Reflecting on the passing of an innovator

The passing Steve Jobs today got me thinking. Working for over 20 years in the technology sector in Cambridge I've worked with some truly amazing people, some really inspirational leaders and some of the world's most creative brains; one or two now working for Apple. Then there were the guys who over 10 years ago talked by the coffee machine about combining GPS into a mobile phone. Why would you? Why not? Now a reality, I love the idea having a satnav on my phone in my pocket.

Maybe these guys are not as famous as Steve but they should be held in the same high regard, more so than some of the bankers that in the UK economy are so well rewarded. It takes a special kind of energy to work in the technology sector and Cambridge can rightfully be proud of what it has brought to the world and what it still brings.

I'm proud of having been there and even though I miss the people sometimes I'm glad to moved on and hope that what I've learned from my experience will carry me on into my present and future role as a counsellor working with workplace stress and depression.

Listening is more than simply hearing

Last night was the AGM and APM for the Norfolk Deaf Association (http://www.norfolkdeaf.org.uk) in Norwich and I  set up the PowePoint, some videos and the loop for the room. It all worked flawlessly.
The NDA support hearing aid users throughout Central and Eastern Norfolk, providing essential maintenance of hearing aids. We also offer advice about sensory equipment and have befriending and tinnitus support.

We have a mobile clinic and carry out home visits seeing over 6400 clients per year all of whom would have to trek to a hospital audiology department or put up with their hearing aids not working. We carry out the trivial repairs allowing audiologist to spend more time on the work they are trained for.

From working on the mobile clinic and as as a hearing aid user myself how utterly dependent I have been on them for my day to day living, not least now that I work as a counsellor. One client said recently: "I told [my partner] you wear hearing aids yet you are the first person ever to listen." What she spotted is that listening is much more than simply hearing, it involves paying attention, engaging with the other person's face and body, and allowing the other to express their own thoughts without being interrupted or interpreted. Accurate reflection helps the other to feel heard. I wonder why we have to be trained to do something you think would be natural.

Using images to find stillness

The background image here shows a sunset on the South East coast of the UK, an unusual feature as there are not many places on the East coast with West facing sea shore. This image has been one I have used for many years when I find the need to de-stress. It may not have the awsome bueaty of a tropical beach but at least there are no fish trying to eat you!

 

Wotcha world

Having toyed with the idea of blogging for years I've finally taken the plunge. Feels a bit like standing on a soap box spouting hot air in the town square but that never stops polititions. What have I to say? What interests me? Technology has for many years but now my interest is more on how as human beings we care for ourselves and for those we care for.