I’ll take on the second question in Feb 8th’s post, I don’t see another link to commenting on that post specifically, did I miss it? One way I’m attempting to connect with coworkers, after I mentioned an action item for change, is talking 1 on 1 with those who might be willing to chat about it. It’s not easy because I don’t like to repeat myself, I often consider my idea un-engaging if no one responded right away. However I think this is one way I can practice being a better agent of change.
Feb 3, 2022·edited Feb 3, 2022Liked by Mike Murawski
Hi! I'll participate! I had no idea you had this blog Mike, it just happened to pop up on my feed! I will read some others' comments below, too.
My relationship with change at this moment is kind of like a "F* you!" (and for context, I use that word sparingly) -- some things are happening in my life that feel like "backtracking", or like major losses, or simply even if they are small things, like one too many losses. And there is also a whole lot of "up down up down" going on for me, which is driving me crazy! (For example: I have a fairly minor injury lately, which prevents me from running for a short indeterminate while. And RIGHT before this happened, I had just been starting to get really fast because an iron supplement was kicking in, and had been starting to plan on "racing" some races!) And in addition to that, there is, as you mentioned, the fatigue of constantly adjusting to so much change. However, my relationship to change is also kind of like a "Come the f* on already!" -- a hurry up to the things I want to change. And, my relationship with change is also kind of like a waiting game right now... like there are some things I am envisioning changing, but it hasn't felt like quite the right time yet, and wondering when that quite right time will be -- or whether perhaps it could be any time I make it be.
OK! Next question. My biggest struggle right now is my body's response (cortisol etc) to all of the change, and those effects (insomnia etc). It is sooooooooooooooooooo stressed and overloaded, and it's been really hard to navigate. I'm spending most of my time it feels like navigating my body's responses, rather than the actual changes and challenges themselves! Which has felt frustrating.
Last question: What I am most proud of is a change I made within the past two months: deciding to create a GoFundMe to raise funds for a certification course I want to take (and am now officially enrolled in and starting to prepare for!) in relational neuroscience. This is a huge course redirect for my life, and the first step I've made towards committing to a new career choice since my first career dream fell apart about seven years ago.
I love typing this out how we can see all of our complexity co-existing in ourselves at once!
Last thought: I went back and edited this, the morning after writing it, partially because I was very sleep deprived and therefore punchy while writing it, and also because I realized there may perhaps be some readers who would appreciate edited language. But. I am reminded of the Zen story about the man who had the son who got called off to war, and then broke his leg, and then found the horses, and then the horses ran away, and so forth... and every time someone called one of the changes good or bad, the man said, "maybe....." and I'm wondering if some of the fatigue of adjusting to so much change can be alleviated by practicing or learning what one other reader suggested above: letting go...
Marissa, thanks for sharing all these thoughts (and for being honest here about the rollercoaster of change in our lives, and the emotional and physical impact of certain types of change on our bodies and our mental health -- that is so real!).
As I read your thoughts, I'm thinking back to Octavia Butler's ideas around change. First, the idea that "the only lasting truth is change" and that change is simply a constant in life, no matter what type of change it is. Sometimes change happens to us, and we’re in a position to just respond and pivot as needed.
But second, and maybe most importantly, is the idea that we can shape change -- that we have the power to shape and drive these forces of change in our lives. It sounds like you are excited and proud about the changes you've been shaping recently. I wonder what effect this has on our physical bodies (cortisol, etc), when we play a role in shaping our lives and the world around us. I feel like that can be the big changes you mentioned like getting certified in relational neuroscience and moving toward a new career, but it can also be like taking a moment of injury and shaping that into an experience of learning how to listen to our bodies and how to more fully absorb the healing power of rest. I think Rihanna has a tattoo that says something like “never a failure, always a lesson.” We can shape these changes, too, if we use these moments as a teacher.
So much to unpack around change, and I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts and experiences here. We can only work through these ideas in conversation with each other.
