Values: 'Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits

Einstein highlights the importance of values because of their profound impact on our lives. I wrote, in self reflection a few years back- "knowledge of self is super important. I've always said this to students, friends, and mentees but when faced with the question of something at the core of who we are, I struggled to find honest answers." The question, What are my personal values? Which behaviors and values do I rely on from others? Over time I was able to muster up some commonly stated values, but they felt less than authentic to me because I had not honestly reflected on this fundamentally important question.

A value is a tightly held belief from which we act. Our core values are often enduring beliefs that can be influenced in part by culture, religion, and community. In the context of our whole selves that we bring to our students each day, our values are the roots that give rise to our thoughts, which bear fruit to our action. Alignment along this continuum is super important because it is what gives purpose and a sense of balance to life. Discord between how we act and our core values present conflict. There is a fascinating body of research emerging in the field of psycho-neurobiology that demonstrates the relationship between an individual's thoughts and immune function amongst other aspects of our biology. The potential here is that by knowing our values, we are able to act in accordance with them and with that comes a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

I've witnessed many instances where schools claim lofty and ideal values such as truth, integrity, and curiosity; however, the actions from within do not reflect the integration of such values. Turning the mirror on ourselves as teachers, support staff, and administrators we have a responsibility to reflect on our personal values and ensure that we are acting in alignment with them. Dr. Jim Taylor has some amazing questions that are perfect for both deconstructing and reconstructing values.

Comments

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...

A Bit About Me

My name is Timothy and for as long as I can remember I have been a naturally curious person, always trying to learn more. I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and matriculated through the public school system. During that time I explored and excelled as a musician, athlete, dancer, and lover of all things related to exploration. I gravitated towards things that were challenging, at least for me and maybe seen as nontraditional. For example, despite my short stature I ran hurdles and pole vaulted in high school. I also played clarinet, and later taught myself to play all woodwinds and piano. I studied biology and chemistry at Howard University and began to step into teaching roles during this time. I taught swimming on the weekend, and worked at a daycare center downtown in the evenings. I also taught a summer science intensive for The Walter Reed Army Medical Institute while being introduced to bench research with a focus on breast and prostate cancers....

Optimizing Your Environment: Creating Spaces for Growth and Well-Being, Seen and Unseen.

We're going deeper into exploration of the t.i.m.o.t.h.y method. Today, we're diving into the 'O' of the method: Optimizing the Environment. Creating a space that nurtures your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is key to supporting your mindfulness practice and personal growth. The Power of Environment The spaces we inhabit have a profound effect on our energy, emotions, and overall state of mind. Whether it’s your home, workspace, or the natural environment around you, optimizing these spaces can significantly impact your ability to thrive. From decluttering and organizing to bringing in elements that inspire peace and creativity, creating an environment that supports you is essential for living a balanced and mindful life. Bruce Lipton's Groundbreaking Work on Epigenetics To understand how deeply our environment impacts us, it’s important to look at the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bruce Lipton, a cellular biologist known for his research on epigenetics. ...

The Mindful Teacher's Blog

Search This Blog