It may seem rather counter-intuitive to propose that we all make an effort to slow down this month because, of course, it is December.

Assuming you’re reading this the first week or so of the month, take a moment to think about all the events you’re scheduled to attend, the holiday preparations you need to make, and the extra errands you’ll need to run.

Add to that the unique challenges we as teachers face at this time of year:  preparing end of semester assessments, grading cumulative projects, having one more administrative observation squeezed in, and the last-minute calls of parents hoping their child can submit makeup work.
 
Maybe you’re feeling like you’ve got a handle on all of it, which is fantastic.  If you’re like me though, thinking about this makes me feel a bit anxious and overwhelmed before even getting started. 

DECEMBER 2017 - SLOWING DOWN

And so it begins. It is officially the holiday season and there is SO. MUCH. TO. DO. This is the time of the year when we’re the least inclined to slow down, but not surprisingly, it is that much more important that we do so.

NOVEMBER 2017 - LETTING THINGS GO

“Let it Go.” This is good advice, although it is often easier said than done. We often hang on to things (unhelpful thoughts, grudges, disappointments) because there is a quality of feeling “right” about something or justified in our perspective.

SEPTEMBER 2017 - CULTIVATING SELF-AWARENESS

With all the busy-ness associated with this time of year, it’s easy to lose sight of our internal experience, so this month’s theme is a gentle reminder of the value of checking in with what’s going on for us both informally and formally (with our meditation practice).