In Praise of Sponges
I worked with a young lady tonight. I would consider her fairly intelligent. She usually appears to understand what I'm talking about and interacts with people well. Tonight I discovered one major shortcoming that is going to plague her for the rest of her life.
She is not a sponge.
Sponges are wonderful things. They sit there quietly, absorbing all that comes within their domain. They don't distinguish and they don't discriminate. They simply absorb. And then, when you squeeze them they are able to give it all back to you.
How cool is that?
Sponges are remarkably successful. They don't have to traverse miles of ocean for a meal. They just absorb. No major sponge stress. Just take it in.
I have known too many people over the years that are really lousy sponges. They have been intelligent (or not), witty (or not), and even creative (or not). They are all just lacking that one critical element that makes life so good. They are not sponges.
So, you may ask (like all good non-sponges should) can I become more spongelike? Of course!! Here is one simple exercise that will enhance your sponginess.
Go to a store window. It doesn't matter what store. Mall or downtown. Inside or out. Just pick one. Stand in front of the window for sixty seconds. Now, look away. Even better, walk out of view. Take a piece of paper and write down every thing that you saw in the window. When you're done, go back and check. You will probably be amazed at all the things that you missed. Pick another window and try again.
If you will do this (not just windows, but anything that you see can be used) on a regular basis you will find your sponge quotient rising. Do this with audio also. When you're standing in the mall (or grocery store, or hospital, whatever) try to identify how many different audio topics (conversations, music, games, etc) you can distinguish. With a little practice you will find that you can hear conversations around you without actively listening. Then, when one of the participants asks you a question you already know the answer!!!
In closing, Long Live the Sponge!!!
She is not a sponge.
Sponges are wonderful things. They sit there quietly, absorbing all that comes within their domain. They don't distinguish and they don't discriminate. They simply absorb. And then, when you squeeze them they are able to give it all back to you.
How cool is that?
Sponges are remarkably successful. They don't have to traverse miles of ocean for a meal. They just absorb. No major sponge stress. Just take it in.
I have known too many people over the years that are really lousy sponges. They have been intelligent (or not), witty (or not), and even creative (or not). They are all just lacking that one critical element that makes life so good. They are not sponges.
So, you may ask (like all good non-sponges should) can I become more spongelike? Of course!! Here is one simple exercise that will enhance your sponginess.
Go to a store window. It doesn't matter what store. Mall or downtown. Inside or out. Just pick one. Stand in front of the window for sixty seconds. Now, look away. Even better, walk out of view. Take a piece of paper and write down every thing that you saw in the window. When you're done, go back and check. You will probably be amazed at all the things that you missed. Pick another window and try again.
If you will do this (not just windows, but anything that you see can be used) on a regular basis you will find your sponge quotient rising. Do this with audio also. When you're standing in the mall (or grocery store, or hospital, whatever) try to identify how many different audio topics (conversations, music, games, etc) you can distinguish. With a little practice you will find that you can hear conversations around you without actively listening. Then, when one of the participants asks you a question you already know the answer!!!
In closing, Long Live the Sponge!!!
posted by Keith at 11:38 PM
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