and Jerry Hicks
Monday, August 30, 2010. I am grateful today for people who can enjoy self-deprecating humor. Abraham Lincoln once said (when accused of being “two-faced”): “I submit, if I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?” 😮
Esther Hicks (aka “Abraham”) and her husband, Jerry Hicks, travel extensively and lecture about “The Law of Attraction.” In the following video, Esther’s voice-over is spoofing about their work, their books, their advice:
“Get Happy” video from: http://www.lawofattractioninteraction.com/
 Get Happy |
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To all those who can laugh at themselves!
Doc Meek, Monday, August 30, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
=======================================
“A sense of humor . . . ” – William Arthur Ward
Friday, August 27, 2010. “Today I am grateful for the healing power of humor and laughter.” – Doc Meek
“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.” – William Arthur Ward
Image above, and article below, from: http://jameswoodward.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/laughter/
Laughter
An extract from H. A. Williams’ book Tensions, Necessary Conflicts in Life and Love
God, we believe, accepts us, accepts all men, unconditionally, warts and all. Laughter is the purest form of our response to God’s acceptance of us. For when I laugh at myself I accept myself and when I laugh at other people in genuine mirth I accept them. Self acceptance in laughter is the very opposite of self accusation or pride. For in laughter I accept myself not because I’m some sort of super-person, but precisely because I’m not.
There is nothing funny about a super-person. There is everything funny about a man who thinks he is.
In laughing at my own claims to importance or regard I receive myself in a sort of loving forgiveness which is an echo of God’s forgiveness of me. In much conventional contrition there is a selfishness and pride which are scarcely hidden. In our desperate self concern we blame ourselves for not being the super persons we think we really are. But in laughter we set light to ourselves. That is why laughter is the purest form of our response to God.
Whether or not the great saints were capable of levitation, I have not the evidence to decide. What I do know is that a characteristic of the great saints is their power of levity. For to set light to yourself is true humility.
Pride cannot rise to levity. As G.K. Chesterton said, pride is the downward drag of all things into an easy solemnity. It would seem that a heavy seriousness is as natural to man as falling. ‘It was by the force of gravity that Satan fell.’
Laughter, on the other hand, is a sign of grace.
“Women laugh seven more times a day than men and live seven years longer. (Tell us something?)”
“Here’s to those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall see God.” – Doc Meek
Doc Meek, Friday, August 27, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
=======================================
Posted in learning, Learning Difficulties, learning solutions, overcoming learning problems | 
Tags: Doc Meek, docmeek, hope, humility, laughter, success, teacher training | 
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“What are you grateful for today?” – Doc Meek
Thursday, August 26, 2010. Today I am grateful that I can have feelings of gratitude. I am grateful that I am able to smile at myself, and even laugh on occasion.
“Calavin & Hobbs” laughter image from: http://natalieshell.com/2007/01/26/doctors-prescribe-laughter/
- Natalie Shell Says:
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:45 am Another story –
19th Century teaching of Rabbi Bunim, who said that each of us should walk with a slip of paper in our left and right pockets. One paper should contain the phrase from the Talmud, “All of heaven and earth was created for me.” On the other should be written Abraham’s refrain from Genesis: “I am but dust and ashes.”The wisdom is knowing when to pull out which…
- Natalie Shell: think talk walk » Blog Archive » Perhaps it is time to REALLY laugh? Says:
June 1st, 2007 at 5:21 pm […] to take it from me – all sorts of people including Buddha and that Doctor in India recommend [laughter]. Sholom Aliechem recommends it. And I believe there is a story of man who laughed himself to health from cancer […] - “Thank you, Natalie Shell!” – Doc Meek ………………………………………………………………………
There was a time in my life when I was over-focused on problems, complaints, and difficulties, and did not understand that I had many things for which to be grateful.
I needed to learn to take myself less seriously and make my own happiness. I am still working on that.:o
My wife Jeannette has mastered the art of being happy, even in adverse circumstances, long ago. I have a long ways to go to catch up with her. I may never catch up! 😮
I am grateful for my wife Jeannette.
