That's not what I meant!!!

Today in my course the subject of communication came up and how it has changed over the years. When I was a kid, you know back in the dark ages, we would talk to someone face to face or in a letter or over the phone. Today we use things like email, texting, and chat rooms. This got me to thinking, yes be very afraid, about how all of this affects the current generations ability to understand things like body language.

I'm sure we have all sent a text or email only to have the recipient respond in a manner that leaves us shaking our head wondering how did you get there? I know myself there have been a few times when I have received an email from my oldest and dearest friend that has left me thinking she didn't understand a word I was saying. But, that is just the point. If I had said the same thing face to face or even over the phone she would have picked up on the tone of my voice or my body language and would have had a clearer understanding of what I was actually trying to convey. Now I'm not saying that a more personal form of communication guarantees you complete openness and insight but, I do think it gives you a clearer picture of what is being said.

For example if I were to say "It was a beautiful day". Now that seems like a pretty plain statement but, if you were to hear or see me say the same thing you would also hear me emphasize the word BEEAUUUTIFUL and see a huge smile on my face as I said it which, in turn, would probably put a smile on your face. So, we have gone from just an ordinary day to something spectacular that I was honored to be a part of and brought me great joy. See how much is lost?

Don't get me wrong, written words are an amazing form of communication, and if put together right they can conger brilliant images in your head. By the same token if they are written wrong you can be left feeling bored or void of real meaning. There are times when being able to read a persons body language could warn you of real harm, or make you more apt to ask questions to verify a honest response. I just wonder if today's generation are able to pick up on subtle physical changes that could alter their responses to a given situation the same way older ones might? Is living life primarily by written word cheating us out of a richer experience?

Just something to think about!!!!!!

Nov 3 2009

So I begin my course of study only to realize, I have forgotten how to study. After reading the same paragraph for the third time and coming to the realization that the only thing I have absorbed to this point is the fact that there will be a new episode of NCIS tonight, thanks to the wonderful radio announcer. Then it hits me. I never could concentrate with the radio on so it's time for a musical adjustment. Moments later the relaxing sounds of Ravel are wafting through my apartment with Bolero being the first selection. I had an awwwww moment and the brain cells kicked into gear. There is something inspirational about classical music to me along with the calming effect it offers. Or maybe, it's just the fact that my brain can't handle more then one voice at the same time!!!

Now for the fun part. How do I retain the information I'm reading? I have spent the last 20 years becoming rather proficient in the fine are of allowing things to go in one ear and out the other and now I'm expected to throw a stop sign up and integrate a left and right hand turning lane. Left takes you to the city of Must Be Ingrained, and right to the little town of Somewhat Important. Then there is the option of going straight , which is exit only. Now for those of you that know me, you know I'm not that great with directions and I get easily lost so you can just imaging the traffic jam of information I'm creating as I attempt to determine which facts should go in which direction. I fear I let a few cars slip by into no man's land.

They have come up with some techniques when studying to help you remember, like using the first letter of each word and coming up with a sentence. For the life of me I can't remember what that is called. Well it's worth trying right? So, I decide to try and come up with one for the 4 principles of psychology, description, explanation, prediction,and influences.
Daily exercise produces infection.
Don't expel people immediately.
Dogs explore property intensely.
After spending 20 minutes trying to coming up with a silly line to remember, I bow down to the memory gods and ask for mercy.

All is not lost as I found out when I got to the little test at the end of the section I am reading and I ace it. There may be hope for me yet!!!!!!

AND SO WE BEGIN!!!!!!!

This will be a journey in which many paths I'm sure will be taken and with no destination in mind. I plan on exploring the world of psychology in search of greater understanding of the human mind. Okay, that sounds really good but lets be honest, I will be doing well if at the end of this I can even understand my mind!!!!

The first thing I have discovered it that one really shouldn't try and be analytical at 1am because, at this hour my brain is saying "Are you serious? I closed for business 2 hours ago". Then there is the dog beside me thinking "I don't care if you blame your mother could we just go for a pee and go to bed" I'm thinking the dog may have a good plan.

I will make an attempt, on my next post, to say something intelligent but no guarantees.