Happy New Year

Cloud Billows Over Scotland Hill ©2012 Katherine Kean
oil on linen 6 x 6 inches Private Collection

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hoping that it is prosperous, successful, and fulfilling. I love hearing about everyone's New Year traditions and resolution routines, whether it's eating a plate of black eyed peas, or keeping an accomplishment jar.

 I've been thinking of trying out the jar idea; which is to write down each accomplishment on a slip of paper and add it to the jar throughout the year. As the year progresses you can see the jar fill up and at the end of the year open the jar and remind yourself of all the great things you've achieved. I like that this idea uses a jar, which is something physically very apparent, and not just a notebook somewhere. Notebooks to me are too easy to misplace.

 Last year on New Year's day I wrote down some things I wanted to accomplish during the year. I folded up that list and slipped it into an envelope that I tucked away so that now I can read it and see how I did. Unfortunately, I don't know where I put the envelope! It has somehow disappeared in the flurry of action. Maybe finding this lost item will be something I can add to the jar....

Why I Like E-Prime

Slow Release of the Day 18 x 36" oil on linen

© 2007 Katherine Kean

One of my favorite topics is English Prime. E-Prime is a modification of the English language that abolishes all forms of the verb to be: is, am, are, was, were, etc. A few reasons why I am such a big fan follow:

The elimination of the passive voice creates less confusion distinguishing statements of opinion from statements of fact. “I feel cold” instead of “It is cold.”

As well as providing clarity using E-Prime lessens conflict. “I feel I have finished” instead of “It is done.”

This type of communication alleviates a bit the hypnotic power of metaphor used so effectively by advertisers and politicians. “It appears to me that we should take action.” instead of “It is clear that we should take action.”

A change in language brings a change in perception, including how a person thinks of himself or herself. Instead of “I am sad”, I feel sad.” The sadness still exists, but seems like less of a permanent condition.

Although I find it difficult to remember to write and speak in E-Prime in most situations, I do find it an effective tool to have when listening to others.

Related Links:

Toward Understanding E-Prime

E-Prime - A Layman’s Perspective

E Prime - English without the verb to be

Law of Attraction for World Peace

The Law of Attraction for World Peace conference call with James Twyman and James Authur Ray on Wednesday February 28th can be listened to here.