Author: nlbunner

Thought:

In that order: check systemic processes, acknowledge what is broken or intentionally exclusive, and do the work to fix it. It’s common to want to jump ahead in the journey to self-discovery but you will be missing all of the pertinent lessons that will prepare you along the way. It’s the journey that will refine you, grow you. Focus on that; focus on mindful movement and take one step at a time towards healing.

Tip:

It’s been a rough few weeks and there were times when I felt my thoughts and actions become more propelled by past experiences and worrying about the future than living and responding in the present. Working through professional challenges and processing the complex feelings related to the loss of #georgefloyd and several others, I found myself struggling to stay in the here and now.

What stood out to be in the picture above was the statement: “Listen to your inner voice on the inside and speak it on the outside”. I realized that I wasn’t exploring my current thoughts with anyone and they were beginning to meld with old, unresolved thoughts. Thankfully, I have amazing people in my life to process with who helps bring me back to center.

Thanks:

In the last few weeks, I’ve seen people step up with ferocious courage as they become transparent with their neighbors and lean into true allyship. They are putting their ‘whataboutisms’ aside and, instead, are saying, “I’m here, listening. I’m holding space for you to just BE.” To you who have been there for me, I offer gratitude. I am thankful for you and your vulnerability as I gives me the courage to be open with you.

Thought:

Yang, renowned meditation teacher and psychotherapist, identifies how true mindfulness enriches internal growth, our relationships with others and the health of our communities. May we diligently strive to be a possible contributor to our world through mindful integrity.

Tip:

As we enter into our summer break, consider taking the time to apply more mindful exercises into our day. Mindfulness allows us space to emotionally rest, refuel and refocus. That provided space is critical as it is only available when we can be honest about where we are in the moment. By being truthful with ourselves, showing grace and leaning into the people, places, and things that bring us fulfillment, we can learn to live a more abundant life.

Thanks:

It takes a lot of courage to live bold, brave and strong. Although it is not always the easiest thing to do, living lion-hearted can be quite the adventure. Everyone is not capable of experiencing boldness, bravery and strength right now. And, that’s okay. We, the “Live Out Loud” folx, got you! We may be a bit too colorful and bright for some people, but I’ll say this: We will continue to shine on! And, we’ll leave the light on for you.

Thought:

Why is checking in with yourself important? Proactive self-assessment allows us to deal with any challenges before they become overwhelming. Take the time to care for yourself. You will be glad you did!

Tip:

“This is trauma. This is a collective adverse childhood experience (ACE) that has directly or indirectly impacted everyone. ACEs are traumatic events that occur before the age of eighteen and include all types of abuse and neglect, parental mental illness, substance use, domestic violence, divorce, even incarceration. It’s important to understand these experiences because they can affect a student’s attention, decision-making ability, how they learn, and even how they respond to stress.”

This thought-provoking article allows us the opportunity to explore what we, as educators, can do to help our kids socially and emotionally upon their return to school. Definitely worth the read!

Thanks:

You’re making it! You are resilient! Just remember to take one moment at a time and know that all great accomplishments starts with one good decision. You can do this!

Thought:

Mindful Minute: Am I simply surviving or am I thriving? How do I know? Am I content where I am, emotionally and relationally? What is my next step toward contentment?

Tip:

Contrary to the general consensus, Mindfulness is not always a static experience. Moving in mindfulness is just as powerful a path in life. What are some acts of intentionality that are helping you remain balanced and at peace?

Thanks:

You know how much bravery it takes to live your life out loud and with intention. Shower yourself with gratitude today!

Thought:

I remember my Grade 1 teacher, Ms. Webb. She was a young, vibrant educator who always came up with fun ways to teach English lessons. Because of her continual effort to engage us with new ideas and encourage our love for discovery, I can still remember her as “my teacher”, decades later! Teachers, what an awesome superpower to have!

