Mindfulness At Work

To be honest, one of the first things I became aware of while applying my mindfulness at work is that there are not enough hours in the day to hear everything a kindergartener has to say. Now, multiply that one by 125ish. Wow. Auditory overload folks. 

Kindergarten teachers...God bless them.

I notice that, when applying mindfulness skills (limited though they are) at work makes a difference. To me anyway. I find that I take my time and pay closer attention to what I'm doing and to my students. I am reminded that there isn't really anything more delightful than a child's smile and how contagious their enthusiasm for learning is. I notice that the student's are excited by the little things that I take for granted and am reminded to notice those details and to reconnect with my inner child. I am also reminded that allowing students to ooh and ahh over those little details is a good thing.

I discovered that my thoughts are running rampant while conversing with everyone. They are talking away and, the whole time, the thoughts in my mind are running a muck. Which means I'm only partially listening. With this awareness can come changes.

I noticed a lovely flag of a Palmetto tree and shells hanging over the huge outside doors in our media center. Apparently, it's been hanging there since last year. I just noticed it last week.

Remembering to slow down and take my time seems to make my students and me enjoy the lessons I'm teaching even when the lessons are difficult. In the difficulties, I notice, are some amazing opportunities for teaching and learning- not only the lesson but also about one another personally.

Mindfulness enables me to remember how important empathy is. Once I step into the other person's shoes, I can respond so that I make a positive difference. Or, at least I can try.

All of my senses have kicked into high gear with this mindful meditation thing. This is good and bad. It's good, for example, when I smell chocolate chip cookies baking somewhere in the neighborhood. It's not so good when a student has an accident.

So far, I believe most of this experiment has been positive. I'll keep y'all posted.

What helps you keep your focus?