As I look back on my formative years, I can enthusiastically say that I
received a great education from dedicated teachers, who had their student’s best
interests at heart. However, we often learned facts through memorization, which was my
least favorite method for integrating knowledge.
I have often wondered what the benefits might be if we taught students, of all ages, relationship skills such as communication, listening to understand, mediation, conflict resolution, clarification of values, and ethical decision-making, to name a few.
In recent Journal reflections, Erie Chapman has helped us explore a gateway into the present moment by simply noticing the rhythm of our breathing. Interestingly, if one practices mindfulness, we may notice very subtle changes occur over time. Without any conscious effort on our part, we naturally gravitate towards self-care and healing. We experience less stress and fear-based thinking with an overall sense of peaceful well-being.
As we turn our awareness to this one breath and then the next, we may sometimes question the effectiveness of sitting with our eyes closes. Especially, when our mind is full of thoughts that can distract us from settling in to a state of tranquility. Yet, even when I am restless, afterwards I notice a greater calm throughout my day.
Regardless of the seeming quality of my contemplative time, there is a deeper knowing that this practice is essential for my well-being, and so I return again and again each morning to sit quietly and notice the ebb and flow of my breath.
This following video illustrates the remarkable transforming power of meditation. I applaud the teachers of Visitacion Valley Middle School, San Francisco for initiating a creative and innovative approach to helping students cope with extraordinary life challenges.
~liz Sorensen Wessel
Above watercolor by ~liz
