Ironic.

Restrict the number of ways in which people can communicate and people will communicate more.

Reduce entertainment options and people are more entertained.

We live in a world that benefits from us believing more is better.  It might be true for things such as money in the bank, health insurance options, desserts choices at the buffet, and even shoes in your closet, but at last week's Leadershape, the old adage could not have been less true.

Students had no access to email or Facebook, and only limited access to cell phone service.  They sat face to face and communicated about topics that were fun and light, but also about topics that were heavy and serious.  They couldn't be anonymous and they couldn't simply hit delete or walk away when things got tough.  Consequently, fewer venues for communicating meant that students communicated more and about more serious topics.

There was no t.v., no blockbuster movies, no concerts, and video games.  Last week, entertainment was reduced to activities such as board games, cards, carpet ball, ping pong, impromptu dancing, and planning skits.  Consequently, the limited choices for entertainment meant students gathered in community and created their own fun.  I was witness to laughter and joy so pure that it rivaled what we have come to believe only others can produce for us.

Sometimes maybe more is better, but not last week.  Last week less stimulus made for a week I belive all know 65 participants would agree was more stimulating.

We've seen this time and again with Shine, haven't we?  Eating less sweet cereal makes eating sweet cereal sweeter.  Focusing on only one goal for the year makes the whole year more productive.  Limiting monthly reflections to only highs, lows, and ahas allows us to learn about what is most important.

Visit us in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post and tell about an area in your life where less would produce more.

Shining off until tomorrow...