Category Archives: personal growth

On personal growth and development.

The brain and learning, 3

Posted on April 29, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Today’s brain and learning concept: the brain makes meaning through patterning. The human brain is not a formal logic machine. It makes sense of life experience by finding patterns and order, largely through making connections. At the heart of patterning … Continue reading →

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The brain and learning, 2

Posted on April 28, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Today’s brain and learning concept: the brain is social. Bowen systems theory and developmental psychologists stress that individuals must always be seen as integral parts of larger social systems. Part of our identity depends on establishing community and finding ways … Continue reading →

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The brain and learning, 1

Posted on April 27, 2009 by Israel Galindo

I’ll be teaching my Introduction to Teaching course during the May term. It’s a misnomer as the course actually focuses on one narrow area of teaching, namely, instruction. Two frameworks inform the approach to the course: (1) research on effective … Continue reading →

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Brain and God article

Posted on April 14, 2009 by Israel Galindo

Here’s another interesting article on the brain-God connection question. The article is by Michael Brooks and it appears in New Scientist (Feb. 4, 2009). Here’s an excerpt:

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Differentiation and emotional maturity

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Israel Galindo

A friend has been working on his differentiation of self for some time now. He is a curious learner, has done responsible self-work (reading, seeing a therapist, using a coach, working on his family of origin relationships), and he asks … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, leadership, personal growth | 1 Comment

What will they say about you?

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Israel Galindo

On a few occasions I’ve engaged in the exercise of writing my own obituary or epitath. The exercise was prompted in seminars or workshops, and on one occasion as part of my orientation as a hospice chaplain. Kierkegaard said “Life … Continue reading →

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It’s a gender thing (maybe)

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Israel Galindo

During a recent conversation I was asking for help in clarifying a misunderstanding from a colleague. She began our conversation by saying, “It’s probably a gender thing.” I’ve never found that a helpful way to start a conversation. My thought … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory, personal growth, world view | 1 Comment

Winter issue of Leadership in Ministry Workshops newsletter

Posted on January 21, 2009 by Israel Galindo

The winter 2009 issue of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) newsletter is now available. You can download a copy of the newsletter by visiting the LIM website and selecting the link to the newsletters from the main menu. The … Continue reading →

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Self care and self-definition

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Israel Galindo

For ministers, and aspiring ministers, who embrace that part of their calling involves service to others, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, investing in self-care can be a challenge. Whatever its source, feelings of obligation, guilt, or shame; or a lacking sense of … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, personal growth | 1 Comment

Functioning at one’s best

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I received an interesting question about Bowen’s concept of self-differentiation. The question, an imaginative one, was “what if” some day scientists discovered a “differentiation gene.” It was fun to ponder, but, genes don’t work that way. More to the point, … Continue reading →

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