Guest Post - What I Learned From Balloon Animals - by Karen Swim
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Howdy, folks! Starting today and for the next few days we have a great lineup of guest authors here at the Zone for your reading pleasure. And a pleasure it will be, too! So stay tuned every day this week for a great lineup!
Today we have a guest post from my friend Karen Swim of Words for Hire. I first met her via Joanna Young’s blogging community at Confident Writing, and have always been blessed by her remarkable insights.
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What I Learned From Balloon Animals
by Karen Swim
I walked into church on Sunday and saw happy faces wearing balloons on their head. Now before we go any further, let me explain this is not a normal occurrence! While the atmosphere at church is always upbeat, there was a more festive mood today. I moved a little slower through the corridor as I wondered, if it was really Sunday. I had a tough week, was it Saturday? Was this Neighborhood Bible Camp? Hey, was I even awake? I rubbed my eyes just in case and blinked twice. I mean I have been known to have vivid dreams and did sleep read as a kidI I gave my arm a quick pinch (Ouch!) and confirmed that indeed I was awake.
As I got closer to the sanctuary, I spotted my pastor wearing a goofy grin, a pair of shorts and a balloon animal on his head. Well, church was sure going to be interesting today!
A Joyous Celebration
I slid into a pew and opened the bulletin to see what was in store. On the front was a picture of smiling church members with suitcases and a scripture that aptly summed up their trip:
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalms 126:3, New International Version)
The pastor and a group of members had just returned from Bosnia and today were going to share tales of their trip. Each member would share and there would be skits in between. Well this would be fun!
No Words Required
The team had spent 10 days in a rented home with one bathroom. Let’s just say they got to know each other pretty well. I listened intently as they described the wonderful people they met and the warmth they received. While in Bosnia they had gathered daily at a park where they performed skits, puppet shows, sang songs and painted the faces of children who gathered. The skits ranged from Paul Bunyan to bible stories and were performed without words.
I watched as each skit was performed without words but with a meaning so clear it could be understood in any language. The last skit was so moving, it brought tears to my eyes. It detailed the struggle of the Bosnian people and reinforced God’s love. Although I had not endured the war and hardship even I clearly understood the powerful message.
I left church with a balloon animal in hand and thought of the communication without words. I wondered how often I babble away at people in a foreign tongue. Do I chatter away about writing, marketing and social media in words that sound like jibberish to the uninitiated? Do I communicate my heart in the words that I write? Is my message clear to those who may not speak the same language?
From the Heart
The mission team was sensitive to the language barrier. While many of the Bosnian people spoke English the church team members came prepared to communicate on common ground. They were more concerned with connecting and building a relationship than “selling” their message. They allowed their hearts and their passion for helping people to guide their communications. As a result, bonds of friendship were formed and led to ongoing communication. One team member even bridged the sign language barrier (Bosnians use British Sign Language as opposed to American Sign Language) with a group of folks at an internet café.
I looked at the balloon animal and realized that while words can be powerful we may sometimes hide behind them. We put our words out front and use them to do the talking when what is really needed is our heart. I realized that I could do a better job of communicating without words. It was important to try to build a relationship that required no fancy terms or “special” language, to listen and understand the needs of others in their language before I ever attempted to present a solution.
I kept the balloon animal on my desk all week to remind me to allow my heart to shine through in all of my communications. While I learn a lot at church, I never expected such a powerful lesson from balloon animals!
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Karen Swim is the owner of Words For Hire. She combines marketing science and artful storytelling to help her clients capture the attention of their target audience. She blogs about life, shoes and other adventures at Words For Hire.
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24 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hi Karen, Wow, your mission team really changed lives - talk about putting heart into words. Sometimes I wonder if humor, which you know I like to sprinkle throughout my writing, is a way to avoid speaking from the heart. People often use humor that way. Thanks for giving me something to ponder this morning!
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Zemanta - Cool Tool for Blog Posts
Hi Brad,
Hmm, great point about humor, now you have me thinking! :–) I always find warmth and openness in your writing but I have sometimes used humor to deal (or not deal) with tough issues. It definitely gives me something to think about. Thanks Brad!
Brad and Karen,
May I tell you that I find warmth and openness in both of your blogs and the way you communicate on Twitter? This applies as well to Robert, Joanna and Rosa. You guys (I’ve been told that this word can be applied to both men and women) give me feeling of belonging - no matter what nations we are part of. So keep on communicating the way you do!
Ullas last blog post..The Colours of Summer
Ahhh, Ulla, you have me blushing! I feel the same way about you and all the people you mentioned. I started blogging and tweeting this year and I have been so warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of people. Ulla, your communications (and beautiful photos) always make me feel uplifted. I am so glad that the internet has allowed us all to connect.
Karen Swims last blog post..In the Zone
This is such a heart warming post! Just what we all need before getting caught in the work week craziness and forget to concentrate on pure human kindness and openness! Great entry, as always Karen!
Alina Popescus last blog post..DIY Marketing and PR: A Makeup Business Owner Approach
Karen, Ulla beat me to it. You do communicate with your heart. Your openness, honesty and generosity of spirit shine through everything you do. That’s what we ‘hear’ - even if some of the words wash over us.
Your story is a very powerful one though, and a great reminder about the constant search for different ways of communicating the stuff that *really* matters.
