Category: Relationships

Ease Up, Life

Ease up, the play is over. Horace Greeley Two years ago, I adopted the somewhat ubiquitous and exotic term, equanimity, to act as both a guardrail and referential energy anchor. In Buddhism, equanimity even has its differing perspectives. However, whenever conflict showed itself in the various dynamics and relationships in my life, possessing a mindful … Continue reading Ease Up, Life →

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 →

Core Practice #4: Nourishment

When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.Alexander den Heijer The fourth core practice of our school is that of nourishment. This has been the most difficult (so far) in that nourishment is often viewed as a one-way lens. From one perspective, nourishment is seen easily defined … Continue reading Core Practice #4: Nourishment →

Core Practice #2: Courage

Fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome.Elizabeth Gilbert My journey of exploring our school core practices continues with reflecting how courage plays an elemental role in my daily professional practice. While the etymology of courage seems quite straightforward: … Continue reading Core Practice #2: Courage →

Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)

If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Admittedly, I have had a rocky relationship … Continue reading Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue) →

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 →

#Brainstorm: Understanding How Our Adolescent Brains Grow

When you are in your teenage years you are consciously experiencing everything for the first time, so adolescent stories are all beginnings. There are never any endings.Aidan Chambers Ah, yes, middle school. The thought of teaching this group of truly unique learners often strikes fear into the hearts of many a talented educator. Often friends … Continue reading #Brainstorm: Understanding How Our Adolescent Brains Grow →

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 →