“The truth of the matter is that being present only helps you with your career, relationships, and life in general because it makes those external influences irrelevant. If you can find presentness and peace within yourself, you don’t need anything else to affirm your existence.”
-Charlie Ambler
Let’s say the day at school was field day. Or there’s an assembly or 2, or it’s the day before a break or a day after a break. It’s easy to get off track, it’s easy to day dream, it’s easy to wish the day away. And you’re the adult! The kids must be looking for a way out too.
As models for children, whether younger or growing older, we need to show that presence is a virtue. Some days are more exciting than others. Some days lend themselves to connecting with the curriculum or a good conversation in class. Some topics are right in your wheelhouse and you know how to teach them with vigor and clarity.
Some days drag. Maybe you’re not feeling well. Maybe something is tugging at your mind from home. These days make clocks work backwards, and presence evaporates. Children sense that, and maybe try to take advantage. A boring day has now become a day of dealing with behavior challenges. The vicious cycle ensues.
Embrace presence. Embrace the work. On the exciting days and on the slow days. When you have peace and connection within yourself, the other pieces will fall into place. We are not waiting for days to go faster, or wishing for them to slow down. We are here, we are present, and we are showing our students the way forward.
