Give Yourself Permission
As we head into fall, here are three resources to give yourself permission to do things differently: rethink your reporting, take the brain break, or make space for a little daydreaming.
Give Yourself Permission
Everyone’s Overwhelmed!
“I've been thinking about this post ever since Amanda shared it with our team. Chris Lysy shares five rules for how to evolve the way we think about dissemination (i.e., sharing evaluation work), the first of which is: “Everyone is overwhelmed.” It struck a chord for me because it reflects the way that we show up to our jobs as whole, real people–a chaotic morning, a weird night's sleep, or a packed schedule might mean limited time to focus on a lengthy report. What if we started designing our reports specifically for the people who don’t have time to read them?”
— Hannah
Work With Your Unconscious Mind
“I still feel guilty about taking “brain breaks” during the day, even though I know they are helpful. This Hidden Brain episode with psychologist Ap Dijksterhuis underscores the importance of making space for the unconscious mind in our workday to invite inspiration and creativity. So take that walk, fold that laundry, tend the garden (a la the story of Nobel laureate Lawrence Bragg), and do it without guilt because you are tapping into your hidden brain!”
— Amanda
Go Ahead and Daydream
“It usually surprises people when I tell them that I don’t listen to anything when I go out for a run. No music, podcasts, audiobooks. Nothing. This is the time I let my thoughts wander wherever they will, and I’ve realized it is just as important for my mind as for my body. This article was a reminder to make more space for daydreaming (and less for doomscrolling) in my life. It might just help you break through a challenge or mental block you’ve been puzzling over at work or in your personal life.”
— Katie
New on the Learning Hub
What’s New At Kera?
We are taking to the outdoors this fall, with new projects starting up with the Freedom Trail in Boston, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City. Each project connects to the outdoors in its own unique way, from history to climate change to art.
Amanda recently co-authored a blog post for the Museum Education Roundtable, the membership association that publishes the Journal of Museum Education. The post builds off the article, “Redefining Visitor Studies for a New Era,” including updates about the progress of the REDEFINE Visitor Studies project.
Moment of Wonder
“Have you ever found something you didn’t know you were looking for? That happened to me on a trip to Bangkok where my son was studying abroad. Everything about Bangkok struck me as aesthetically pleasing — the architecture and style, the mix of old and new. We stayed in a hotel that had been adapted from a 1940s traditional Thai heritage sanctuary. It was gorgeous with intricate teakwood floors and ceilings and lots of wood details. This photo is my favorite from our trip, capturing the moment I walked around a corner and found myself looking at a stunning staircase just as a cat (one of my favorite animals!) descended it. The staircase sparked a sense of déjà vu that made me feel like I was meant to see it. I guess I was in the right place at the right time."
— Stephanie