My pleasure! I love thinking about things and sharing my thoughts, thanks for providing the avenue! Thanks for appreciating what I had to say! I have to say I grimace at the use of the word "pivot" (that makes it sound as easy as turning on the ball of your foot!), but I do appreciate what I hear as the intent of optimism and empowerment behind it.
I love the reminder that we can shape change. I think during COVID, a lot of us gave up on that idea and (through no fault of our own) got into helpless hopeless mode due to circumstance. It's hard coming out of a period where there were some things we could truly do nothing to change. And, it was so helpful during that time to focus on what we COULD change. It didn't solve every problem, but it helped keep us going.
I was told once by a therapist to watch a TED talk about stress, and how the way we perceived stress (an attack? a threat? a solid challenge or opportunity to grow?) affected the way our body responded, and that we could at least somewhat hack this by changing our mindset. I also took a course once in positive psychology where they taught a similar idea about the emotions of fear and excitement -- that based on the story we told ourself, very similar body sensations could be interpreted as fear or excitement. This is an oversimplification, but I think it relates to your wondering. I love that whole paragraph -- thank you for sharing those thoughts and motivation about shaping changes and using moments as a teacher.
I've only seen one post but I already love your blog!
Ariane, would you be ok if I shared this project via my social media channels? I think it is a great example of a small museum/historic house taking steps toward change (experimenting and trying something, knowing it doesn't have to be perfect). There are many people out there in similar types of situations, and I think they would love seeing what you've done with The Cloak.
Hello! The biggest change right now is having moved back to the east coast, became a gardener at a large museum after being a freelancer and business owner for the last 8 years, major adjustment of answering to others. I’m proud of taking this change on despite it being hard and wanting to quit multiple times, continuing to push conversations of equity, and learning what a museum is while imagining what it can be from my previous experiences. Appreciate you sharing your + others’ work and thoughts.
Hi Mike, Thank you for this very hopeful, encouraging and timely post. As I sit at home in Mumbai, India and reflect on all that I've taken in- especially the opening words you shared at the end of your post have me thinking so much about where I am and where I'd like to be. Praying really hard for the pandemic to just be over already so I can continue to dream of a time where I can be back in the United States working at museums there as opposed to here where things really aren't the best :( (Immigration visa stuff is hard). So yeah, I am hopeful, excited and almost awaiting change this year!
Thanks for your response, Vanessa. And yes, we're all praying for this pandemic to end (I can't believe we're about to enter the 3rd year of this mess here in the US ... ugh). I'm glad that my post felt hopeful and encouraging -- I appreciate that. While the pandemic has certainly been challenging for my family and I, I've been really trying to remain hopeful and encourage others to remain strong through this (while continuing to remember that we're all human, and are probably experiencing the full range of emotions).
Take care of yourself, stay safe, and I hope you are able to return to the US soon. Sending you positive energies!
Thank you for taking the time to reply individually to each comment. I look forward to make such inputs and reflections in the year ahead. Yes, I too, hope that visa things for museum folks begin to ease and places I've been applying to wish to take a chance on me!
It has been a draining process thusfar but I continue to be hopeful...
Hi, Mike. First, just want to say this was a great post: succinct, authentic and, for many of us, in January of year three of pandemic, very much on topic. I wrote about this on my blog from a different vantage point, but the end result is the same. COVID is disruptive. It causes uncertainty and anxiety which permeates a lot of life. I am not a person who does well with change. So this has been hard, but I think the good news is because the situation is not one I can control (ever, at all) I am learning, albeit slowly to lean in and accept things as they come. My exhibits are delayed--well, that's more time to do something else. Still work to do, but that's my change lesson from the pandemic.
Hi! I can so relate to how the underlying COVID-ness sort of permeates with this anxiety and unease, and makes everything else feel so much harder. And with not doing well with change! Thanks for sharing. It seems like we were all talking about how we are all in the same storm, the first year of the pandemic, but now even though the same landscape is still there, there doesn't seem to be as much dialogue around it. Thank you for sharing your learnings, too!
