I am constantly attuned to the little things stirring: the beetle, the butterfly, the inch worm, and the ladybug. I sit and watch them, meditating, slowing my breath, taking in all they have to teach me. I want to learn their ways. I want to be completely in their world even for a moment. When I become them, I become more myself.
Category: mindfulness
Seaworthy Summer
These few days by the sea are important part of my school life. I need these days, I long for these days, I use these days to ready myself for a summer filled with travel, reading, art, and self-reflection.
Daily Rescue – Compassion, Pass it on!
I am so grateful that the Lord’s hand guided me into being a teacher. I honestly do not know what I would do without children in my life. They have the most amazing healing power and bring constant waves of hope
Walking Towards Summer
The third week of May is approaching. For school that means spring testing is done, spring conferences are coming, children are restless, and teachers are restless. We see the end, but it isn’t quite here. It’s not that we don’t enjoy learning and teaching. It’s purely that we are tired. We need a rest. We need to rest our bodies and our minds. We need that warm summer sunshine, not this rainy spring.
What the World Needs Now…
This week, I’m thinking a lot about love. First, because it’s February, and Valentine’s Day leads us all to think a little more deeply about love, but also because February has a special meaning to me.
Cozy Comfort on Blustery Days
Weekend winter days allow me to have time to paint, read, write, cook, and nap. All the things I enjoy and need to nourish my spirit. This weekend I spent most of my time reading, writing, and napping. I was slow to rise and allowed myself a late start. When I emerged from the layers of comforters, I went right to the stove to put on a kettle for tea and a pot of water for making oatmeal.
Settling on One Little Word
I’ve been searching for a new word for the new year. One little word which will capture how I am moving in the world right now. I used to move with youthful confidence, quick to react as if my feet were on fire.
The Light Still Shines
When December comes, the light in the sky dwindles; days are shorter and night is longer. We walk in the dark now with the cold settling deep in our bones. It is dark by 4 o’clock, and we still feel like we have the whole day ahead of us, but the light is gone and with it our energy.
A Measure of Success
Since I was a child, I’ve measured my success by all the small moments I’ve had connecting to people through personal interactions and poetry. Connection to me equaled success. Oh sure, I had thoughts of fame and money but that all fell away as I matured. It’s not that I lost my ambition, it’s just … Continue reading A Measure of Success
Reading Aloud: Creating Connection & Joy
I’m a reader. But it wasn’t always that way. Learning to read was difficult for me. I sounded out all the letters like I was taught to do, and I’d blend the sounds into words as best I could. Reading was very slow and hard work. I didn’t read fluently and beautifully for a long … Continue reading Reading Aloud: Creating Connection & Joy
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 