Appreciation...From the Heart!

It is Teacher Appreciation Week and I want to write a piece that is inspirational. I want to write a piece that is full of positivity. I want to write a piece that is optimistic. But, I am having a hard time because I am confronted by the reality of the day to day obstacles that teachers face - housing, trauma, resources, isolation, systemic racism, inequity. To consider all of these obstacles makes my head spin. I feel overwhelmed and distressed.

I am reminded of the experiences that teachers share in TeachWell - all of the concerns and demands that make the head spin. I am also reminded of the way in which we practice  mindfulness to facilitate a different experience and bring about a different perspective. So, I bring myself back to a practice of mindfulness to find some grounding. In the face of anxiety, frustration, anguish, or sadness, mindfulness can help move from head space into heart space.

As I drop down to my heart, I can access gratitude and in that gratitude there is more spaciousness with more hope and more inspiration. Because in my heart, I hold the stories of teachers. In my heart I am connected to the people who show up every day in our schools to be there for our children. In that heart space I feel the dedication, the compassion, the creativity, the belief in students, and the patience of a teacher.  In that heart space I remember the stories of how a teacher truly made a difference in the life of a child, or of how a child changed the life perspective of a teacher. I remember the teacher who is the inspiration, the positivity, the optimism…and I am grateful.

To all of our dedicated teachers…thank you for taking care of our communities at the most fundamental level. You are deeply appreciated!