Whatever each moment brings, let’s allow ourselves to live fully in it. It’s all we have in the end.
All We Have
The Power of Noticing
So, I’m simply asking us to take the first brave step to simply notice. Allow ourselves to be curious not only about what people say but what they don’t say. Curious about specific words people use or body language and to make space to ask (when the time feels right) genuine questions that invite sharing and the possibility of some disagreement even.
Micro-disharmonies
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have those conversations. It means we need to practice having them more. The more experience we have with something the more competent we become and the more competent we become, the more confident we become. We need to be confident in our ability to hold two opposing views at the same time. We need to be confident in our ability to keep an important relationship in tact even when we aren’t seeing eye to eye on an important issue.
A Page Turned
As we turn the page to November, let’s try to let what comes come. And let what goes go. Let’s try to focus our minds on little glimmers and the people who make life feel a bit softer and more gentle. Those are our people.
Look Again
“When everything around you seems dark, look again, you may be the light.” - Rumi
We Are Not Pizza
We are not pizza. But maybe we need to take a deep breath, enjoy a slice, and recognize that we are not responsible for what happens to us or the actions of others. We are responsible for our integrity, our communication, our work, our presence, and our response.
Trust through Community
So much of this is communication, folks. We are never done growing our communication skills.
Coherent Work
Often complaining is a sign of overwhelm, fear, or simply a breakdown in community. Frequently, it’s a combination of all of these things. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of seemingly disconnected initiatives coming our way. Then, we become fearful that we won’t be successful which is terrifying because we know how important this work is in schools. This lack of clarity and lack of interconnected work, interdependence, and coherence leads to a breakdown of community. Perhaps it would be easier if I just shut my door, did my thing, and maybe this too shall pass.
Possibilities over Problems
In a world where everything seems to be competing for our attention, one thing needs our attention more than ever. People.
When it’s Too Much
It also helps to interrupt anxiety with gratitude. I am grateful that I can afford a full tank of gas. I am grateful that I can afford to fill our fridge with nourishing food. Gratitude reminds us to see and celebrate the good.
MEGHAN LAWSON 