Tag: illusion

Mirror, mirror, on the wall…

This weekend, many of my experiences seemed to revolve around the ideas of mirrors, mimicry, and imitation. It felt like a convergence of the universe onto this topic, something I like to call…

The Universe is Talking to Me

Mirrors were oce considered supernatural and taboo… Image "Touch" by Katie Tegtmeyer, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
Mirrors were oce considered supernatural and taboo… Image “Touch” by Katie Tegtmeyer, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

Continue reading “Mirror, mirror, on the wall…”

Focus and Misdirection! Five Rules of Magic (and How They Can Improve Your Persuasion Game)

When I was growing up, my Grandpa always had a joke or a magic trick at the ready. My memories of childhood aren’t well defined, quite fuzzy really, but there are stand-outs with Grandpa Damie’s magic.

"dark jack" by Akki annant, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
“dark jack” by Akki annant, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

Throughout his life and beyond, I’ve heard great things about my grandpa. People remembered his generosity and personal touch. He would receive Christmas cards and accolades years after seeing old friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

How did my Grandpa Damie have such an impact on people?

An impact that was remembered long after? Continue reading “Focus and Misdirection! Five Rules of Magic (and How They Can Improve Your Persuasion Game)”

In and Of Itself with Derek DelGauido

What has four legs, a long nose, two large ears, and a tail, and is immovable?

Could five blind men work together to answer that question?

Early in December of 2017, I saw the elephant in the room. I mean, I think I did.

Daryl Roth Theater, Manhattan
Daryl Roth Theater, Manhattan

I was an hour into Derek DelGaudio’s show about identity in the small Daryl Roth theater in Manhattan. Continue reading “In and Of Itself with Derek DelGauido”

Living with Happiness

The Secret calls it Living in Bliss.

Tony Robins calls it Living in a Beautiful State.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls it the Flow.

Lao Tzu wrote about Tao, the Way of the Universe, in the 4th century BCE.

Whatever name you give it, when you are happy your life is much better. Time disappears. Everything seems easier.

I have the Chinese character of Tao hanging on my wall among the photos that make me happy.
I have the Chinese character of Tao hanging on my wall among the photos that make me happy.

Imagine a pleasant summer morning. The world seems a bit lazier today. You hear the birds singing as you make your way to work. The sunlight warms your head. You hear your favorite song just before you arrive. Your smile is mirrored back to you by a coworker.

You know it’s going to be a great day. Confirmation bias will help to ensure it. Continue reading “Living with Happiness”