Here’s to self-involvement in our own learning about how to smile at ourselves, and even laugh at ourselves . . . gently. 😮
Doc Meek, Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
=======================================
Posted in learning, Learning Difficulties, learning solutions, overcoming learning problems |
Tags: active learning, changing your behavior, changing your mind, Doc Meek, docmeek, gratitude, happiness, head heart hands hope, hope, humility, laughter, self-involvement in learning, success, teacher training |
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“Learning as your fountain of youth.” – McKendry
Thursday, August 26, 2010. I am grateful the Facebook Team invited me to listen to McKendry’s “Rediscovering Learning as Your Fountain of Youth.”
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McKendry in “Rediscovering Learning as Your Fountain of Youth” Friday, August 27 at 7:00pm Location: A SIP PODCAST @ http://www.facebook.com/l/b961a;www.blogtalkradio.com/spiritualimageproductions |
The Facebook Team
I hope that all parents and teachers and children and students will be open to learning as a way of life for all of life! Let’s keep us all young, mind and body!
Doc Meek, Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
——-
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
Posted in learning, Learning Difficulties, learning solutions, overcoming learning problems |
Tags: active learning, changing your behavior, changing your mind, Doc Meek, docmeek, fountain of youth, gratitude, happiness, head heart hands hope, hope, humility, mind, success, teacher training |
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REALTORS have helped e4c provide school lunches
Wednesday, August 25, 2010. I am grateful to discover that Edmonton REALTORS have supported the e4c school lunch program in Edmonton for many years: http://www.realtorscommunityfoundation.com/e4c-school-lunch-program
Since 1997 the REALTORS® Community Foundation has provided over $534,000 to feed hungry school children in Edmonton…
Through the years the REALTORS® Community Foundation supported E4C’s School Lunch Program through various fundraising activities such as the Ride for KIDS and the Goldstick Relay. REALTORS® Bessie Goldstick and Sid Vander Meulen also helped raise funds for the school lunch program, collectively raising close to $100,000!
Part of the mission of the REALTORS® Community Foundation is to support charities involved in homelessness, hunger and crime prevention. It would appear we have done our part!
All about Bessie Goldstick…
A lady the REALTORS® Community Foundation holds very dear is REALTOR® Bessie Goldstick. Through Bessie’s tireless efforts she has raised over $50,000 in support of E4C’s School Lunch Program.
If you have a chance to chat with Bessie she will enlighten you with the fact that there are over 2,300 students in 12 schools are presently involved in E4C’s School Lunch Program. Bessie believes that every child deserves to be fed and nourished because it is hard to concentrate on learning when you are hungry. Bessie says, “Children don’t know how to ask for help, so I ask for them”!
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
Posted in learning, Learning Difficulties, learning solutions, overcoming learning problems |
Tags: active learning, Doc Meek, docmeek, efc, gratitude, happiness, hope, hungry children, REALTORS, success, teacher training |
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“Hunger makes learning harder” – e4calberta.org
Tuesday, August 24, 2010. Today I saw a sign on a bus in Edmonton:
“HUNGER MAKES LEARNING HARDER,” put there by http://www.e4calberta.org/eslp.html
I am grateful for people who try to see to it that children don’t have to be in school hungry.
I’ve taught for years: “Proper nutrition makes learning easier.” 😮
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e4c hOME pAGE Click here to view our Summer Newsletter, The Envoy.
Our 2009 Annual Report is now available to download.
Please join us for the final presentation in the Edmonton Speaker Series
Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Nobel Peace Prize nominee and world leader on global climate change and human rights.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Luncheon & Presentation
Click here for details
March 13, 2010 marked 40 years of E4C serving this community.
During the past 40 years we have worked tirelessly for our community – working with people to meet their basic needs, build on their strengths and move towards a better life. Our vital, innovative programs help families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and life situations.
