Just breathe…is something you will hear often from Chris Meaden (principal at RTHS). Being a part of the start-up of a new school, this mantra is particularly important.
Inhale…life-long learning.
I’ve been on a journey to unfold the relevance of mindfulness in our schools for several years now. It has never been a solo journey. I’ve had incredible support from the Wellness Fund, my forward thinking colleagues and recognition of this important practice in our classrooms by my leadership team. But mostly, I’ve received guidance and inspiration from my students as they’ve become empowered by these mindfulness techniques in the classroom and in their lives.
Exhale…sharing your passions with others.
While presenting in a recent PD session, I asked the question, what’s your greatest strength as a teacher? The thoughtful and honest responses often had more to do with personal strengths and passions than they did with the subject matter itself. Our state of wellness as teachers is the most important factor in teaching and learning.
Inhale…the reflection that we create for our students.
When we are fully present with our students, we reflect this presence in their experience as learners. Our students can always tell when we are happy and healthy in our work and in our lives. This influences the connections we make and the learning environments we create.
Exhale…connection in the present moment.
One of the first things Chris Meaden asked me was, ‘How will you thrive at Thirsk’?
The answer has since expressed itself through mindfully connecting with students and staff, meeting the present with compassion, and being open to the learnings each moment reveals.
How do we practically implement this notion in our busy, multi-tasking profession?
Just breathe.
Inhale…life-long learning.
I’ve been on a journey to unfold the relevance of mindfulness in our schools for several years now. It has never been a solo journey. I’ve had incredible support from the Wellness Fund, my forward thinking colleagues and recognition of this important practice in our classrooms by my leadership team. But mostly, I’ve received guidance and inspiration from my students as they’ve become empowered by these mindfulness techniques in the classroom and in their lives.
Exhale…sharing your passions with others.
While presenting in a recent PD session, I asked the question, what’s your greatest strength as a teacher? The thoughtful and honest responses often had more to do with personal strengths and passions than they did with the subject matter itself. Our state of wellness as teachers is the most important factor in teaching and learning.
Inhale…the reflection that we create for our students.
When we are fully present with our students, we reflect this presence in their experience as learners. Our students can always tell when we are happy and healthy in our work and in our lives. This influences the connections we make and the learning environments we create.
Exhale…connection in the present moment.
One of the first things Chris Meaden asked me was, ‘How will you thrive at Thirsk’?
The answer has since expressed itself through mindfully connecting with students and staff, meeting the present with compassion, and being open to the learnings each moment reveals.
How do we practically implement this notion in our busy, multi-tasking profession?
Just breathe.
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Kate Love is a mother to two inspiring kids, a yogini, a teacher with every pore in her body and a Lulu Lemon Ambassador. She’s happiest in motion…or in Paris.
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