Category: Empathy

Fostering My Knowingness

Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain, but simply points the way. Florence Scovel Shinn It's rarely wrong. It usually speaks to my integrity. It knows right from wrong. Its voice can be a loud banging or a subtle nuance. And its often ignored at the peril of the individual. Intuition. I think … Continue reading Fostering My Knowingness →

Core Value #5: Relationship

Community is a place where the connection felt in our hearts make themselves known in the bonds between people, and where the tuggings and pullings of those bonds keep opening our hearts. Parker J. Palmer Without question, relationships are integral components in all schools; a fundamental cornerstone of school culture. A simple Google search reveals … Continue reading Core Value #5: Relationship →

A True ‘Honouring’ Tradition

Don't take life too seriously; no one makes it out alive.Elbert Hubbard Our first child graduated yesterday. It was a big moment for many reasons, one being that it was a year we doubted whether him graduating was even a possibility. But, despite mental health, ADHD, and an addiction, he made it. Hell, I'm proud. … Continue reading A True ‘Honouring’ Tradition →

Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition

I have been sitting as a member of a weekly men's circle for nearly five years. And in that time, I have witnessed many men weep, rage, express despair, and laugh together a whole lot! Recently, a fellow circle 'brother' shared his deep-felt feelings about success and failure as a person, man, father, and partner. … Continue reading Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition →

Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2

Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.Brene Brown In a previous post, I shared my deep dive into professional risk-taking when I decided to introduce visual art into the classroom for the first time in twenty-four years as an educator. This is part of the transformation personal awakening … Continue reading Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2 →

Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom

A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.Rudolf Steiner Three weeks into our school year and I am experiencing some of the most beautiful and memorable moments as an educator … Continue reading Tribes Trail: Building Community In Our Classroom →

Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature

The life force for humankind is, perhaps, nothing more or less than the passionate energy to connect express, and communicate.Rosamund Zander A significant chunk of my professional self-reflection this summer has circled around rediscovering my giving and receiving nature as a teacher. During my reading of The Compassion Classroom: Relationship Based Teaching and Learning by … Continue reading Giraffe Language: Our Giving and Receiving Nature →

COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe)

Change is the end result of all true learning.Leo Buscaglia We are witnessing the massive influence that disruptions from work and employment are having on our families, friends, and neighbours. But recent global research is showing that long-term school closures due to COVID-19 are (and continue to have) a massive impact on our kids that … Continue reading COVID19, Learner Vulnerability & Our Return to In-School Learning (maybe) →

What Really Defines Me? [A Weekend Tonic]

My once a week Friday foray into my social media feeds never continues to disappointment. As I, like so many others, enter each new and beautiful strapped into the roller coasters of despair and joy, frustration and equanimity, gratitude and blame during this time of our existence, this reminder could not have come at a … Continue reading What Really Defines Me? [A Weekend Tonic] →