We’ve been taking an informal poll over the summer (and over the years) to ask people what would make the transition from Summer back to school easier? What would make the coming year more manageable?
By far, the two things people say most often are that they want to a) be kinder, gentler and more full of grace, and b) have better communication with their co-workers and administration.
I find this fascinating in that school employees are the kindest most amazing people already. Gosh we are all so hard on ourselves. But what’s crazy cool is that this mass of people serving our Vermont families is wise enough to know that kindness begets kindness. There is no other means to that end. Thus they constantly seek to improve, forever and always. And they’re right. We all feel it over the summer in the calm sigh of a restful warm, breezy, blue bird day. That feeling is when we are at our best. Hands down.
How do we recall that feeling when the chips are down, in the heat of a hallway moment from which you wish you could run? Sorry to admit but bad communication and stress are the nature of the beast in schools, quite often. Neither plan to disappear completely. So how can we tame the beast with grace and avoid any great expense to our soul (or that of others) over the next ten months?
A plan is in order. Dysfunction can be softened by default or by design we always say. Design your culture (your social and physical climates) to soften life with grace. In order to breed kindness and stay stalwart in it, regardless of what whirls around you, choose moments to breathe and be grateful — mini meditations to get away and savor the previous joy of summer. To do so, you’ll need a few science backed, tried and true tips:
— Choose a space to go to daily that is reasonable and completely safe.
— Surround yourself with memories of love, fun and joy.
— Take deep breaths around those good memories. Maybe even try a brief “Loving Kindness Meditation” or LMK as suggested by Yoga Journal (April 2014). Direct the following phrase at yourself, then at someone you’re struggling with, then at someone you love who is need of support.
- May I be well
- May I be peaceful and at ease
- May I be happy
— Finally, practice, practice, practice — daily. Make it a ritual. Make it a norm. Practice your plan, practice your gratitude and kindness. The vibrational energy this small act can breed is undeniable, palpable even. And, over time it provides a priceless inoculation against all stress ills.
There are some fun websites and smartphone apps that can help guide your meditations if you do a quick search. And, friends and family may help support your efforts — that’s actually the best system available!
The bottom line is, make a plan to infuse your whole year with healthy ideas and smooth summer attitude. You can only win here.
Peace and see you on the PATH Ahead!
PS. Two fun thoughts on the idea of “graceful:”
“Elves are like trees, grounded and focused from the trunk down but graceful and agile on top.” – Orlando Bloom
Channel your inner elf!
“I have a hat. It is graceful and feminine and give me a certain dignity, as if I were attending a state funeral or something. Someday I may get up enough courage to wear it, instead of carrying it.” – Erma Bombeck
C’mon, muster it up!