The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: How Do You Change the World?

Recently, I saw an exhibition of paintings by a very talented artist. He clearly has a social conscience and his depictions of the pain and misery of disenfranchised and minority people are so vivid and real you can't help but feel the pain in viewing the paintings.

The artist is a warm, friendly, humble man whom I approached with a question, "does he ever paint another side of life?" He seemed interested in engaging in a conversation about it and frankly I was surprised at myself for even approaching him. I have never considered myself either knowledgeable or beyond too shy to talk about art to an artist this way. But, I felt compelled and in hindsight I know why.

As a '60's activist and an angry idealist, I would have wanted his pictures out there in the face of those whom I and he blamed for the social injustices he expressed so people would realize and wake up.

Well, decades later, I now know that doesn't work. I felt very strongly the pain of his pictures, couldn't view them for long, and also knew if he wanted people to buy them and take them home, he'd have a very small audience.

I asked if he'd consider using his brilliant artistic ability to inspire by painting beauty. I was surprised at what I was saying, because I have obviously metamorphosed from who I was in the past.

About a year ago, I decided that the 11:00 p.m. news was not a good pre-bedtime story and stopped watching it. If you look closely you will note that the "stories" are not necessarily chosen for their importance and useful information, but for entertainment and sensationalism. I can honestly say, my sense of well being has improved. When I watched the 11:00 p.m. news, my anxiety level heightened and with that I foolishly tried to begin a restful night's sleep.

As I thought about this man's art, honest as it is, it does not depict most of life. My new thoughts are that if we flood the world with goodness, inspirations, success, potential and love, my bet would be we'd get more of it. We don't get beauty by flooding the world with pain and horror. That just makes most people want to run away into denial.

The question I ask is, do you get more impetus for social change by showing people what is ugly or what is beautiful: what they want less of or more of?

As a coach I concentrate on helping my clients identify what they have that they want more of and downplay the opposite. My vote is that an atmosphere of goodness, beauty, open-mindedness, ability, talent, strengths and love will produce more of the same. Ugliness will produce more ugliness. Is this social art equivalent to the sensationalism of the 11 o'clock news?

About The Author

Dorene Lehavi, Ph.D. is principal of Next Level Business and Professional Coaching. She coaches Professionals and Business Partners and teaches teleclasses on techniques to break through barriers to the next level. Dr. Lehavi offers a complimentary coaching session so you can experience how coaching can work for you. Contact Dr. Lehavi at Dorene@CoachingforYourNextLevel.com or on the web at Http://www.CoachingforYourNextLevel.com. Subscribe to Mastering Your Next Level monthly e-newsletter at http://www.coachingforyournextlevel.com/newsletter.html

dorene@nextlevelpartnership.com

---

Nourishing Your Network

It takes less effort to keep an existing customer than... Read More

Permission To Have FUN

? Have you been working long hours? ? Have... Read More

Solution-Focused Therapy

Most types of psychotherapy involve exploring feelings, being validated, finding... Read More

Do you know WHAT MAKES ME MAD?? It makes me SO MAD I just want to...

Sound familiar? If you want to manage anger, the only... Read More

Successful Implementation of Company Wide Coaching Programmes

Ten years ago I was fortunate enough to be heavily... Read More

Is Coaching Everything That It Is Cracked Up To Be?

Personal or business coaching has helped thousands change their lives... Read More

Developing Will Power and Self Discipline

Most people admire and respect strong individuals, who have won... Read More

Why Bosses Dont Get All the News

Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained... Read More

Think, Pause & Talk

There are two kinds of peoples we generally face in... Read More

Listening Skills In Relationships

Recently, when out to dinner with another couple, my husband... Read More

3 Keys to Making Small Talk Easy to Do

Small talk used to be really hard work for me.... Read More

Be The One With Something Interesting To Say

How Do You Learn Something New?If you could learn fast... Read More

Miscommunication - Root Cause of Problems?

People of two opposing ideas can stir up arguments and... Read More

Success Secrets - The #1 Money Secret I Learned from Interviewing Over 23 Millionaires

All over the Net, people are asking you to pay... Read More

Attitude

What makes attitude so important? Why not just learn some... Read More

How To Increase Your Coaching Record By At Least 25%

"How can I become a better and more effective coach?"... Read More

Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and... Read More

How to Adopt a Losing Attitude

We have all heard the expression, "Where your heart is?,... Read More

What Do You Have To Give?

"Happiness is not a matter of good fortune or worldly... Read More

Online Counseling - a Timely Happenstance

Online counseling may be the latest and greatest improvement in... Read More

Do You Want to Make More Money as A Life Coach

There's a lot of coaches out there not making any... Read More

How to Make $100,000 Dollars as a Personal Trainer ? Part C for Client!

My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years... Read More

Among the Purpose & Personality

I have one magical thought, lets see it more closely.... Read More

Progress Reviews: Your Key To Effective Coaching

One of the most effective ways to help your staff... Read More

Guilt: Is it Getting in the Way of Your Self-Care?

When Do We Usually Feel Guilty? When:We're not feeling ok... Read More

Assertive Communication: 20 Helpful Tips

Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further... Read More

Media Underload! The Stress Reducing Psych-Diet

The war, taxes, the economy, increased health problems, crime on... Read More

Your Silent Voice of Experience

"I can't wait!" she exclaimed over the phone. The anticipation... Read More

Business Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

"There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in... Read More

Simple Tips to Move Forward on the Job

Someone I know wants to move into another job in... Read More

Make Progress Now: Take the Hand Brakes Off Your Life!

Do you find yourself striving upward in life yet making... Read More

The Right Coach

Who is the Best Coach For Achieving Your Goals?A friend... Read More

Your Responsibility

The other day I decided to skip cooking dinner and... Read More