There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen I am the parent of a child that suffers from a debilitating mental health illness. I share this fact not to seek empathy, concern, or even pity. I share this because the acknowledgement is unburdening; somewhat freeing. I share this in … Continue reading Struggles: Parenting A Youth with Mental Health Challenges
Tag: Family
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
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
‘Ways to Be Home’
The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. ~Maya Angelou As I often do, I give immense credit to my brilliant, deep-thinking, and reflective teaching colleague, Barbara Hargreaves, for her inspiration for this post. In anticipation of our current home … Continue reading ‘Ways to Be Home’
A Humbling Dose of Perspective
As both a parent and educator, I am so grateful to a colleague for sending along this very humbling dose of parent perspective. An Israeli mother of four children candidly shares her frustration and lack of perspective about the rush to get home schooling cranked up... https://youtu.be/H7_wvQHMGOI Modelling Perspective As I make my way through … Continue reading A Humbling Dose of Perspective
Hand-Washing: Lost Art Form?
To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha Well..it's come to this has it? Videos upon videos on how to wash our hands. Hundreds of daily reminders through, print, radio, television, YouTube, Google, and even SiriusXM. Don't get me … Continue reading Hand-Washing: Lost Art Form?
A New Normal: Learning Amid COVID-19
Yep. Here we are. Strange times, indeed. While we are currently celebrating our kids by honouring the planned two-week spring break, we do know that the holiday will soon be over (for everyone). Sleep schedules, eating times, and access to electronic devices will all witness radical changes. With the inevitable end in sight (and the … Continue reading A New Normal: Learning Amid COVID-19
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
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
My Beef With Halloween: Resolved?
Conservatives understand Halloween, liberals only understand Christmas. If you want to control a population, don't give it social services, give it a scary adversary. Tom Robbins, Skinny Legs and All I admit it. I admit it. I have struggled with the concept of Halloween since I was at least twelve years old. I'm not sure … Continue reading My Beef With Halloween: Resolved?
GETTING CURIOUS 