"Each of us should have an aspiration, a dream, a deep desire, so that we come alive." Thich Nhat Hanh
As we approach the mid-way point in 2023, it’s a great time to reconnect with our intentions for the year. The Latin roots of intention mean to stretch out and to direct one’s attention towards something. In early English it also encompassed meanings like heart, mind, and purpose.
Our intentions involve reaching toward what deeply resonates with us. When we set intentions, there is no predetermined outcome. It is simply about initiating a change that aligns with our deepest values.
As you reconnect with what matters most, consider your heartfelt wishes for yourself, your loved ones, and the world.
Once we have clarity, the following three step process is a powerful way to activate our intentions and make them come alive:
As you move into your next chapter, remember, INTENTION, ATTENTION, NO TENSION. If you need inspiration, here are some lines from one of my favorite Plum Village songs: "You are the farmer. You are the field. Tend to your land. Grow your freedom."
May you be filled with great joy,
PS for Educators:
Looking for meaningful and affordable professional development this summer? I'm offering a HUGE discount on the SEL Every Day Courses (and even bigger discounts for multi-users). You can also earn 3-6 Graduate Credits.
SEL Every Day
MEDITATION OF THE MONTH
In the spirit of REST I offer this guided Deep Relaxation rooted in the Plum Village tradition as an invitation to care for your body with compassion and appreciation.
Give yourself the gift of REST this month and if you haven't yet read Rest is Resistance check it out! The author, Tricia Hersey will be keynote this July at Omega!
LISTEN
TAKE ACTION: GUN VIOLENCE, SCHOOL SAFETY AND SEL
Each day 12 children die from gun violence in America. Another 32 are shot and injured.
This May marks a year since the tragedy in Uvalde and shortly after this horrific event my inspiring colleague, Dr. Megan Sweet wrote an important paper on Gun Violence which provides recommendations and resources for taking action that you can share with your community.
Scarlett Lewis, founded of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement to promote SEL after her son was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting.
She is a featured speaker at the 14th Annual Mindfulness in Education conference at Omega Institute this July.
If you need inspiration, consider joining us there. Whatever action you choose: Let's reclaim love and joy in our schools!
MINDFULNESS IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE
This is THE gathering for educators who wish to restore, renew and nourish themselves this summer. You won't want to miss the the 14th annual Mindfulness in Education Conference. I'll be offering a session on Tenderness and engaging in a Transformative Conversation with Ali and Atman from the Holistic Life Foundation. So grateful to our sponsors for making this gathering happen: The California Wellness Foundation, Kaiser Permanente and the Fetzer Institute!
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