Blog Archives

Give Coursera a try

9/25/2020

I have become aware of the myriad ways that my friends are leading their lives during the pandemic. There is a similarity to our individual journeys—after all, we have much in common and our core-values are similar-- but we differ in the kind and amount of silence, solitude and simplicity in our lives--some is by choice, some by necessity.  For several of us, a full schedule and active life is what we have chosen and been given; for others, a quieter, simpler way of being. Regardless, there are two (I’m sure there are more) givens that run our lives these days: the pandemic and our deep desire for peace and well-being for everyone-- self, family, friends…humankind.
      I have chosen a path of silence, solitude and simplicity, at least in contrast to a busy, busy, busy existence of others. The news is pretty much turned off; I’m hearing less both audibly and mentally. I have, however, tuned into one of the many free on-line courses that are available. Currently I am listening and watching the Age of Cathedrals, by Yale professor, Howard Bloch.  I don’t have to zoom, interact, write a paper, although that could be an option.
      (A friend told me about www.corsera.org and I found it from there. Corsera will connect you with all kinds of courses from many universities.)

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Another hiatus from the news

9/20/2020

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Here’s a simple, and yet difficult way to keep simplicity in your life. Don’t turn on the news; don’t open the newspaper! When I do so, I have more time to follow the things that bring me peace.
     I know, I know, from time to time I tell you about taking another hiatus from the news. Let’s see how long I can keep this renewed habit going. Not to worry. I have enough contact out there in the world to keep me informed; my husband will shout out breaking news and a Face Book friend will post a headline.
      There is a great deal of buzz about FB. I’m not going to get into the politics/negativity of it all, but I want to mention one of its positive benefits. For me it is a way that I keep up with groups of friends: elementary and high school friends, family, church, teachers, to name a few. Some friends are part of my current everyday life, others are from the past Either way, I love keeping connected.
     One of my most rewarding groups is composed of kindergarteners and first and second graders that I taught back in the day. I love hearing from these compassionate, caring, literate adults who are contributing positively to society.
    Enough about FB. Next time I’ll share some those things that bring me peace.

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Mudita, celebrating joy

9/15/2020

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In his book, Think Like a Monk, Jay Shetty talks about Mudita, which is ‘the principle of taking sympathetic or unselfish joy in the good fortune of others.’ I love this word and this idea. I like to believe that I express joy when someone share a good fortune story with me, but I probably don’t give it the time or attention it needs. Someone tells me something wonderful that has happened, I respond with mudita, but quickly change the subject to a topic where I can express compassion (sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others). Tell me your sad story; let us spend time on that. Let me be sorrowful with you; let express empathy.
But why not empathy for your joy? Empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, can be applied to the full array of human feelings. It’s not that I don’t give it for joyful happenings, but I don’t give it much time.

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Prayer for Democracy, covid, teachers and fire

9/11/2020

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Silence, solitude and simplicity! I thought I had it under control. After all, until nine months ago, that’s how I lived, free from stressful or anxious situations. Although silence solitude, and simplicity remains in my being, I have to keep working on them more intentionally than ever. I am reminded of this each morning as I write out my daily Top Ten Prayer List, which used to be comprised exclusively of individual names. Now, however, DEMOCRACY, COVID, TEACHERS, AND FIRE take up four of those slots.

If you have been following this blog for a while you may be surprised that I mention my Top Ten Prayer, because over the years I have intentionally stayed clear of mentioning my faith. But this morning as I started writing about the challenge it is to live into silence, solitude and simplicity during these extraordinary times, I felt compelled to share that prayer is one way I stay free of stress and anxiety.

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Meditating on Iona

9/8/2020

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Sitting in the yard the day after Labor Day; the leaves have a tinge of red; birds gather at the feeder; a chipmunk scutters two inches from my feet; the sun cuts through the maple tree. I am very grateful for this time and place of solitude. Some call it luck; I call it grace.

This is where I’ve chosen to meditate. There is a soft breeze; my body feels the soft sea air of Iona My mind isn’t cluttered with thoughts, nor is it blank. Rather it has created a collage of Iona memories--every day, every kind of weather, every trip, every moment I am there. This is as close to being there as I could hope for or imagine. It is enough. Some call it luck; I call it grace.

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Joyful learning essential in pandemic times

9/5/2020

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On this pristine early September day memories of the start of school are not far from me. I loved putting the finishing touches on my classroom before the kids arrived after Labor Day.
      I wonder what it would it be like to create a virtual kindergarten to support the social, emotional and intellect growth of five year olds today? I believe I could manage the literacy piece, and probably the math one, but creating a community of caring learners would be a challenge. We learn to share, help, and be kind when we interact face-to-face with others. We learn not to bully when we observe the body language of another and hear how he or she feels.  This is the way we all learn, whether we are children, grownups, or yes, even retired teachers like myself.
       But wait, like all the hardworking teachers out there right now (and I’m talking Saturday), I would grab the challenge. Teachers have the qualities it takes to make learning happen. They are caring, creative, smart, flexible, hard-working, determined, and dedicated to make learning happen for all children.
       So, I say to teachers, I have your back. To parents, I ask that you support and affirm what you child’s teacher is doing to make learning happen.
      Years ago I wrote Joyful Learning in Kindergarten. From the bottom of my heart I believe that in these pandemic times learning can still be joyful. It will happen because children, teachers, and parents join together with that common goal.

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Give Coursera a try

Another hiatus from the news

Mudita, celebrating joy

Prayer for Democracy, covid, teachers and fire

Meditating on Iona

Joyful learning essential in pandemic times

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