#33 A Handful of Quiet
Aug 25, 2017
I bought this lovely book a few years ago when I began teaching fifth grade. It was my intention to kick the year off with it, but it never happened. Being new to the elementary school environment, I was barely able to keep my head above water. As a matter of fact, my head was never above water. My lips were really, really close to the top. I could see the light, and was begging for air like a goldfish swimming around in murky water needing the water is his bowl changed.
The water in my bowl needed to be changed big time. Never have I ever had to work so hard to implement every single bit of energy work I had in my back pocket. Whew... I'm glad it's over! I'm beginning my twentieth year in education (woo-hoo!) and my third year with the fifth graders. I'm still in the water, but now I'm wading through it and enjoying the coolness of the water's edge. It's very refreshing as I twirl my arms and allow my fingertips to skim the ripples that surround me.
The anxiety and stress levels of the kids in my classroom are just some of the ripples that desperately need to be managed all throughout the day. This year, the kids are getting mindfulness notebooks to decorate and make their own. I know they're going to have a good time with the drawing exercises this book offers and they'll absolutely LOVE going outside to hunt for four pebbles to represent a flower for freshness and beauty, a mountain for feeling solid, water for reflecting, and stillness, and space for the feeling of freedom. I can't wait to get started!
Mindfulness Retreat Communities For Families
I've never visited any of the locations below, but if you're curious, click on the titles for more information.
Friends have visited Blue Cliff Monastery and very much enjoyed the experience. I hope to head there soon.