Thanks, Joan. I appreciated your recent post -- I'm grateful for people like yourself that can be vulnerable in times like this (heck, any time really). This is definitely a moment to embrace the collective aspect of leadership, and continue moving away from outdated "solo" models of leadership where one person at the top solves all the problems (as if that ever happens). As you write, "no single human can master everything they need to know." So true. We need each other to navigate all the uncertainty and disruption of the pandemic, and we need to hold on to this mindset long after we transition out of this pandemic (whatever that looks like).
Love what you say about leaving behind the idea that we can 'control' anything. I think you might appreciate these words from writer Kavitha Rao: "I am letting go of pretending that I'm in control."
Hi Mike, hi everybody! What I am struggling with the most in the moment: I am thinking a lot about how I can contribute to positive change in the museum field most effectively. For this purpose, I am questioning everything: I want to support a more inclusive, democratic, progressive museum work: wait, what does 'inclusive', 'democratic' or 'progressive' mean? It is interesting and delightful to ask these question - but at the same time very much unsettling. And I am very proud of my last exhibition project because I communicated openly (in a podcast) many of my doubts and still open questions. I think it is totally important to show up as a human being not only as an expert to communicate with visitors so that they feel truly welcome and accepted. I am looking forward to other comments!
I like your questioning Ariane, I’m doing similarly as I started a position as a gardener at a museum 4 months ago, never imagining I’d work in a museum institution. Some of those words are being used in our dept and I wonder how much of it is performative or is it just not knowing what other words to use… similar to Mike’s response. My practice of patience has increased over these last months and sometimes I find it helpful to listen and write what I hear down. May you share your podcast interview?
Hi Agnes, hi Mike, hi everybody, I really enjoy reading all your thoughts. '...not only as two-dimensional 'experts' without the complexity that makes us our whole selves', this is beautiful, Mike! Agnes: can you explain what you mean by 'practice of patience'? I am curious to learn more. Unfortunately the podcast is in German but there are transcripts (you have to scroll down) in English. It is about a colonial object and the question if it should return to Ethiopia. My idea with the project was to test/show how even a small museum can address such complex issues like restitution. I started the project with very little knowledge about this and especially the colonial past of Italy. And made this transparent in the podcast, risking to look stupid. ;-) My driving force for my museum work is: nobody should feel ashamed in a museum for not knowing something, everybody should feel welcome with all of his/her questions. But how can I reach this aim if I pretend to know everything? Therefore I show up with MY questions and risk to make mistakes.
Ariane, thank you for sharing more about the Cloak exhibition and the work you are doing around this object. I really love this! What a powerful way to explore these painful colonial histories, and I appreciate that your team is comfortable asking questions without knowing the answers (so good! usually curators and museum professionals are too afraid to ask these types of questions without knowing the "right" answers first -- so BRAVO!). This is such good work. Thank you for sharing! And, love the t-shirt you're wearing in the video (!).
Hi Ariane, I looked at the transcript of the podcast, thank you for sharing. An indigenous curated exhibit just opened in NYC this week, when asked what white people can do to help, the curator asked us to educate ourselves and come to terms with the real history of the USA, the genocide of people and land. And then heal through arts and culture. You're asking questions, you're showing up as your truest self and being vulnerable addressing your uncertainty; may you continue learning the true history of the place you're in and I imagine you'll get closer to your goal, there is no quick solution to our situations and we know that.
This leads into my practice of patience, it’s basically reminding myself a few important ideas each morning on my walk into work, one of them simply being 'day by day.' The museum I work at is excruciatingly slow (for me) in rolling agendas out so I tell myself one day at a time and we’ll move eventually move to the next step. And breathing, in and OUT, because sometimes we forget the breath out. And I am doing my best to lead with love, love for those who aren't able to see my ideas and love for myself to have patience with my own hurdles I’m dealing with, one day a a time for each of us.