Throughout our years of service we have gained the trust of people in need, neighborhoods and the community at large. This includes many people who have supported our efforts to build better communities through their volunteer work in our programs and/or through their financial support. We are indebted to and value the partnerships we have built with all who have joined with us over the years.
E4C is one of the most diverse organizations in Canada. We provide a broad range of services, working with children, youth, adults, families and seniors. We provide education, job training, shelter, affordable housing, nutritional services and much, much more. Our work is focused on building competency and strength in individuals, families and neighborhoods.
Throughout 2010, and into the future we will continue to grow and apply the lessons we have learned to confront the serious problems facing our community and to look for new and innovative ways to create opportunities for lasting change.
We invite you to join us in making a better world and a safer, stronger community.
To watch our new E4C Anniversary videos please click the links below:
E4C Agency Video
E4C’s Changing Lives Growing Community Video
E4C Services videos
E4C’s Nutrition Services Video
E4C’s Kids in the Hall Bistro VideoE4C’s Early Learning Services
E4C’s Transitional Services Video
E4C’s Affordable Housing Services Video
Click here to download Agency Brochure …. Click here to download Fact Sheet
e4c is . . .
Courage, compassion, connection and commitment. These values form the foundation of E4C and the path to positive change in people’s lives.
All E4C programs are guided by our belief that everyone is entitled to a full measure of dignity, respect and compassion. Together with our program participants and our partners, we are building positive, vital lives for individuals, families and communities.
For more information, please take a look at our programs and services. …………………………………………………….
Thank you e4c!
Here’s to caring for the belly and the mind!
Doc Meek, Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
——–
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
Posted in learning, Learning Difficulties, learning solutions, overcoming learning problems |
Tags: active learning, changing your behavior, changing your mind, Doc Meek, docmeek, gratitude, hope, hunger, hunger makes learning harder, nutrition, nutrition makes learning easier, teacher training |
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Gratitude for a day of rest
Sunday, August 22, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
Today I am grateful for a day of rest, and for learning minds such as Stephen Whitt’s, who finds wonder in the “commonplace” of every day:
“We all know that acorns grow into trees. But when they start, acorns are tiny, much smaller than the trees they will become. Where does all the “tree stuff” come from?
“The surprising answer is, trees are built mostly of air. A tree takes carbon dioxide out of the air, adds in hydrogen from water, a trace amount of other chemicals, and binds it all together with the energy of sunlight to build all the stuff that makes it a tree. A tree is a machine that turns air into tree!”
~ Stephen Whitt, from his blog: http://stephenwhitt.wordpress.com/2008/08/17/a-sense-of-wonder/
Thank you, Stephen, for reminding us that our sense of humility and wonder, if kept softly open, can be quietly learning, even on a day of rest and recharging of our batteries, so to speak. Our learning minds never stop learning and it is nice if we can gently aim them at inspring things of every day that give us hope and courage in a world that often needs all the hope and courage it can get.
Love and Blessings, Doc Meek, Sunday, August 22, 2010, at Sherwood Park, Alberta, CANADA
P.S. My wife Jeannette and I drove from Calgary, Alberta, to Sherwood Park, Alberta, to be with my Mom, who just celebrated her 92nd birthday on August 20. Wow. I hope I am still living at home and functioning mentally when I am 92 years old! Happy birthday, Mom!
Love, your oldest Son, Collins
———
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
Grateful to be learning new thoughts
“Success comes to those who think new thoughts.” – Anonymous
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In Marci Shimoff’s book entitled Happy for No Reason, she mentions that most of us (teachers and students, parents and children, and everybody else) think about 95% of the same thoughts today as we did yesterday. And will do so tomorrow.
No wonder we find that behavior change is not easy. Our thoughts, our thinking patterns, tend to drive our behavior.
So I am learning how to think new thoughts. This is not easy!
Not only that, it may not be the best way to proceed. One of my church leaders said that it is easier to behave your way to new behavior, than to think your way to new behavior.
Why this seeming contradiction?
