Currently reading
Paddy's Lament, Ireland 1846-1847: Prelude to Hatred
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
When in French: Love in a Second Language
Beyond the Job Description: How Managers and Employees Can Navigate the True Demands of the Job
Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing
Achieving Your Potential As A Photographer: A Creative Companion and Workbook
Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age
Picture Perfect Practice: A Self-Training Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Taking World-Class Photographs (Voices That Matter)
Man's Search for Meaning
Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection
Art of Mingling: Proven Techniques for Mastering Any Room
I skimmed through this right before reading Never Eat Alone. I thought I would get more of the Art of Mingling, but I found it disappointing. I guess I knew more about the art of mingling techniques than I gave myself credit for. But I didn't think I was much of a mingler. Never eat alone gave me more motivation and reason to not just mingle, but connect, so I got more out of Never Eat Alone.There was only page that I actually turned down the corner of -- which dealt a bit more with the "why". Much of learning to mingle well has to do with overcoming fear; similarly, the basis of tai chi chuan is to let go of tension in the body. Not only does relaxing release the tension, but it is through relaxing that great strength and mastery come. Hardness and resistance are the only real obstacles to success. The point is, whether you just made a bad faux pas or someone was rude to you, etc., you will not be negatively affected if you can employ this important yielding principle. When someone pushed, don't push back; be soft, yield, sink down into your center, and stay relaxed. Go with the flow. ...In tai chi you also learn to "stick" to the other person, to follow his or her lead. You play with your opponent's energy. Think of everyone you meet at the party as your teacher; jam with them; riff with them; dance with them. See how your music goes together. Feel where they are. But always stay centered in yourself. p. 181
