Join the Two Writing Teachers blog for Tuesdays Slice of Life Challenge.
photo by Margaret Gibson Simon enhanced on Picmonkey
As the old year came to a close and the new one began, I was thinking about my One Little Word, a single word to guide me through the year. I thought I had it: Inspire. This word appeared as my friend, Julianne, selected a word bracelet at a gathering at NCTE. I grabbed the word Peace, but I liked hers better. So I began thinking about how Inspire could be my OLW. I couldn’t help thinking I wasn’t entitled to this word. I kept wearing Peace on my arm.
The last few weeks, however, revealed Presence to me. I read Richard Rohr’s quote: “We cannot attain the presence of God because we’ re already in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness.”
I received a camera for Christmas. It calls me to be present, notice, see.
Fire by Margaret Gibson Simon
I slowed down and looked around. What is there but this very moment?
Living this word makes me a better friend, a better partner, a better teacher. When I am fully present, I listen and truly hear. I judge less. I don’t worry.
I sketched about Presence in my journal.
Than I made a drawing from my sketch. I shared this process with my students.
I took a picture at 5:00 PM on Monday. I’m not sure if I will keep this up. It’s an idea, but not a necessary goal for being present. I love how choosing this word, I am not obligating myself to anything but being… present.
Photo by Margaret Gibson Simon, 5 PM on Jan. 4, 2106.
Holly Mueller hosts a round-up on Thursdays called Spiritual Journey Thursdays. We will be writing about our own and other bloggers’ words. If you want to join, go to Holly’s blog here.
Reflections on the Teche 