Observe the many ways in which unease, discontent, and tension arise within you through unnecessary judgment, resistance to what is, and denial of the Now. My mind has been speeding through life recently. At times, I feel I won't be able to catch it. The tools I know and love haven't been useful to calm this …
Goodbye 20’s!
Dear 20's, Goodbye! Wow you were a lot of fun. What a roller coaster! I remember being in college, living life young and silly. Lots of drinking, making mistakes, making and losing friends and love interests, and also working hard. Those first couple years were WILD. Things did not settle down on cruise ships. I …
Being Bullied
She's a bully. She tears me down on the daily. You can't do it, she'll say. Even when I prove her wrong She'll find another way. She's a bully. Mean, like a middle school kid. Her words sting my heart Like daggers she's throwing Tearing my whole self apart. She's a bully. She's around all …
Those Faces
My class and I have spent many hours together. Since August, we've spent most weeks together learning, playing, and growing. I know their faces. When they are confused by a Math problem When they are sick of taking notes When they are in love with their book When they want more time to work When …
Alone
Alone I arrived in Paris, without language or transportation, and found my way to the hotel room. Alone I taught my first lesson to my first class of students, afraid and unprepared. Alone I cared for two extremely sick teens and got them to the Galapagos in time to see the tortoises. Without you there …
Our Team (Slice of Life: Day 20)
It was a moment to freeze in time. I hadn't noticed it until someone pointed it out. This is the best part, she said, all of us here together. Our group had spent 3 long days of hiking and camping together. The weather conditions were less than favorable. Sleeping bags got hit by rain, toes were frozen …
Patterns (Slice of Life: Day 16)
We are currently practicing writing memoirs in Writers Workshop in my class. Today I asked my students to look over their own work and look for patterns in their writing. I found it to be an important lesson for a couple reasons. First, there is a reflective piece to it. Students are being asked to …