First Day of School!
This morning my house was buzzing with excitement. "First day of school!" my kids cheered repeatedly through their morning routines. Last night my grade schoolers asked to go to bed early, set their alarms for a half hour before they ever got up last year, and smiled broadly as I tucked them in bed.
"What's the most exciting thing about the first day of school?" I asked.
Ben replied, "Meeting my new teachers. I wonder what new things they'll teach me this year."
Remember back in school when we had new teachers every year? What a great way to gain a variety of perspectives and see the world through different eyes. It made me think about the teachers I've had in my life for the past several years. Have I had enough diversity to push my thinking forward a full grade level?
My Teachers
Much of my learning comes from books. I have two "homeroom teachers" I go to with regularity: Joseph Campbell and Eckhart Tolle. Whenever I need inspiration, but don't know where to turn, these teachers put me back on track. Last night as I lay in bed thinking about my children's excitement, I wondered if it was time to get some new teachers. Then I realized that my teachers are everywhere.
Mother Nature and yoga have been brilliant teachers of breath, quietness and balance. My children have educated me on play, presence and love. Art helps me see the world differently. Poetry pushes my writing forward. There are teachers everywhere, if we are looking for the education.
Who Are Your Teachers?
As we leave summer behind and look to the new "school" year, think about who your teachers will be. Will they be the same instructors you've had for decades or will you find new guides to push your thinking? Will you slump in the back row with your arms crossed or sit eagerly in the front with bright eyes?
If you're excited to jumpstart your learning, here are some of my favorites:
- The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell
- A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle
- Daring Greatly, Brene Brown
- Song of Myself, Walt Whitman
Who are your favorite teachers? Please share with an e-mail or comment on our blog. I'd love to learn from you!
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