1. Zen and The Art of Counseling Center Maintenance

2. Presenters Gregory Eells, Ph.D. The University of Southern Mississippi
Gary Petiprin, Ph.D.
East Tennessee State University

3. Goals
Understanding the different importance of using the “head” and the “heart” in counseling center administration.
Learning specific strategies to develop balance and strategies to communicate that balance to colleagues and upper administration.
Participate in an experiential exercise to translate concepts discussed in the presentation to each individual participant’s experience as a director.

4. Two Views of Reality
Classical (head, masculine, Western, Aristotle, academic affairs, technology, logos, fairness, analysis, goals, plans, preparation, reality, thinking, order, meaning)Reality is understood by breaking it down into structures and component parts. The observer is missing. Sees the world as underlying form itself.
Advantage-Brings order and structure.
Disadvantage- presumes there is just one right way to do things and there never is.

5. Romantic (heart, feminine, mythos, Plato, Eastern, student affairs, art, passion, honesty, connection, Love, contemplation, spirit, commitment, honesty, gratitude, dream, touching,feeling pain, fear, joy, anger, integrity and determination,vulnerability)
Reality is understood by viewing the whole or the larger system. Sees world in immediate experience. Observer is present.
Advantage-Open to new and creative ways of seeing the world.
Disadvantage- insanity

6. Theory of Complementarity
Classic and romantic are often complementary views of reality
Hiesenburg Uncertainty Principle explaining subatomic particles. Niels Bohr when asked what is complementary of clarity he responded by saying “precision.”
We must seek to integrate what is complementary. Establish Quality

7. Value Traps Sucked into the administrative vortex - losing heart
Value rigidity-South Indian Monkey Trap
Ego-A high evaluation of yourself weakens your ability to recognize new facts
Anxiety-You are sure you will do the wrong thing so you do nothing
Boredom- You are off track
Impatience-First reaction to a setback

8. Directing from The Heart
Mind must serve the heart... for the heart is the center, the source of our energy and creativity
Morita Therapy-accept our feelings, know our purpose and do what needs doing.

9. Be Awake
Exercise - Break the habit (comfort zone) - get out of chair you chose and move to opposite part of the room. Feel the discomfort
Listen to feelings
Notice and be present in the moment
Move out of the comfort zone - grow
Habit - comfort, too much habit - unconscious

10. Be Open and Authentic
Be true to your natural self. Don’t try to be anyone else
Be willing to stand naked.
Welcome the unexpected - letting go of the “should”
Begin each day anew (Zen mind) - wonder and new possibilities
Don’t be attached to a specific plan - be open and trust the process. Experience interruptions as blessings

11. Remember Your Purpose and What is Meaningful
Why am I here? - Clarity of purpose
What do I contribute?
Act as if what you do matters....It does

12. Follow Your Bliss- J. Campbell
Bring your unique gifts to the world. Gifts - what brings you joy, you do well, naturally motivates you.
Learn to listen and head your spirit- don’t let the rational mind interfere.
Painful events - present opportunity to reevaluate your life/path.
Synchronicity - informs us that we are on the right path.

13. Step Through Fear Conflict & worry takes away energy
Risk - be in accord with your joy, step into your fear
If you knew that there was no chance of failing, what would you be doing right now? 

14. Be Creative
Creativity is not forced, it springs from your natural self
Collect the information and then allow the creativity to emerge
When coming from the heart, it is automatic and effortless - time stops

15. If You Meet the Vice Chancellor on The Road, Kill Him/Her
When we decide what is important to us and believe it only then can we convey its’ importance to others
Administrators are often more classic in orientation and our jobs are more romantic in nature. We still must learn to communicate with them.