Passion in Action Curriculum part 1: GAZE

This is the beginning of a cursory curriculum project which will be expanded and edited as need or responses warrant. It is intended to be of benefit for anyone interested in mentorship, guidance, encouragement, VOF applicants, VOF trainees, or anyone simply needing reminders of what is already in place. This can also be used in parallel to the Citizen Journalism & Digital Empowerment Curriculum currently posted here: http://worldpulse.com/pulsewire/solutions/71046. The intent is to guide in exploration of self, vision, skills, values, thereby identifying goals and action steps.

Today I will speak to the idea of GAZE:
1. Attitude: orientation and positivity
2. Choosing our focus: where to look
3. Breadth of focus, ie: details or bigger picture
4. Action steps: where and how

Attitude:
When we awake each morning we are faced with many choices- how to see our circumstance, who to interact with, which steps to take. And where to focus our gaze, which direction to orient to. So much distraction, business, heartache. And if we are so fortunate, maybe a bit of grace. And I know there are times when the choice may be so limited we can only choose to look or to close our eyes. Do we see opportunity, possibilities?

Choosing focus:
Where we put our gaze, can determine our focus, and therefore what steps we will take. It determines our energies and if we will be nourished or giving our all to others. I assume that among this community, it is usually the latter. Initially, being able to look at the project/situation/our life is the first step. I know that sometimes even just looking is a feat in itself, and closing our eyes for a moment may be necessary. We may have a few or many points of focus, and therefore a set of goals and actions for each. For this exercise, we are intentionally choosing one. It is perfectly valid if our focus for this day or for this period of time is how to provide a meal for our family, how to access the internet, or simply how to take a step outside our door.

Breadth of focus:
Will our view be broad or narrow? Will we hone in and deal with details of the situation? This allows to take our action steps in very specific ways. It allows for a depth of involvement and interaction, to ensure the critical issues are addressed. Or will we take in a wider view? This may allow us to direct others to care for the details so that we can address the longer-term goals, or a greater number of action steps. To see if this project, the campaign, or even our own lives are continuing in the desired direction.

Action steps:
This topic will be expanded in future Passion in Action Curriculum posts. Having clarity on the above-mentioned areas leads to clarity on the what and how of steps to take. Taking action can be focused and small. Indeed, the act of writing down a plan is a step in itself.

I encourage you to write down in a journal, notebook, or the like:
1. What is your orientation or attitude?
2. Where is your gaze or where do you desire it to be?
3. How large or narrow (ie: focus) is your chosen gaze?
4.What kinds of action steps could come out of this exercise?

There is a companion series to this curriculum called Inspiration for Today you may find here: http://worldpulse.com/node/73673

Please keep in mind this is a beginning, and is intended to be a practice exercise as we begin or continue in our various journeys and callings. There are many more topics to be covered, so stay tuned. If you wish to receive notification when further lessons are posted, please let us know.

You are welcome to reply or private message with any comments or questions!

{created for World Pulse by Michelle Foxx Meloche, aka Cali gal Michelle, 2013}

Grace and Peace in this journey-