Mindfulness

PART 1: Quality Life "Quality is not an act it is a habit." - Aristotle There are many ways to take this quote. I took a whole course on Aristotle and so many people debate the intentions of this man all the time. Some even have given their lives to it. For me though, this quote can easily be applied to life. A quality life is not made of scattered isolated moments of greatness or happiness. No, a quality life is determined by having those moments become a pattern. Consistency is important and it is that consistency that allows you to start feeling content. PART 2: Finding Peace  Recently, I have been trying to let a couple things go that have been taking a lot of my time. I suppose it's time to get truthful. I have always felt like I had to prove myself since it seemed like growing up everything I did was doubted by teachers as well with a couple other people in my life as well. So much so that I distanced myself and made some stupid choices along the way. I wo...

PART 1: Listening  "The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind." - Marlee Matlin I was thinking about this earlier as I spoke to a student. In our society, speaking holds more weight than anything else. People want to be the loudest, the strongest, the most passionate, and most of all people just want to feel like they are right. Even when presented with facts that counter the opinions that someone holds they will continue to argue, because many people do not want to be seen as wrong. This phenomenon has been known in the political science realm for awhile now, and sadly, politicians exploit it. Get people passionate enough and then the facts do not matter. They will literally bend logic, ignore discrepancies, and interpret reality to fit their point instead of letting their point be dictated by the truth. So, in many ways, listening is the most powerful act you can do. You can make sure you understand, you can reflect, and you can take everything in ...

PART 1: Potential  "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Sharon Begley Unknowns are scary. I have been working on embracing unknowns. Some people see the unknown as instability or feeling like something is looming around the corner which might blindside them. Instead I am intentionally taking the mindset that there is always opportunity around the corner. Sometimes we might be tested, but instead of thinking of it as a challenge let us think about it as an opportunity to prove ourselves. Sometimes we might fall, but instead of thinking of it as a failure think about it as an opportunity to learn. Sometimes we might be presented with negativity, which could bring us down or we could become agents of change to remove it from ourselves. Life is about how you see it. Incredible things will happen and you will know it soon. PART 2: Making A Difference  In thinking about what to write about today, I remembered a post that I did awhile ago, and figure...

PART 1: Daily Gifts  "Each day provides it's own gifts." - Marcus Aurelius I feel like this is an idea that we (including myself) say, but we never fully appreciate this idea. Everyday has its elements of bad, but everyday also comes with a whole list of good things. We need to take the time to recognize those good things. So yesterday here were the gifts that I was given: - Student held the door open for me. - A former student came up to me and told me that he noticed that I had lost a lot of weight and said "good for you!" - I had a productive and really good meeting with a colleague. - Had many laughs in my classes. Creating that bond that makes for good learning. - Spent quality time with a couple friends. - Acted like a little kid for a moment as I sat in one of those coin operated cars. - Got up early and had some time to reflect. Look for those gifts. Everyday provides them. PART 2: Success Success to me is not measured by how much money...

PART 1: Self Love  "Whoever is happy will make others happy too." - Anne Frank Sometimes, as teachers, or any public servant job, or care job we put others ahead of ourselves most of the time. Mothers and fathers often put their children ahead of themselves as well. Not saying that caring for your kids or giving a 150% is wrong, because it really is noble, but you cannot be an effective 150% unless you have given yourself enough time to thrive. Just like on the airplane you must put on your own oxygen mask before helping others, because in the end you can save more people. It is important to take time for yourself, to listen to yourself, and to allow yourself to take off some of the load that you might be carrying. Take care of yourself. You will be a better friend, a better partner, a better colleague, a better teacher, and a better person because of it. It is from that optimal position that transformations happen both within and without. PART 2: Future   If I h...

One thing that I wish achieve one day is traveling to all the continents (though I could pass on Antarctica) and visiting all the states. If I could travel to different places every year that would be amazing. I keep a map in my bedroom that I pin every single time I visit a place. I would love to get a pin on every country though I know that is definitely a tall order. Traveling to me is the best opportunity to learn history, culture, and also to learn a little bit about myself as well. I feel like after every trip I feel more centered and more appreciative of the world. Our world is truly beautiful and we have so many gorgeous cultures that are worthy of exploring. The more I visit the more I understand. Education opens doors, but traveling opens the soul. I always want to keep my soul nourished. #LivingIntentionally

Sometimes we do not give enough time to really think about the ways in which we have grown. Humans are not static whether we are intentional or not we all change due to experiences as well as the people who come into our lives. So let's be intentional in looking at the new things in our life that we enjoy. The last year I have attempted things I never thought I would. For that, I feel like I have grown so much in the last year that I hardly recognize some aspects of myself. It is crazy how much you hang onto even when you are not consciously aware of it. The one new thing that I have tried and enjoyed would have to be weight lifting. I thought it was going to be a means to an end, but I actually feel like it is therapeutic. It allows me to focus on my breathing, stretch myself to the limits, and at the end of it I feel refreshed and awake. I promise to keep trying new things even things I said I wouldn't, because I seem to be surprised every time I do. Even if I suck at it f...