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Developing a mindset for presence is difficult in these busy fall days. I am adjusting slowly to the shifting of gears three times a day as I travel from school to school. I use the car ride to reflect on the last class and prepare for the next. I’ve got the time down so that I’m not rushing. I’ve noticed on the sign-in sheets at my schools that my time is the same every day even without my paying much attention to it.
EnneaThought® for the DayType Two EnneaThought® for November 11th How can you fully experience your Presence here and now? Observe the many thoughts that pass through your awareness without becoming attached to any of them. (The Wisdom of the Enneagram, 47) |
This week I’ve been practicing mindfulness and meditation with my morning group of kids. They looked forward to this. But Friday was Friday and their little busy minds just would not relax. Eyes were opening, mouths were smiling, feet were fidgety. So after the timer dinged, I asked my students to open their journals to free write about the word ripple. I selected the word from the mindfulness card that said to imagine dropping a stone into the water and watch the ripples. Adding this layer to the meditation practice brought my students to a vulnerable place. I’m learning that when we open up our classrooms to the experience of mindfulness and safety, emotions can arise. We have to be ready to treat them with gentleness and kindness.
Focus on nothing
everything becomes clearer
morning mindfulness
Reflections on the Teche 
Oh, your photo and that haiku – so delightful! I like how you’re using commuting time as reflection time.
I thought it would be hard to travel from school to school, but using your drive for reflection makes it sound better than the quick transitions at the same school. I love that you’re doing some mindfulness exercises with your students, and love the picture and haiku. Your students must love that you “practice what you preach”!
Margaret, your poem is so true. In yoga, the instructors always tell us to focus, focus, and then focus more. Stay in the moment and be present.I can’t remember if focus was your OLW this year.