 #15 Remember we all share the same vine.  |
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The 4 Elements — The Book’s Big Ideas
The book contains four distinct “elements.” Each element played a crucial role in the transformation, Olivia, the main character in the book.
1. SODA
SODA is the acronym for Stop. Observe. Decide. Act. Olivia discovered that once she developed the habit of stopping to assess a situation, she was able to see “what is.” By removing her emotions from the equation, she felt more in control and less like a victim. Her newfound confidence impacted all areas of her life.
2. Unplugging
Unplugging is the name for the mindfulness practice Olivia learned from Isabel. The word “unplugging” is derived from the action of removing the headset she wore on the job so she could experience silence.
3. 22 Life-changing Aha!s
By the end of the story Olivia had a series of Aha!s that she used to guide her actions every day. A few examples:
- Aha! #3 Problems can be gifts in disguise.
- Aha! #9 A simple apology works wonders.
- Aha! #10 The less I talk, the more I learn.
- Aha! #15 Remember we share the same vine.
- Aha! #21 Real freedom comes from letting go of the outcome.
4. The Power of a Story
Stories were used in two powerful ways in the book.
- The ancient teaching stories.
Isabel had an uncanny ability to select the perfect story to illustrate what Olivia could do to solve a life problem. Isabel claimed that these stories were passed down to her by her Hispanic ancestors. These powerful stories have their roots in the Buddhist tradition and are 2500 years old.
- The story circle.
Olivia became the team leader of the worse team in the company. When she asked her team mates to sit quietly in a circle and listen as each person told their personal story they realized that they were not so different after all. Once they stopped bickering and started being more compassionate and supportive of each other, they rose to first place in a matter of weeks.
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