Mindfulness As a Tool for Self-Knowledge

Socrates said it best, “Know Thyself”! These two simple words are loaded with timeless wisdom that have such profound impact on our lives. Consider for a moment just a loose run down of a “typical” morning in the life of an educator; it includes, early mornings of preparing for a classroom full of students in the midst of faulty copy machines, last minute coverages, and an overwhelming cascade of email requests and demands. Add to this the required flexibility to deal with whatever arrives in your classroom at any given moment, not withstanding the surprise observation on the day everyone is anxious to leave for vacation. There are many circumstances in the work day that are outside of our control, and a critical step to reclaiming power over our lives is remembering that we are not victims to external forces and have the ability to shift our awareness to our inner experiences.

Parker J. Palmer proclaims a simple premise in his book “The Courage to Teach”- “good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” As I reflect on my training and hours of professional development, identity nor integrity had been an area of focus or reflection. However, in this space we can absolutely focus on aspects of who we truly are at the heart of why we choose to teach. Palmer goes on to describe that identity and integrity aren’t just about who we are in our most sincere attempts to be good people, but also our shadow aspects of who we are; our limitations and weaknesses. So who is this self? Who is the self that experiences all of the not so great (and great……because they do exist for sure) things that happen throughout the course of a day, week, month, school year, or career? Take some time to reflect on the feelings and sensations that arise as things happen throughout the day.

Comments

Breaking Free from Fear: Embracing Life in Fullness

The world has taken a fear pill. From the moment we are born, we are programmed with messages of caution: Be careful. Watch out. Prepare for the worst. These warnings are embedded into our operating system, shaping how we view the world. And let’s be clear—there are valid reasons for this. For those of us who grew up in environments where danger was tangible—where friends were in gangs, where survival required hypervigilance—being on guard was not just a habit; it was necessary. One of the things I am personally most grateful for is the nameless sacrifices my parents made to provide a better life for my brothers and me. They carried burdens we never had to hold, making choices that carved out possibilities we might never fully understand. Their preparedness and vigilance kept us safe. When Preparedness Becomes a Prison At some point, though, it bears questioning: When does preparedness—or the effort to control every possible outcome—get in the way of presence? This is not about d...

Taking Meaningful Breaks: Rest, Renew, & Recognize Transitions

Taking breaks often gets overlooked. In fact, it is so enculturated that we should always be busy that some jobs actually penalize employees if they are seen standing idle, or even having a seat. However, meaningful breaks are essential for maintaining our well-being, productivity, and mindfulness. Beyond their practical benefits, breaks have a deeper significance—one that connects us to the traditions of honoring transitions, ceremonies, and rites of passage, which we’ve largely lost touch with in modern culture. The Importance of Taking Breaks Breaks are not just pauses in our busy lives; they are opportunities to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. They allow us to recognize and honor the natural transitions in our day, week, or life. Without regular breaks, we risk burnout, decreased productivity, and a decline in our overall health. Meaningful breaks help us stay balanced and maintain a sense of well-being while also recognizing the significance of moments ...

Practicing Mindfulness Is Simple as A-B-C

Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but at its core, it is a practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. I know, simple. But not easy because let's be real, judgement arises without trying and distractions abound! Imagine coasting along on the way to work, then all of a sudden there is a traffic delay. Or, in the case of being in "the city that never sleeps" you are delayed due to train traffic ahead. Insert distraction followed closely by his compadre, judgement. One simple, yet powerful framework for cultivating mindfulness in everyday life is something I've been calling the "ABC" practice: Awareness, Breath, Choice . These three components work together to help us stay grounded, manage stress, and respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and calm. Think about this as fundamental building blocks. The same way that letters combine to make words. Words come together to make sentences. Sent...

The Mindful Teacher's Blog

Search This Blog