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The Gift of Pause

3/19/2020

 
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We have been given the gift of a sacred pause. Now is the time for us to choose how we will respond to this time for reflection. Will we tune in to ourselves and our family members, or will we continue to ignore or push away the feelings we are afraid to feel?

As it is right now, our jobs are safe. We may be on a hiatus or teaching online, but we can find relief in that we are still earning income. Others in our country are not so lucky. So what is the work of this time at home? That is up to us to decide.  

How can we come into awareness? Here are some ideas:
  • Take time to journal every day. Let it be a stream of consciousness, including your fears, joys, and insights. You may find clarity in your ramblings. 
  • View this time as a "new beginning." What about this time with yourself and your family can you take forward with you? When things go "back to normal," are there aspects of your life you want to change permanently? Examine all aspects of our American culture. In what ways can we live better?
  • When you feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts and/or annoying children, take time to calm down your nervous system. Breathe deeply with the exhale longer than the inhale.  
  • Do any of your relationships in your home require a "reset?" What does that look like for you as well as for the other? What could be the first step to take in improving this relationship?

How are you taking advantage of this gift of pause?


Commuting - from hectic to peaceful

3/5/2020

 
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​Like my dad, I'm all about efficiency.  When I get in the car, I have my route mapped out in my head before I even buckle my seatbelt.  My brain scans the streets, considers the weather and time of day, and the probability of running into slow drivers.  Yep, I don't mess around.  I like to get from point A to point B in the fastest and smoothest way possible.  "Don't get in my way!"

The trouble with traveling this way is that the trip becomes about the challenge of getting there without obstacles.  And as we all know, we are bound to run into barriers - excessive stoplights, road construction, distracted drivers, etc.  Instead of an enjoyable ride, I can easily fall into the trap of feeling frustrated by what is in my way.  

A few years ago, I discovered a different way to travel for myself.  Just like Marie Kondo encourages us to "find joy" in the items in our homes, I decided to choose the more joyful path to my destinations.  I found a way to my workplace that was scenic with limited stoplights.  Even though it took me a bit longer to drive to work, I enjoyed observing the changing of the seasons along my way.  I felt like I was cruising to work rather than battling the bottleneck.  

Much of our days consist of the habits that we create, including how we get from place to place.  I challenge you to consider your route the next time you get in your car.  Is there a way to get there that is more joyful but would still allow you to arrive at a decent time?  You have permission to pamper yourself in this way.  Today is a gift, and you should gift yourself with beautiful experiences. 

Are there other ways you have learned to travel well? Please add your tips in the Facebook comments! 
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    Author
    ​~Emily Johnson

    Dedicated to helping my teacher colleagues find success at home and school in order to live a more meaningful life!

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