Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Let’s Get Physical with Enthusiasm!
October 2007 Month of Enthusiasm!
Let’s Get Physical with Enthusiasm!
Let’s Get Physical with Enthusiasm!
The physical aspects of enthusiasm are fascinating. If you were to ask a group of people about enthusiasm, most would refer to some physical experience, feeling or manifestation. This may be related to their own experiences and/or observations of other people. Physical experiences can be inner feelings or sensations. And they can be outer, observable expressions, stances or actions.
Responses to the Enthusiasm Survey* question, “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of enthusiasm?”, have been varied. Most of the responses are one-word adjectives or short phrases. Quite a few responses describe a physical characteristic or trait. By far the number one response to the question is Energy.
Now think about this for a moment. What are the various ways you might see, feel and experience energy for yourself? Observing others? When you are with others, such as a team, work group, family, volunteer activity or…? Just this alone might be fun to experiment with over the next week.
A variety of common words depict physical enthusiasm. Pause after each word on the following list. Notice what they might evoke within you.
* Exuberance
* Verve
* Vim
* Vigor
* Vitality
Consider what other words you might add to this list before reading any further. You may even want to keep this list handy. Sometimes just saying any one or all of these words can initiate a positive, energized response physically, mentally and emotionally.
Here are two quotes that speak to what has been discussed so far.
Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas...”
Henry Ford
“Enthusiasm is…an abundant amount of energized excitement.”
L. Colling
As I mentioned above, I usually receive one-word or short phrases in response to the Enthusiasm Survey* question, “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of enthusiasm?”. Occasionally some responses are more elaborate such as the following:
“A feeling that comes over me when I approach a situation with a high level of energy and excitement, with no fear of failure.”
“A joy from within that emanates with a smile on someone's face.”
“A spark, something that comes out of nowhere, a feeling that drives your inner spirit and forces your physical body to follow suit.”
“A joy from within that emanates with a smile on someone's face.”
“A spark, something that comes out of nowhere, a feeling that drives your inner spirit and forces your physical body to follow suit.”
Once again we get a glimpse at the unique perspectives and experiences of enthusiasm.
In my Enthusiasm! How To Draw It To Yourself & Keep It book and programs there is an activity that uses words from the survey question. They are arranged in a word list that has multiple purposes. Here is a sampling of the words that have a more direct physical correlation to enthusiasm.
In my Enthusiasm! How To Draw It To Yourself & Keep It book and programs there is an activity that uses words from the survey question. They are arranged in a word list that has multiple purposes. Here is a sampling of the words that have a more direct physical correlation to enthusiasm.
Cheerful, Radiate, Attitude
Focused, Bubbly, Alive
Effervescent, Bright, Glowing
Energy, Passion, Delightful
Doing, Dynamic, Smile
Animated, Sparkle, Vibrant
High Energy, Inspired, Wise
Super Charged, Electrifying, Sincere
Sizzle, Carefree,Charisma
Abundant, Up/Upbeat
Focused, Bubbly, Alive
Effervescent, Bright, Glowing
Energy, Passion, Delightful
Doing, Dynamic, Smile
Animated, Sparkle, Vibrant
High Energy, Inspired, Wise
Super Charged, Electrifying, Sincere
Sizzle, Carefree,Charisma
Abundant, Up/Upbeat
One process I suggest is to make a personal statement using one or more of these words that can serve as your affirmation or mantra. Here is an example:
I radiate joy, abundance and happiness in all areas of my life.
Now let’s take a moment or two to explore responses to another Enthusiasm Survey question. The question is, “Where does enthusiasm come from?”
I radiate joy, abundance and happiness in all areas of my life.
Now let’s take a moment or two to explore responses to another Enthusiasm Survey question. The question is, “Where does enthusiasm come from?”
“Me, my head. I think it therefore I AM! More of a process of thought, idea and then physiology to look and act the part and feel it not just the thought but all of it.”
“It is positive energy in its physical manifestation.”
“A general state of well-being.”
“It is positive energy in its physical manifestation.”
“A general state of well-being.”
Do you resonate with any of these statements? If so, which one(s) and why? These are interesting questions to ask yourself. They help you to explore your experience and expression of enthusiasm more deeply. And they can become a resource to use when you find the need to move through any barriers that zap your energy and enthusiasm.
Most of what we have discussed so far has been of a more personal nature. Sometimes it may be easier to see enthusiasm in others as in the case of the following responses to the question, “Who, besides yourself, is the most enthusiastic person you know? Why?
Most of what we have discussed so far has been of a more personal nature. Sometimes it may be easier to see enthusiasm in others as in the case of the following responses to the question, “Who, besides yourself, is the most enthusiastic person you know? Why?
Gene, my fiancé, he glows with the "life more abundant" confidence and drive. He never negates my ideas, but looks for the positive in all situations.
Energetic people & creative people—it tends to rub off on me so I enjoy surrounding myself with these types of folks.
A lady I know always portrays an enthusiastic look about her. She comes across as always being very happy, her eyes shine, her face shows a reflective glow, her voice penetrates excitement as she speaks. She is enthusiastic in everything she does.
Energetic people & creative people—it tends to rub off on me so I enjoy surrounding myself with these types of folks.
A lady I know always portrays an enthusiastic look about her. She comes across as always being very happy, her eyes shine, her face shows a reflective glow, her voice penetrates excitement as she speaks. She is enthusiastic in everything she does.
By now you have had many things to think about and explore on this one aspect of enthusiasm. May you continue to discover more ways to connect with your core by regularly accepting the Let’s Get Physical with Enthusiasm! invitation.
In the Physical Flow of Joy & Enthusiasm!
Antoinette
In the Physical Flow of Joy & Enthusiasm!
Antoinette
*Interested in taking the Enthusiasm Survey? I’d love to hear from you, just send an e-mail with Enthusiasm Survey in the subject line to Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com to receive your copy of the survey.
© 2007 Antoinette S. Webster. All rights reserved. http://www.asystemthatworks.com/ .To find out more about Enthusiasm! How To Draw It To Yourself & Keep ItSM, contact Antoinette today to at Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com.
Antoinette is also available for interviews, speaking engagements, keynotes and spouse programs along with training programs, retreats and workshops. And she works with a limited number of individuals and groups for ongoing coaching. Contact her at 513.887.0600 or Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com to schedule a program for your organization—in person or by teleseminar—or an appointment for a private session.
Antoinette is also available for interviews, speaking engagements, keynotes and spouse programs along with training programs, retreats and workshops. And she works with a limited number of individuals and groups for ongoing coaching. Contact her at 513.887.0600 or Info (at) ASystemthatWorks.com to schedule a program for your organization—in person or by teleseminar—or an appointment for a private session.