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..3000 Comments and Counting
Ulla & Karen - thank you for the feedback. Needless to say, the feeling is mutual. I’ve learned a lot from you and Joanna and am a better person for it.
Ulla’s minor point about “guys” is something I always get hung up on — how do you ladies feel about it? I’m so used to calling everybody “guys”, I find myself using the term even when I’m talking to a room full of women (which actually happened when I did a presentation on business blogs in front of 40 women at a women’s group).
Sorry for the digression, but Robert has told me digressions are A-OK on MZM.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Zemanta - Cool Tool for Blog Posts
Joanna, I can thank you for helping me to have the courage to communicate from the heart and share it with others. I learned from you how to blog (and write) fearlessly. It is one of the many reasons I have recommended you so often as a writing coach. Thank you!
Brad, I say “guys” too. Hmm, is that an age thing I wonder. I am more aware each day that I am um a “bit older.” I’m not offended by it at all but I wonder how others feel. Ulla doesn’t mind either, and now that I think of it when I have talked with people from Eastern Europe, they often use “guys.” Interesting. Oh shucks, I digressed too. Guess we all really miss Robert.
Karen Swims last blog post..In the Zone
Hi Karen
Thanks for reinforcing that (God’s) Love Transcends all languages. Indeed, if we convey our messages with our heart, the most important aspect of the message, which is Love, will never be lost in translation. Praise GOD for that!
Footymans last blog post..Time = Investment
Hi Karen
Balloon animals have a very special power — they cross all age levels and communication barriers. I heard stores of youth groups, missionaries and church members using balloon animals to entertain kids and adults as the travel through foreign countries. Over the years I’ve been amazed by how a simple little balloon animal can bring so much happiness to an individual. Lucky for me I do this for a living and I get to see the rewards of my work by the smiles of happy people.
Magical Balloon-dude Dale
P.S. Keep the balloon out of direct sunlight and in an air condition room an it will last weeks, if not months.
Karen,
Thanks for sharing this heart-warming and inspiring lesson.
Karen - thank you
“Guys” doesn’t bother me. I remember it did bug me when one former boss used it to address a mixed group - but when I look back I think it was more that he ’spoke’ more to the guys who were guys than the guys who were gals… if you know what I mean.
Joanna
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Structure = Freedom: Making Time to Write - Guest Post by Ami Spencer
Karen - what a beautiful post - you had me seeing smiles and color - I couldn’t stop grinning while I read your post. It’s nice to set aside everything except the basic need to communicate and be heard/understood by all.
Sheila Sultanis last blog post..Take A Minute and Get A Couple Quick, EASY Backlinks!
Hi Alina! Thank you so much! You are always so kind and open even in the midst of a crazy work week!
Footyman, you are so very right. When operating with a pure heart, the message can be conveyed in any language. Thank you!
Lillie, thank you! You are always such a great encouragement!
Joanna, that would bother me too if the “guy” was using the term to talk more to men. It doesn’t bother me when it’s just used general and refers to everyone. I tend to say “you all” instead of “you guys.”
Karen Swims last blog post..In the Zone
Hmmm, some of these posts did not show up for me until today. Oh golly, I hope I did not break Robert’s blog!
Dale, I never thought about the power of balloons but you’re right! One thing that the team members shared is that all the little girls wanted balloons shaped into a heart. I thought that was so powerful. You are lucky that you get to make people smile for a living! Thanks for the tip too, I am going to use it!
Sheila, thank you so much! I am so happy that I could share a grin with you. I so agree with you in our busy lives, it is nice to simply communicate and focus in on people with our hearts. Thanks for that warm thought Sheila. Now, I’m smiling again!
Karen Swims last blog post..Rocking the Sunshine Spirit Year Round
Karen,
Nice post—simple, direct, and visual—like the animals. (And like Dale said.) Advice I need to hear now and then so I don’t let my words run away with me!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly, thanks! Today a family member really made me mad and I learned the other side of non-verbal communication. LOL! In my silence I said a great deal. Where’s a good balloon animal when you need it!
Karen Swims last blog post..Rocking the Sunshine Spirit Year Round
Karen, your touching story put a warm smile on my face today. As writers, we are often consumed by words and it’s easy to forget that sometimes the most meaningful communications happen without any words at all (like hugs and kisses!).
Karen-I am smiling big time with your words today. That smile has a big, big hug in it. This touched me.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Seashells or Dalmations?
Here’s a big ol’ balloon smile for you Karen, for filling in for me here at the Middle Zone while I’m out! Thanks for a thought-provoking post on communication, and for making me think a bit more about something I tend to take for granted.
This was a great discussion, Karen!
Hello and welcome back Robert! I had so much fun with your blog friends. What a wonderful group that assembles here in the zone. I really appreciate the opportunity and am looking forward to having you write a guest post on my side of the fence.
Karen
Karen Swims last blog post..How Will You Measure this Month?
Karen,
What a wonderful story! As writers, we tend to put great stock in words. Yet, when we don’t have words to help us connect with others, we must find other ways to relate and other levels on which to connect. Using non-verbal methods of communication is definitely an exercise that can prove helpful occasionally to ensure that we’re not communicating on a superficial level but that our personalities and our hearts are shining through.
Your post is an inspiration!
Jeanne
Hi Karen,
The smiles one can create through balloon art is amazing.
Hi Owen, you are so right! Such a simple act but one that can bring joy to young and old. Thanks for commenting!
Karen Swims last blog post..Hurricane Life