I’ve learned a good salesperson will always validate the sale. Every time one says to me, “You’ve purchased one of my favorite items”, “This looks so good on you”, “You have good taste,” “You’re going to be really happy with this”, etc., etc., etc., I chuckle, ever so aware that he or she is, yep, validating the sale. And, perhaps, discouraging a return as well. All part of the process.
Wisdom 2.0 Conference - Takeaway 1
There were some valuable takeaways. One session that stood out featured Jack Kornfield and Tristan Harris, interviewer and interviewee respectively. Jack introduced Tristan as the “whistleblower of technology” as he worked for the big tech companies Google and Facebook, and left to start The Center for Humane Technology. He spoke about brain hacking and persuasive technology with the focus on “how much human attention can we gain” rather than the use of technology for good, adding the tidbit that “email is a stressful product”. His great dismay was a motivator for a different, vastly more humane direction and new company.
Random Recollection
Years ago a friend became the manager of a Chanel boutique. After describing further plans to beautify the store, he launched into how he prepared his salespeople with a key focus on the mindset right before opening the doors. His daily stated mantra to them was, “It’s showtime!” Meaning, no matter what, to ensure sales, the great show must go on.
These words made an immediate impression with the realization that I, too, as his new customer, got caught up in the theatrics of the show, the seductive power of persuasion, and even purchased a few, questionable items. This was my mistake and one that I did not repeat there once I heard and grasped his words. The exterior show can be quite compelling and disguising. I often remind myself to be aware of the veil and what visually appears to be.
Leaving Netherland - The Final Nail In The Coffin?
I won’t ever be able to listen to MJ’s music again, especially the hit song, “Man in the Mirror” written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. For me, no doubt exists about the veracity of these latest, detailed sexual abuse claims by yet 2 more victims. After all, a grown man flaunting his obsession with and attraction to children as if natural, a trial, multiple previous allegations, and large financial settlements. A whole history here!
Key words in play are icon, con, pedophile, masquerade (as a noun and verb), power of seduction, power of wealth, talent, absentee, unconscious parenting, drug and alcohol abuse, enabling behavior, pain and suffering. This film is a scenario and accounting of these elements in repetition spanning years, without any algorithms; a sad tale indeed for everyone involved including society as a collective.
God only knows what happened to MJ as a child. Regardless, I continue to believe that exposure of truth and shattering of illusions are vital for expanded awareness and human evolvement.
Rod Rosenstein
As Deputy Attorney General of the U.S., he gave a speech in Washington DC yesterday. It just may be his last given the pattern of exits thus far. He concluded with an ancient proverb, “If you desire to know a person’s character, consider his friends” followed by his advice to “Always make sure that you can stand proudly with the company you keep.”
This is good guidance and relates to what I’ve learned and said previously about being careful because people and behavior can be contagious (families included.)
Leaving Netherland
Ahh, this documentary is really challenging to watch! The transgressions are disturbing. It’s probably best to watch during the day as the other night I viewed part 1, went to bed and had difficulty falling asleep. Still vivid were the visuals and dialogue. Realizing the impact of an 8 hour marination in this and the need for a counterbalance, I chose as my mantra, “power of truth”. The repetition gave way to much-needed positivity for an uninterrupted slumber.
Choice Of Words
Last weekend I attended the Wisdom2Summit/Conference. An interview with Chelsea Handler, one of my favorites, was quite complelling. She mentioned racism and her upcoming Netflix show about white privilege. She, too, used the words “people of color.” Then, yesterday Chris Matthews as well as his interviewee Omarosa uttered them. Each time, it feels like a dissonant chord of separateness is being struck. Perhaps right now these popular words are necessary for discussion; however, I look forward to the day when identification via color of skin ceases to exist.
Although categorized as caucasian, I am 50% Spanish Basque with an olive complexion. With the varying shades in each color category, we are all “people of color”.
Congressional Testimony - Michael Cohen
Despite being riveted to the TV, the divulged information was neither shocking or surprising. Same for the Republican responses of admonition vs. inquiry.
The exchanges involving Rep. Mark Meadows particularly stood out along with oddly positioned Lynne Patton. Insisting he was not a racist, he said he had nieces and nephews that are “people of color.” His choice of words did not bode well for convincing me otherwise. And, the stationary image nearby reminded me of the movie, “Get Out” and the demeanor of the groundskeeper and housekeeper.
And a day later, videos surface of Meadows on the campaign trail vowing to “send Obama home to Kenya.”
I have high hopes that truth and accountability will prevail for each of us.
Oscars
As an aesthete, I thoroughly enjoy this yearly extravaganza. The beautiful clothes and faces of the many talented people are always captivating. Perhaps because of increased awareness of skin and aging, the influences of heavy makeup, botox, fillers and plastic surgery were apparent. Angela Bassett is 60 and she had no visible wrinkles or signs of aging. She looked great, and I understand the inclination and work-related necessity to erase time and appear beautiful. At times I couldn’t help but vacillate between images of damaging chemicals being slathered on the skin, injected in the skin and the often robotic visual effects in the midst of the engaging program.
In an exterior-oriented society, maintaining physical beauty is a conundrum.
Grammies
I thought one of the best, rivaling the great one my son and I attended. So many exciting performances and love, love Alicia Keys. She’s so talented. Playing 2 pianos simultaneously and flawlessly? Quite something! Then add to the equation her natural beauty and quite refreshing minimal to no-makeup look. She exudes embodied wisdom and joy.