Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.Audre Lorde, feminist and civil rights leader In anticipation of the coming fall and start of a new school year, I dedicated several hours a week over my summer since early July preparing for our return to the classroom. And while I spent hundreds of hours reading, watching videos, … Continue reading Mental Health Wellness: got some?
Category: resilience
Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality
Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.Russian Proverb Yep. Being a lifelong learner really does pay off. In spades. I am continually reminded of this by my dear students. Today, my gang spent the day outside, and it has become a daily exercise for us. COVID has given many of … Continue reading Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality
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]
It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers
It's better to learn how to learn than to know. ~Dr. Seuss I am currently reading master biographer Brian Jay Jones's brand spanking new ode to literary behemoth, Dr. Seuss. Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination has compelled me reflect, on more than one occasion, on the many connections to Geisel's … Continue reading It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers
This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School
Two weeks ago, we initiated our Mindfulness Matters rotation with the middle school students at our school. The three-rotation session consisted of a yoga station, a meditation station (led by a local meditation practitioner and instructor), and an 'hour in nature' station led by a former Outward Bound leader. Admittedly, we began the rotations purely … Continue reading This Is Not Lying Down, This Is Savasana: Exploring Yoga In My School
Being Imperfect Is…Simply Perfect
I recently finished reading, Dr. Brene Brown's The Gifts of Perfection: Let Go of Who You're Suppose To Be and Embrace Who You Are. This succinctly, yet poignant, self-help book holds so many little relevant 'aha' tidbits to support wholehearted living that I needed to possess. After studying shame and shame resilience for years, Brown noticed a … Continue reading Being Imperfect Is…Simply Perfect
Resilience Redux
Some day you will look back and know exactly why it had to happen. unknown Board. Initiated. Transfer. Three words that I never would have associated with my performance as an educator, leader, professional, and colleague. But there it was. A board of education mandated change of teaching environment. Without employee consultation. I was being … Continue reading Resilience Redux