Thanks, Agnes, for your thoughts and explaining your practice a little bit more. I really like this one: 'love for those who aren't able to see my ideas.' It reminds me of the saying 'Yesterday's solutions, today's problem' which I heard the first time from Martin Zierold who is an expert for change. He explained that often people get offended when being criticised for being old-fashioned when all they are doing is hanging on to ideas they once thought were super-innovative. This helps me to see again and again how important R*E*S*P*E*C*T is while advocating change.
I'm just reconnecting with this conversation (fantastic, by the way). Agnes, I really appreciate your thoughts here. And despite so much push for change that is fast and immediate (sometimes I get caught up in that), it is important to recognize the value of change that happens slow and methodical (step by step, day by day). This makes me think of this incredible book about the writing process by Anne Lamott called "Bird by Bird." In this passage, she tells a story from her childhood that led to this beautiful metaphor for the best way we can sometimes tackle something big and daunting:
Lamott: "Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write [It] was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, 'Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'"
Oh, I love this. And it is so cute! A friend of mine was actually telling me this literally today, how synchronous. (Not bird by bird, but step by step) ;) Thank you for sharing it! Also -- love it, the procrastination!
Ariane, I really appreciate what you're sharing -- and the questions you're asking. It is so important to take a critical lens toward the language we use these days in museums, and ask ourselves what these words really mean (to us, to our institution, to our communities). Are we adopting language because these are the words we're supposed to be using, or because they truly help guide us to do our best work and make change that matters? It is so good to pause and reflect on words like 'inclusive' and 'progressive' as we bring them into the vocabulary of our field.
I am also excited to hear that you shared your own doubts and questions openly in your work. This vulnerability is way too rare, but so needed. And I think it's vital for visitors to see staff as the human beings we are, not only as two-dimensional 'experts' without the complexity that makes us our whole selves. Bravo to that!
I’ll take on the second question in Feb 8th’s post, I don’t see another link to commenting on that post specifically, did I miss it? One way I’m attempting to connect with coworkers, after I mentioned an action item for change, is talking 1 on 1 with those who might be willing to chat about it. It’s not easy because I don’t like to repeat myself, I often consider my idea un-engaging if no one responded right away. However I think this is one way I can practice being a better agent of change.
Hi! I'll participate! I had no idea you had this blog Mike, it just happened to pop up on my feed! I will read some others' comments below, too.
My relationship with change at this moment is kind of like a "F* you!" (and for context, I use that word sparingly) -- some things are happening in my life that feel like "backtracking", or like major losses, or simply even if they are small things, like one too many losses. And there is also a whole lot of "up down up down" going on for me, which is driving me crazy! (For example: I have a fairly minor injury lately, which prevents me from running for a short indeterminate while. And RIGHT before this happened, I had just been starting to get really fast because an iron supplement was kicking in, and had been starting to plan on "racing" some races!) And in addition to that, there is, as you mentioned, the fatigue of constantly adjusting to so much change. However, my relationship to change is also kind of like a "Come the f* on already!" -- a hurry up to the things I want to change. And, my relationship with change is also kind of like a waiting game right now... like there are some things I am envisioning changing, but it hasn't felt like quite the right time yet, and wondering when that quite right time will be -- or whether perhaps it could be any time I make it be.
OK! Next question. My biggest struggle right now is my body's response (cortisol etc) to all of the change, and those effects (insomnia etc). It is sooooooooooooooooooo stressed and overloaded, and it's been really hard to navigate. I'm spending most of my time it feels like navigating my body's responses, rather than the actual changes and challenges themselves! Which has felt frustrating.
Last question: What I am most proud of is a change I made within the past two months: deciding to create a GoFundMe to raise funds for a certification course I want to take (and am now officially enrolled in and starting to prepare for!) in relational neuroscience. This is a huge course redirect for my life, and the first step I've made towards committing to a new career choice since my first career dream fell apart about seven years ago.
I love typing this out how we can see all of our complexity co-existing in ourselves at once!
