Back-To-School: The Season of the Heart
Life is not static, like a curious preschooler, it is in constant motion. It provides us with opportunities and challenges which, when harnessed, can facilitate great growth and learning. Recently, I met with a colleague to discuss well-being for educators when he introduced me to the concept of seasons for our well-being. Regardless of our professional practice or personal lives, it is a concept to which we can all relate.
It can be a challenge, especially when faced with difficulties, to recognize the fluid nature of our lives and remember that our experiences and our emotional state of being are nothing more –or less – than a moment in time. With intention, and mindfulness (ie. paying attention) we can begin to see the cycles of these collective moments as seasons, and with these seasons, the perpetual opportunity to grow and learn.
I think of this back-to-school time as the Season of the Heart. This is a time of year when many educators return to school after a break, or at the very least, a change in routine. Summer can offer a time to regroup, rejuvenate, and reflect. Time with family and friends provides a chance for adventure or exploration. Professional development can spark new ideas. Downtime or a break from the school-year routine often recharges our batteries! Back-to-school brings excitement and inspiration as we reconnect with colleagues, families, and students. It’s a time to set goals and envision the year ahead, butt can also be an overwhelming time. Student energy is high. The needs and challenges our students face do not take a break over the summer. In fact, they can be neglected or become more complex.
As our individual experiences converge at our school sites, our collective work begins. This is a critical time for connection and community building. As you establish norms and routines, you are also establishing trust and safety. This is essential and meaningful work that will ensure a healthy and effective learning environment. As an educator holding and creating space for students, you must strike the right balance of love and limit-setting, encouragement and expectations. This is the courageous work of the heart. This work requires an open heart, soft belly, and strong back.
Be especially aware of your heart space during this time of year. Using a heart-centered mindfulness practice helps ground and focus you in this fluid season. Try practicing simple breathing, focusing your attention on expanding your chest, opening your heart space, and allowing your shoulders to drop. When working with intentions, inhale and bring your intentions, vision, and courage into an open heart; as you exhale, focus your attention on a strong spine and soft belly, releasing doubt, fear, and anxiety. Through these exercises, you ground yourself in the moment. Not only does this assist you in harvesting the learning opportunities of the current season that inspire you, it allows you to store them to facilitate your resilience throughout the fluid seasons of the entire year.