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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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DID YOU EVER WONDER?
There are some phrases at the beginning of sentences that are so familiar we find comfort in them and in our expectation of what will likely follow. One of the most universally understood of these phrases is "Once upon a time." When we hear those four little words, we know that a story is about to unfold. For many of us those words also conjure up memories of bedtime, and we begin to relax as soon as we hear that simple phrase. There are also phrases that tell us humor is on its way. From childhood most of us remember the two words "Knock, knock." Say those words to anyone of any age, and you usually get an ear-to-ear smile and the instant reply, "Who's there?" Many of us also smile when we hear, "Why did the elephant..." or Rodney Dangerfield's "I get no respect," and Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if...." Even a simple "Congratulations" or an "I'm so sorry" give us a clue about what is coming next and set us up for certain types of emotional responses. We hear the beginning of the sentence and have a preconceived notion of what will follow. One of my favorite leading phrases comes at the beginning of a question I like to ask myself and others. The four simple words are "Did you ever wonder." Just hearing those words gives me the freedom to perceive all sorts of possibilities, and sets me off on an exploration of ideas and inquiries. I never know where the process is going to take me, but those words give me permission to investigate my curiosity creatively without having to be right or wrong. It is one of the most fascinating and liberating ways to spend time I've found yet; and in the process I've made some amazing discoveries.
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SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008 |
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