The Muppet! 06/24/2009
 

This week I have the pleasure of co-facilitating a writing camp with 6th through 9th graders.  My partner and I agree that one of the greatest inhibitors to creation of any kind is the "muppet" or critical voice that rides around on our shoulder and continually lets us know that we are wrong or imperfect or stupid or can't do this or.....  We decided that we wanted to begin this camp by addressing head on the voice of the muppet.  And so we invited these young people to create the image of their muppet.  The range and variety was astounding BUT the amazing thing was the commonality of experience.  The muppet silences some and feels like puppet strings to others.  One is firmly held in the grasp of his muppet and is bombarded by should's and don'ts.  Another feels like the weight of the world while others echo the demands of being perfect.  Some pierce, all hurt and get in the way of full expression. 

 

And so I ask you...what does your muppet say to you...how much power do you allow it to have in your life?  What would it be like if you simply took a stance of inquiry and asked your muppet, "Is that true?  Is that really true?"  This has been an amazing process and the gifts of naming the muppet have been huge...more to come!

 


Comments

Cindy

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:18:53

I want to make a muppet! I think if I did I would more clearly hear what he/she has to say. But, in the absence of an actual muppet, I would say that my muppet usually whispers words of self doubt. In spite of the fact that I've lived 52 years on this earth and learned quite a bit from my various challenges, my muppet has the nerve to continue to question my abilities. I hope you don't leave us out here without giving us some ideas about how to make the damn thing shut up! Looking forward to hearing the solution.

 



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