Tip:

Early elementary educators, daycare workers and parents! This online conference is for YOU! Transforming Challenging Behavior Online Conference starts this week and it’s FREE! A host of early childhood professionals will be exploring some of the ineffective behaviors you may experience with children in your care and identify possible solutions that can assist you in teaching self-regulation to your child! Click the picture for the link!

Thanks:

You are still writing lesson plans. Your anchor charts are draped in your living room. You are reaching out to your students to make sure they’re okay. You are updating your Google Classroom so your students can continue to learn. You are putting on birthday parades for little boys and girls. Zoom calls are created so that your students can get one more chance to learn together. With every challenge, you still step up to the plate and handle business. Why? Because you are TEACHERS; that’s what you do. So, as a parent of school age children, I want to say: T H A N K Y O U! You deserve more than a week of praise! You guys are awesome and we appreciate all you do to ensure that our scholars keep learning!

Thought:

We can bemoan the past and stress about the future or be can be HERE NOW. Remember, taking one moment at a time, one step at a time, one day at a time is all we are effectively capable of. So let’s focus on the beauty of the present.

Tip:

Self-care looks different to everyone but the outcome should be the same. We should feel regulated, fulfilled and content when participating in self-care activities. What are your favorite self-care experiences?

Thanks:

Countless stories are coming in about teachers, support staff and administrators who are going above and beyond to help our kids transition during this chaotic time. We thank you from the bottom of my heart for every note, Zoom meeting, parade and phone call that expresses your love for our children! You are the real MVPs!! 

Thoughts:

Everyone is anxious about putting the Covid-19 quarantine experience behind them and get back to ‘normal’. However, I wonder what we can learn DURING this time. Are we existing in the Fear Zone? How is living in our respective zones serving us and our families? How can we continue to evolve to a place of mindful growth?

Tip:

It is important for us to find times to refuel and reset. Many of us struggle to self-care; we feel guilty for ‘wasting time’ or convince ourselves that we don’t have time. Yet, it’s those moments of self-care that actually improve our effectiveness. What are some things that helps you feel back to balance?

Thanks:

Take the time this week to Thank the Earth. Let’s show gratitude to the Earth by throwing our temporary masks and gloves in the trash can. Recycle. Share our resources and avoid hoarding out of fear. And, most importantly, show respect to your fellow man by practicing social distancing and protecting those in the more vulnerable members of our community.

Thought:

“From one citizen to another, I beg of you: take a deep breath, ignore the deafening noise, and think deeply about what you want to put back into your life. This is our chance to define a new version of normal, a rare and truly sacred (yes, sacred) opportunity to get rid of the bullshit and to only bring back what works for us, what makes our lives richer, what makes our kids happier, what makes us truly proud.” – Julien Vincent Gambuto

Tip:

Thanks:

We also appreciate:

• teachers and parents who are navigating the unchartered waters of global e-learning,
• social workers working the front lines to preserve mental health
• janitors and corporate cleaners who are trying to keep places like hospitals clean
• garbage workers keeping our trash cans from overflowing and our streets clean
• pastors, priests and other spiritual leaders who continue to spread the love and hope throughout the world
• artists using their gifts to lift our mood with song, dance and laughter

The list goes on. Everyone doing their part to serve humanity, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Thought:

As much as kids enjoy breaks from school, breaks of this magnitude can definitely impact their internal rhythm and impact their mood. Consider this when you witness changes to behaviors. Prioritize healthy emotional modeling and responses over rigid scheduling. This will be most beneficial in the long run.

Tip:

Take advantage of opportunities to build altruism! There are many ways to create intentional compassionate connection with others, even during this season. Choose a few from the ideas above and brighten the world around us!

Thanks:

To those who continue to be present with yourself and in your relationships with others, know that, with every meaningful connection, you are making the world a better place. It can be difficult to maintain mindfulness when life is pulling us in multiple directions, being in the RIGHT NOW brings balance, health and intimate connection needed to live abundantly