September 9, 2017

Truth and Trust

Listening to National Public Radio this morning on the way home from yoga, their seasonal fund drive was on the air. The host said

Yes, that resonates with me.

But where?
Friends
Spiritual gatherings
Nature
Social Media channels
School...

...actually, in ourselves is the place to start. We need to be, first and foremost our own source of truth and place of trust.

Namaste.

August 22, 2017

Master the Business of Art!

It is official - I launched my new venture!
Artsightful to provide arts management training, insight coaching and capacity consulting to build thriving arts ventures and inspiring careers! My goal is to share insights into the business of art.

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Be the first to know about upcoming programs for artists, creative entrepreneurs, arts managers, and board members. 

Check out the program calendar for our design-thinking sessions launching in October 2017!

Are you an arts management trainer who would like to offer a session or series? Learn how to partner with Artsightful.
Contact informatin
Email: amy@artsightful.com
Phone: 415.994.9901
Address: 901 Mission Street, Suite 306, San Francisco, CA 94013


June 6, 2017

4As: Affirming Intention as a Daily Practice

Each day I am starting with a practice of identifying my Aim, Attitude, Action, and Achievement to set and move forward with intention. So much of my work is focused on others, that this is an opportunity to focus on me in the context of collaborating with my clients, students and co-workers. The following is adapted from the book How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb.

The 4As

  • Aim: What is my intention, my purpose, my focus for the day?
  • Affirmation: This is a positive affirmation of wow am I approaching this aim? What qualities am I bringing to this the purpose?
  • Action: What work, knowledge and influence am I bringing to the aim?
  • Achievement: How will I know that I have reached my aim?

Example1: Working with a strategic planning client

  • Aim: to provide guidance, direction and focus to a group that has strong voices and high expectations
  • Affirmation: I have the tools, experience, knowledge, and context of the big picture perspective, plus the voice to speak clearly, and concisely
  • Action: listen, provide observations, give direction, and stay focused on actionable items that are realistic in the context of strategic planning, while playing the role of translator of ideas into action steps
  • Achievement: I have provided guidance, insights, have documented actionable items, taken responsibility for my specific role and what I need to deliver, while not over-promising

Example 2: Leading a restorative yoga class

  • Aim: to create a safe space in which there is a sense of connection to community
  • Affirmation: I have the tools, experience and resources to facilitate the group; students trust me and value my voice
  • Action: Teach from my heart, feel the safety within myself and share that calmness and connection with others
  • Achievement: Following the final meditation, create a mandala from twine in which each participant is holding a connection point and we have woven a safe space where we can breath more easily and deeply

As I read these examples I had the second A as Attitude but I changed it to Affirmation. it is clear that this step gives me focus and sets me up for success.