In the Northern Hemisphere we are approaching winter. Even in Southern California, I’m wearing my cozy clothes, drinking lots of hot tea and savoring yummy soups. I’m finding that I’m more inclined to linger in bed each morning–my body and being craves moving at a slower pace and I’ve learned to welcome that.

As the child of immigrants I’ve inherited a work ethic that for years had me moving at light speed. It’s been 20 years since I first embraced the Art of Mindful Living. These teachings have been ripening inside and now in my forties I’m basking in the deliciousness of a more slow brewed life. The change of seasons is a beautiful opportunity to take this practice deeper. 

Cultural anthropologist, Angeles Arrien, invites us to reflect on how we can embrace nature’s rhythm in our own lives and nature’s rhythm is medium to slow. Medium to slow. 

This season I’m experimenting with moving medium to slow whenever I can. How does moving medium to slow look, sound and feel in your life? How can slowing your pace nourish and support you at this time? For me, medium to slow evokes an experience of gentleness, wonder, receptivity and grace. 

Throughout the day, explore taking deep, slow breaths and say to yourself, “medium to slow…medium to slow” as a warm invitation to follow nature's rhythm. Just be curious and see where this takes you…what do you notice?   

This month I had the honor of keynoting the National Conference on Child Health and Wellbeing in Chicago, contributing to an amazing new course focused on Reversing Educator Burnout and sharing from the heart in a Wisdom Circle at the Annual BIPOC Order of Interbeing Retreat. Next month I’m excited to speak at the Awakened Schools Institute and lead a training on Compassionate Coaching for my fellow certified Emotional Intelligence School Leadership Coaches.

Check out more resources and happenings below. Visit my website for more FREE resources and consider tapping into the SEL Every Day online course for a roadmap on implementing SEL in your classroom or school community.

It’s a crucible moment for our schools and communities. Nearly half of all educators have considered leaving the profession. Principal and teacher mental health and wellbeing is at an all-time low and recent research tells us that when teachers have poor mental health their students have poorer academic, social, and emotional outcomes. That's why I’m thrilled to be a part of a brand new course called Reverse Educator Burnout: 10 Shifts to Help Educators Enjoy the Journey and Stay the Course. In my guest talk, I discuss the "Sacred Pause," the power of the "Secular Sabbath," and offer key strategies on how to cultivate necessary balance in our busy lives.