Last thought: I went back and edited this, the morning after writing it, partially because I was very sleep deprived and therefore punchy while writing it, and also because I realized there may perhaps be some readers who would appreciate edited language. But. I am reminded of the Zen story about the man who had the son who got called off to war, and then broke his leg, and then found the horses, and then the horses ran away, and so forth... and every time someone called one of the changes good or bad, the man said, "maybe....." and I'm wondering if some of the fatigue of adjusting to so much change can be alleviated by practicing or learning what one other reader suggested above: letting go...
Marissa, thanks for sharing all these thoughts (and for being honest here about the rollercoaster of change in our lives, and the emotional and physical impact of certain types of change on our bodies and our mental health -- that is so real!).
As I read your thoughts, I'm thinking back to Octavia Butler's ideas around change. First, the idea that "the only lasting truth is change" and that change is simply a constant in life, no matter what type of change it is. Sometimes change happens to us, and we’re in a position to just respond and pivot as needed.
But second, and maybe most importantly, is the idea that we can shape change -- that we have the power to shape and drive these forces of change in our lives. It sounds like you are excited and proud about the changes you've been shaping recently. I wonder what effect this has on our physical bodies (cortisol, etc), when we play a role in shaping our lives and the world around us. I feel like that can be the big changes you mentioned like getting certified in relational neuroscience and moving toward a new career, but it can also be like taking a moment of injury and shaping that into an experience of learning how to listen to our bodies and how to more fully absorb the healing power of rest. I think Rihanna has a tattoo that says something like “never a failure, always a lesson.” We can shape these changes, too, if we use these moments as a teacher.
So much to unpack around change, and I really appreciate everyone’s thoughts and experiences here. We can only work through these ideas in conversation with each other.
My pleasure! I love thinking about things and sharing my thoughts, thanks for providing the avenue! Thanks for appreciating what I had to say! I have to say I grimace at the use of the word "pivot" (that makes it sound as easy as turning on the ball of your foot!), but I do appreciate what I hear as the intent of optimism and empowerment behind it.
I love the reminder that we can shape change. I think during COVID, a lot of us gave up on that idea and (through no fault of our own) got into helpless hopeless mode due to circumstance. It's hard coming out of a period where there were some things we could truly do nothing to change. And, it was so helpful during that time to focus on what we COULD change. It didn't solve every problem, but it helped keep us going.
I was told once by a therapist to watch a TED talk about stress, and how the way we perceived stress (an attack? a threat? a solid challenge or opportunity to grow?) affected the way our body responded, and that we could at least somewhat hack this by changing our mindset. I also took a course once in positive psychology where they taught a similar idea about the emotions of fear and excitement -- that based on the story we told ourself, very similar body sensations could be interpreted as fear or excitement. This is an oversimplification, but I think it relates to your wondering. I love that whole paragraph -- thank you for sharing those thoughts and motivation about shaping changes and using moments as a teacher.
I've only seen one post but I already love your blog!
Yes, of course, Mike, this would be great!
Sorry, I forgot to add the link to the podcast: https://www.villafreischuetz.org/2021/09/07/folge-1-der-aethiopischer-mantel/
Ariane, would you be ok if I shared this project via my social media channels? I think it is a great example of a small museum/historic house taking steps toward change (experimenting and trying something, knowing it doesn't have to be perfect). There are many people out there in similar types of situations, and I think they would love seeing what you've done with The Cloak.
Hello! The biggest change right now is having moved back to the east coast, became a gardener at a large museum after being a freelancer and business owner for the last 8 years, major adjustment of answering to others. I’m proud of taking this change on despite it being hard and wanting to quit multiple times, continuing to push conversations of equity, and learning what a museum is while imagining what it can be from my previous experiences. Appreciate you sharing your + others’ work and thoughts.
Hi Mike, Thank you for this very hopeful, encouraging and timely post. As I sit at home in Mumbai, India and reflect on all that I've taken in- especially the opening words you shared at the end of your post have me thinking so much about where I am and where I'd like to be. Praying really hard for the pandemic to just be over already so I can continue to dream of a time where I can be back in the United States working at museums there as opposed to here where things really aren't the best :( (Immigration visa stuff is hard). So yeah, I am hopeful, excited and almost awaiting change this year!