We tend to get trapped in our familiar thinking patterns. Even if they are not productive, we seem to keep repeating them, and this may drive unwanted behavior as well as wanted behavior.
So if we go about it “backwards” and simply start behaving differently, even if this is “against the grain” so to speak, our thinking will tend to shift to reflect our new behavior patterns, even if the new behavior patterns seem ungenuine at first.
So, either way, I am learning to think new thoughts, or learning to try on new behaviors, both with a view to making myself more of who I would like to be.
Any teacher or student, parent or child–or anyone–can do this, eh?! 😮
Some have reported to me that I am gentler, kinder, more loving, and less judgmental than I used to be. So hopefully I am making progress. 😮
Relapses are to be expected. And I do have them.
“No worries mate,” as my Australian friends say.
When I stumble, I just get up, dust myself off so to speak, and walk on.
I am liking my new learnings, my new thinking patterns, and my new behavior patterns. It is not a complete makeover of course. I am keeping (obviously) some of my old thinking patterns and behavior patterns that have kept me in good stead over the years.
So its “out with the old” (some of it) and “in with the new” (some of it), with a view to becoming more of whom I wish to be, for myself and for others.
Here’s to change, to changing, and to learning how to change!
Doc Meek, Saturday, August 21,2010, at Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
P.S. Winston Churchill once remarked: “Occasionally we stumble upon the truth; usually we just get up and walk on.” 😮
———–
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
Grateful for vertigo attack
Friday, August 20, 2010. Today I am grateful for my vertigo attack yesterday. Grateful?!
Image from: http://www.followmecartooning.com/cartoon_worksheets/images/cartoon_worksheet_face_unhappy.jpg
………………………………………….
Normally I am grateful for “good” things, and not grateful for “bad” things. However, I am trying to learn the next step, which is gratitude for everything. This is not easy.
The idea is to find the lesson in everything, so that we are happy even when “bad” things are happening.
The lesson in this vertigo attack? (With its accompanying nausea and vomiting?)
(1) I have much greater empathy for women who have nausea when they are pregnant.
(2) I have much greater empathy for others who suffer vertigo attacks, or even simply vertigo dizziness which is not much fun.
(3) I am grateful for the two ordained Elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (my church), who came to give me a Blessing late last evening; their willingness to come and administer to me when I was so sick comforted me in and of itself, and the Blessing helped me to feel better overnight and this early morning. Thank you, guys! Thanks be to heavenly powers that exceed our own meagre supply, eh? 😮
(4) I am grateful for the distilled water and some bananas the Elders brought for me, which I saved until this morning when my stomach has settled down.
(5) I am grateful for Jeannette, my wife, who called the Elders to come and give me a Blessing. I am grateful that she offered to take me to the hospital if necessary. I am grateful that she darkened the room so my vertigo would not be aggravated. I am grateful that she comforted me when I was so sick.
(6) I am grateful that my stomach has settled down (at last).
(7) I am grateful for unknown valuable lessons which will no doubt be revealed to me as time passes onward.
Here’s to happiness and hope even in the face of misery! 😮
Doc Meek, Friday, August 20, 2010, at Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
P.S. I am grateful to be in a country where I am not going hungry every day, day after day! I am grateful I don’t live in an appressive regime!
P.S.S. I am grateful that I live where I can get good medical help if my illness were to be worse than I could handle on my own! 😮
—————
J. Collins Meek, Ph.D. (Doc Meek)
“What if you are smarter than you think?”
Learning Specialist https://docmeek.com
For brain health, ensure heart health (short video):
http://www.amiraclemolecule.com/themeekteam
More on heart health http://www.themeekteam.info
Ph (801) 971-1812 (Jeannette); Fax [801] 282-6026
THE LEARNING CLINIC WORLDWIDE, INC.
CANADA: P.O. Box 3105, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2T1
TONGA: Mele Taumoepeau, P.O. Box 60, Nuku’alofa
USA: 3688 W 9800 S, #138, South Jordan, UT 84095
====================================
