The reading for this week really hit home, because it talked about something I really have trouble with: Being present in the moment. I often find myself worrying about tomorrow or trying to change the past - when I need to let go of all the resistance in my mind and just be in the here and now. I know my life would be more stressfree if I could begin doing this in my day-to-day existence.
A quote from our textbook that I found interesting can be found on p. 102:"Mistakes can be like ice. If we resist them, we may keep on slipping into a posture of defeat. If we include mistakes in our definition of performance, we are likely to glide through them and appreciate the beauty of the longer run."
What an idea - include mistakes in our perception of getting things done! From a young age we are taught to do things right the first time, to expect punishment for mistakes, and to be too hard on ourselves. I want my son to know that everyone makes mistakes and they are a part of life - it is how you handle those mistakes that defines you. This book has been truly eye-opening for me...
Abbie,
ReplyDeleteWe are so often on the same wavelength! I, too, struggle with "being present"! I especially like how you stated, "What an idea - include mistakes in our perception of getting things done! From a young age we are taught to do things right the first time, to expect punishment for mistakes, and to be too hard on ourselves. I want my son to know that everyone makes mistakes and they are a part of life - it is how you handle those mistakes that defines you. " I think that this EMDT journey has been a life-changing experience for us both! Be present and finish strong!!!
Abbie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reflection. I too often worry about teaching my children to overcome the negative connotation of the word failure. Kaylin and I were just discussing how failure can be the greatest of all teachers.
I related to the concept of ice in the book as well since I am an avid skier. I know what it is like to fight against the ice on skis and it doesn't work. With that, accepting what is before us (or underneath us) and being flexible and fluid with our circumstances.
I continue to be amazed at everything you've taken on while in the midst of this master's program. You have definitely been fluid and positive. Congrats to all of your hard work.
I think that most of us struggle with living in the moment. I too am guilty of that, and I think that we, as westerners, are hardwired at birth with knowledge of the impending doom of the deadline. I wanted to work more on living in the moment this past summer, but I think that I will have to wait for a time when I'm not taking classes that facilitate "deadline thinking."
ReplyDeleteI've told my students this year that failure is only the first step to success. I'm allowing them to redo everything that they don't do well on this year. It might mean more work for me, or it might not once the fear of failing has been eliminated from the equation.
I think most of us struggle with living in the moment and not worrying or mutli-tasking like so many of us do. I like how the authors of the book referred to nature. Nature does not worry. Nature does not get angry. Nature does not judge. I think the same can be said for small children. When I am feeling stressed, I just sit and watch our young children play. Or I take a walk with our dog. I think living in the moment is about being at peace within. The best of luck to you, Abbie!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure there is such a thing as "stress free", but the approach the Zander is teaching us would certainly help. I remember growing up with a father who was always stressed but rarely present. Even when he was "home" I could tell that his mind and emotions were elsewhere. That caused a lot of division in our family. I always felt that I had to be perfect for both of my parents to be happy. It never worked. I am trying to take a different approach as an adult that will both open myself and my students to what is possible.
ReplyDeleteIf we view daily living as a process and mistakes as a part of the process it makes life so much better. The educational climate penalizes mistakes when we should use them as opportunities to learn & grow. If we could only teach our students that mistakes are OK, imagine the willingness to try new things that would appear in our students!
ReplyDeleteRemember, the only negative mistake is the one that is repeated!
I like the point you made about how many times we are taught to do things right the first time. How mistakes are looked at in a negative way many times. There are so many times when I have certainly made a mistake, learned from it, and was able the next time to do the task correctly. It is all about how we handle the mistakes we make in life that make them either true mistakes or a learning moment.
ReplyDeleteAbbie,
ReplyDeleteI have to focus on being present as well. It is easy to get caught up in the next move instead of truly enjoying what is unfolding, be it positive or negative. Mistakes...how fascinating! lol