Contrary to what we usually believe, moments like these, the best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times — although such experiences can also be enjoyable, if we have worked hard to attain them. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in … Continue reading Bringing FLOW To Our Students
The Beautiful Art of Boredom
Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination: both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other. ~Arthur Schopenhauer "Daaaaaaaaaad...I'm bored." Yep. With the winter holidays finally seeing its end, this has been audible a few times over the past two days. It is, of course, a very … Continue reading The Beautiful Art of Boredom
This Is Us (with Grade 9, baby)
Middle school is exactly what it sounds like. A mixed-up mess of nothing, and yet everything at the same time. ~Julia Remillard I couldn't help myself. Cue the music... https://youtu.be/IOLl-8ZqMZw All That Is Old Is...Still Old In my twenty-two plus years in British Columbia public education as both teacher and administrator one thing has become … Continue reading This Is Us (with Grade 9, baby)
Die Wise: Wisdom for Living/Dying
I just began reading Stephen Jenkinson's amazing book , Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul. And as most profound, deeply informed, highly reflective writing as apt to do it has significantly shifted my thinking about my relationships, my mortality, and what really matters in my life. With chapter titles like "The Ordeal Of … Continue reading Die Wise: Wisdom for Living/Dying
Circle It Up: All in the Name of Community
It's not foreign for me to be talking about my problems in circles. ~Matthew Perry As a part of our re-visioning for a newly expanded middle years program (grades 7-9), we made it essential that we could have a designated space for a twice-a-day circle to fit 49 students, five staff members, and room for … Continue reading Circle It Up: All in the Name of Community
A Healthy Professional Balance
Any political agenda and organization which doesn't begin with personal responsibility is just half the argument. It's just not going to succeed. ~Peter Coyote I have an admission... For years I complained publicly and privately that our school district was not doing enough to support its teachers. Past professional learning opportunities included sponsoring a $10 … Continue reading A Healthy Professional Balance
Talking Porn With Our Teens Benefits Everyone
Sex education has to do with what's in people's head. ~Donna Shalala I recently came across this TEDxTalk by public health researcher and advocate, Emily Rothman. I watched it a couple of times while fully digesting the power of what she was advocating: use porn as a pretext/context to have discussions with teens about healthy … Continue reading Talking Porn With Our Teens Benefits Everyone