Oof, I hear you on the "praying hard" for some of the things in my own life that I wish to be different and feel no control over!
Thanks for your response, Vanessa. And yes, we're all praying for this pandemic to end (I can't believe we're about to enter the 3rd year of this mess here in the US ... ugh). I'm glad that my post felt hopeful and encouraging -- I appreciate that. While the pandemic has certainly been challenging for my family and I, I've been really trying to remain hopeful and encourage others to remain strong through this (while continuing to remember that we're all human, and are probably experiencing the full range of emotions).
Take care of yourself, stay safe, and I hope you are able to return to the US soon. Sending you positive energies!
It did feel hopeful and encouraging! Your "voice" I find in general to feel that way Mike, and I really appreciate it!
Hi Mike,
Thank you for taking the time to reply individually to each comment. I look forward to make such inputs and reflections in the year ahead. Yes, I too, hope that visa things for museum folks begin to ease and places I've been applying to wish to take a chance on me!
It has been a draining process thusfar but I continue to be hopeful...
Hi, Mike. First, just want to say this was a great post: succinct, authentic and, for many of us, in January of year three of pandemic, very much on topic. I wrote about this on my blog from a different vantage point, but the end result is the same. COVID is disruptive. It causes uncertainty and anxiety which permeates a lot of life. I am not a person who does well with change. So this has been hard, but I think the good news is because the situation is not one I can control (ever, at all) I am learning, albeit slowly to lean in and accept things as they come. My exhibits are delayed--well, that's more time to do something else. Still work to do, but that's my change lesson from the pandemic.
Hi! I can so relate to how the underlying COVID-ness sort of permeates with this anxiety and unease, and makes everything else feel so much harder. And with not doing well with change! Thanks for sharing. It seems like we were all talking about how we are all in the same storm, the first year of the pandemic, but now even though the same landscape is still there, there doesn't seem to be as much dialogue around it. Thank you for sharing your learnings, too!
Thanks, Joan. I appreciated your recent post -- I'm grateful for people like yourself that can be vulnerable in times like this (heck, any time really). This is definitely a moment to embrace the collective aspect of leadership, and continue moving away from outdated "solo" models of leadership where one person at the top solves all the problems (as if that ever happens). As you write, "no single human can master everything they need to know." So true. We need each other to navigate all the uncertainty and disruption of the pandemic, and we need to hold on to this mindset long after we transition out of this pandemic (whatever that looks like).
Love what you say about leaving behind the idea that we can 'control' anything. I think you might appreciate these words from writer Kavitha Rao: "I am letting go of pretending that I'm in control."
Hi Mike, hi everybody! What I am struggling with the most in the moment: I am thinking a lot about how I can contribute to positive change in the museum field most effectively. For this purpose, I am questioning everything: I want to support a more inclusive, democratic, progressive museum work: wait, what does 'inclusive', 'democratic' or 'progressive' mean? It is interesting and delightful to ask these question - but at the same time very much unsettling. And I am very proud of my last exhibition project because I communicated openly (in a podcast) many of my doubts and still open questions. I think it is totally important to show up as a human being not only as an expert to communicate with visitors so that they feel truly welcome and accepted. I am looking forward to other comments!
I like your questioning Ariane, I’m doing similarly as I started a position as a gardener at a museum 4 months ago, never imagining I’d work in a museum institution. Some of those words are being used in our dept and I wonder how much of it is performative or is it just not knowing what other words to use… similar to Mike’s response. My practice of patience has increased over these last months and sometimes I find it helpful to listen and write what I hear down. May you share your podcast interview?
