Seeing Sideways Revisited - 13 Years Later...

The act of seeing extends beyond that of looking, as it involves the processing of visual information in the brain and the assignment of meaning to the images perceived. Looking, on the other hand, is simply the ability to recognize an object or person. While there is a scientific distinction between these two terms, they are closely intertwined in the context of cognitive ability.

This relationship is particularly relevant in the realm of art and creativity, as individuals' personal definitions and degrees of artistic expression vary widely. Both seeing and looking play integral roles in the creative process, and are influenced by factors such as motivation and inspiration.

To truly understand ourselves, we must have a clear vision of who we are and what we can contribute to the world around us. While some may remain content in their familiar surroundings, there are always those seeking new opportunities to make a meaningful impact. These individuals are the ones who carve out new spaces and push boundaries.

As I observe the diverse members of a classroom, I can't help but wonder about their respective roles and contributions. How do they relate to me, and how can I contribute to their experiences? Ultimately, I believe that our shared experiences provide the impetus for personal growth and the ability to become part of the small percentage of individuals who seek to create new spaces and make a difference in the world. We must recognize that, despite our differences, we are all fundamentally connected and capable of effecting positive change.

Seeing beside Looking; Looking besides Seeing

We look forward to seeing things, then we see things to forward to. So you have to ask yourself what's the difference. The difference by definition is that looking is being able to physically recognize an object, person, or thing. Seeing is when the brain processes the information based on prior knowledge, and assigns meaning to the images received. So clearly there is a scientific separation between these two words however their use and meaning go hand in hand in understanding cognitive ability.

The best concept of this is art and creativity. Everyone has their own definition and degree of what art is and it is in that sense of creativity, Seeing and Looking plays in everyone's favor. I believe the culprit behind this is motivation and inspiration.

Response to 4-12-10 Class

Being who we are has to ensnare some sort of vision, an idea of us. I felt like everyone has something to contribute to in order to make a new concept of life. I see most of us have situated in one comfortable area while there are others who are looking for a spot to fill in. Then there is a small percentage of us who make room while in search of creating new spaces.

An interesting questions comes to mind when I look at the different members in the classroom. I ask myself, who are they in relation to me? What do they do, what do they contribute? What do I contribute in terms of them? I think its the experience. I think it is the factor that comes along that we can be the small percentage that makes room, that we are already those situated people in our comfortable area ready for a change. We are all those people who needed to understand that we are all one in the same.

Who do you think I am?

When people first meet me, they say that I am very shy. They see me either as a great guy or a really scary person who can hide things very well. As for the people that know me, well they have something else to say.

"Jacob has earned his place as my closest friend time and time again. He is patient and understanding, but not naive in the least. He's well aware of himself, others, and the dangers of the world. It's amazing how he can put on a straight face every day after all the trials thrown his way, and yet he does. He's an inspiration to those around him, and vice-versa. I wouldn't trade my best friend Jacob for the world."

Yep that was a friend of mine, what can I say.

Whattaya Want From Me

Welcome to the Magical Land of the Jacob. Take a look a me Magic Cards and be bewildered:





As you may know I am a man who is built with an enigma of talents. For one I perform magic. During the summers I perform every Friday. It's a blast.

I love to write, draw, listen to music, make music. It's who I am. I am shy too when I first meet people. Then when I get really comfortable, I kind of get sarcastic.

Who will I be in the future? Hm, I love science, right now I am acting like I am geology reporter creating predictions for the next earthquakes in the world. Yeah tell me about it. Well I am in touch with SOHO which is the Sun's observatory and the United Sates Geological Survey; I research their information for scenarios of potential strong activity. Ask me for more details: cool thing, I have made a couple of predictions and they have happened, freaky huh.

I see myself in the future where I will become famous, for some reason. I will just want to relax and be myself, however I feel that is going to be a nuisance. I would start writing on my spare time, draw some illustrations with it.

I guess I sort of haven't thought about what I will become, I just think of the now because you never know just what might be in front of you, that's my philosophy

Reflection

This Session turned out to be something. I was moved by the stories that were going on, the fears that others had shared. I had to share my own. Aside from the experiment, I needed to step out of the comfort zone and see what it was like. I was enlightened that I was able to share my story and have others listen. I was relieved.

To hear the other stories and become motivated by the serious conversations burned a sense of motivation inside. I felt like I can do a whole lot more with the ideas that churning in my head. I could pour out these ideas and they would make sense. I was moved.

Fearing the Experience

I felt that yesterday's sessions was something of a greater value that I had ever experience. Fear can be something rather a deep feeling to touch rather than to be scared about. Each moment when we encounter something that we don't understand or a situation that we would fail, we fear them. I have witness that there are some fears that I don't fear while there are others that I can sympathize for. The point is that we are not alone in our situations. We need to understand each other as a whole to face the greatest fear yet to come, our future.