Bus Rides

First Grade Bus Conversations

"When I was a baby, I was peach. Then I ate a lot of chocolate and I turned brown. Everyone in my family loves chocolate so we're all brown."

"I've been tracing Bigfoot. I keep getting close, but then I lose him. Wait...I'm picking up his scent right now. He lives over there." 

Bus rides give me the best insights into the minds of children...I just love them.

Terminal Uniqueness

 Life is not a solo journey...

This year, I'm in a certification program focused on integrating mindfulness into education. Tonight's topic focused on staying true to what you know, trusting your heart and listening to others. My teacher said, "We are all suffering from terminal uniqueness." We often have a sense that no one understands. That somehow we're alone in our life experiences. I believe that to some degree this is true. We all have unique perspectives, but we're not alone.

I know what it feels like to believe that no one understands. For a long time, I felt I was unique in my struggle to survive the crisis of heartbreak and all that comes with it. I'm still challenged with putting words to the experience. This being human thing is complex. To connect with people who are willing to take off their masks, let their guard down and share their truth can be life saving. We all need people in our lives who are willing to be honest...I know I do.

Mindful Eating

 Today is a day when many people get together with friends and family to share a meal and time. Often, there's lots of conversation, jokes and reuniting with loved ones whom you haven't seen in awhile. Lots of dynamics are available to experience. In the midst of it all, take a moment to slow down, breathe and truly see the people around you.

Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh, before eating, take a moment to look around at everyone and smile. This shouldn't take more than a few seconds and helps you connect not only to the people with whom you're surrounded, but also with the food you're about to consume.

"Every vegetable, every drop of water, every piece of bread contains in it the life of our whole planet and the sun. With each bite of food, we can taste the meaning and value of our life." 

- Thich Nhat Hanh

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Jennifer

Self Care

Last Sunday, I enjoyed a beautifully crisp fall morning walk with one of my best friends. We took a stroll through the local farmers market and I met the man behind Montclair Skin Care. (http://www.montclairskincare.com/)

After hearing his reasoning behind all the creations, I was convinced I couldn't live without the American Peppermint Foot Cream. Wow...what an experience for your tootsies! I highly recommend buying this heavenly cream and spending some quality time with your feet. I mean, of all things, don't you think they deserve a little gratitude this Thanksgiving week?

Letting the Day Unfold...

After a fun night of dancing and celebrating a great cause (http://projectwoo.org/), I took a walkabout of sorts along the coast. I stopped in various places and allowed myself the time to absorb all the beauty around me. I practiced mindfulness meditation, took pictures and followed my curiosity. It was wonderful.

Life's Confusing Questions

From time to time, confusing debates emerge among my first graders as to whether I'm a "kid" or a "mom". Their understandings seem to align with the following basic principles: 

• If you have children you are a grown up mom. 

• If you don't have children, you must be a kid. 

 

A sweet boy in my class shared his mother's explanation that, "Some people can be a mother to a lot of children even if they're not her own." 

So precious...

Pooch or Person?

So, my dog Flynn and I share a birthday...almost. Last year, we were the same age if you count his in dog years. This year, his best birthday gift from Grandma was a striped, stuffed, squeaky snake. Quite frequently, as I walk around our home, I accidentally step on "Snake".  Every time this happens, Flynn comes running over alarmed and high with concern.  He picks up his stuffed friend and walks around whining. I reassure him that Snake is okay and he eventually calms down. This is our routine.
Tonight he tried to take Snake out for a walk.