Hi Agnes, hi Mike, hi everybody, I really enjoy reading all your thoughts. '...not only as two-dimensional 'experts' without the complexity that makes us our whole selves', this is beautiful, Mike! Agnes: can you explain what you mean by 'practice of patience'? I am curious to learn more. Unfortunately the podcast is in German but there are transcripts (you have to scroll down) in English. It is about a colonial object and the question if it should return to Ethiopia. My idea with the project was to test/show how even a small museum can address such complex issues like restitution. I started the project with very little knowledge about this and especially the colonial past of Italy. And made this transparent in the podcast, risking to look stupid. ;-) My driving force for my museum work is: nobody should feel ashamed in a museum for not knowing something, everybody should feel welcome with all of his/her questions. But how can I reach this aim if I pretend to know everything? Therefore I show up with MY questions and risk to make mistakes.
Ariane, thank you for sharing more about the Cloak exhibition and the work you are doing around this object. I really love this! What a powerful way to explore these painful colonial histories, and I appreciate that your team is comfortable asking questions without knowing the answers (so good! usually curators and museum professionals are too afraid to ask these types of questions without knowing the "right" answers first -- so BRAVO!). This is such good work. Thank you for sharing! And, love the t-shirt you're wearing in the video (!).
Thanks a lot, Mike, and yes, the t-shirt, I am always very proud wearing it!
Hi Ariane, I looked at the transcript of the podcast, thank you for sharing. An indigenous curated exhibit just opened in NYC this week, when asked what white people can do to help, the curator asked us to educate ourselves and come to terms with the real history of the USA, the genocide of people and land. And then heal through arts and culture. You're asking questions, you're showing up as your truest self and being vulnerable addressing your uncertainty; may you continue learning the true history of the place you're in and I imagine you'll get closer to your goal, there is no quick solution to our situations and we know that.
This leads into my practice of patience, it’s basically reminding myself a few important ideas each morning on my walk into work, one of them simply being 'day by day.' The museum I work at is excruciatingly slow (for me) in rolling agendas out so I tell myself one day at a time and we’ll move eventually move to the next step. And breathing, in and OUT, because sometimes we forget the breath out. And I am doing my best to lead with love, love for those who aren't able to see my ideas and love for myself to have patience with my own hurdles I’m dealing with, one day a a time for each of us.
Thanks, Agnes, for your thoughts and explaining your practice a little bit more. I really like this one: 'love for those who aren't able to see my ideas.' It reminds me of the saying 'Yesterday's solutions, today's problem' which I heard the first time from Martin Zierold who is an expert for change. He explained that often people get offended when being criticised for being old-fashioned when all they are doing is hanging on to ideas they once thought were super-innovative. This helps me to see again and again how important R*E*S*P*E*C*T is while advocating change.
And how we contstantly need to be re-assessing and checking in on ourselves, thanks Ariane.
I'm just reconnecting with this conversation (fantastic, by the way). Agnes, I really appreciate your thoughts here. And despite so much push for change that is fast and immediate (sometimes I get caught up in that), it is important to recognize the value of change that happens slow and methodical (step by step, day by day). This makes me think of this incredible book about the writing process by Anne Lamott called "Bird by Bird." In this passage, she tells a story from her childhood that led to this beautiful metaphor for the best way we can sometimes tackle something big and daunting:
Lamott: "Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write [It] was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother's shoulder, and said, 'Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'"
Oh, I love this. And it is so cute! A friend of mine was actually telling me this literally today, how synchronous. (Not bird by bird, but step by step) ;) Thank you for sharing it! Also -- love it, the procrastination!
Ariane, I really appreciate what you're sharing -- and the questions you're asking. It is so important to take a critical lens toward the language we use these days in museums, and ask ourselves what these words really mean (to us, to our institution, to our communities). Are we adopting language because these are the words we're supposed to be using, or because they truly help guide us to do our best work and make change that matters? It is so good to pause and reflect on words like 'inclusive' and 'progressive' as we bring them into the vocabulary of our field.
I am also excited to hear that you shared your own doubts and questions openly in your work. This vulnerability is way too rare, but so needed. And I think it's vital for visitors to see staff as the human beings we are, not only as two-dimensional 'experts' without the complexity that makes us our whole selves. Bravo to that!