mantra (noun), a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation; a blessing; words that empower us on days we feel discouraged; a prayer; a breath of strength.
Yes, a breath of strength.
A mantra can ground us in ourselves, strengthen our purpose and act as a daily reminder of where we are heading or what we are striving for.
A few years ago I was introduced to this practice by the wonderful Hannah Marcotti. I developed a morning mantra. I said this every morning to myself for as many days as it took until I just lived it, felt it. Some days I still call on it when I need some extra strength and other days I feel it echo in my heart. These words now just roll off my tounge.
Good morning beautiful day.
Today I will be true to myself,
strong of heart,
kind in action,
a mother fuck tonne of awesome.
Yes, a mother fuck tonne of awesome.
This is my personal mantra, but what about my teaching mantra?
I was speaking with a primary principal this week. He is a kind, gentle man and we love to share a laugh together about teaching. Jokingly I said, “Who would be stupid enough to do this job right?”. He smiled and said, “When I am having a bad day, when I have just got of the phone to an angry parent or something has happened, I just take myself into Kindergarten and sit with the kids. I am quickly reminded why I do this job.”
Isn’t it easy to forget the 'why' when you are up to your neck in paper work, running from class to class barely keeping afloat? When you have been stung by harsh words from a parent or a disapproving glance from a colleague? A mantra can be your reminder, an opportunity to return to the core of your practice.
This week I played with words until I found my teaching mantra. This is how it happened:
Passion
Inspiring
Fueled by JOY
Nourishing
Giving
Advocating
Driven by LOVE
Love for what I do: Education, teaching, learning, growth
Growth equals HOPE
Through creativity and innovation
My mantra was found.
Fueled by joy,
Driven by love,
Growing through hope.
What is your teaching mantra?
Yes, a breath of strength.
A mantra can ground us in ourselves, strengthen our purpose and act as a daily reminder of where we are heading or what we are striving for.
A few years ago I was introduced to this practice by the wonderful Hannah Marcotti. I developed a morning mantra. I said this every morning to myself for as many days as it took until I just lived it, felt it. Some days I still call on it when I need some extra strength and other days I feel it echo in my heart. These words now just roll off my tounge.
Good morning beautiful day.
Today I will be true to myself,
strong of heart,
kind in action,
a mother fuck tonne of awesome.
Yes, a mother fuck tonne of awesome.
This is my personal mantra, but what about my teaching mantra?
I was speaking with a primary principal this week. He is a kind, gentle man and we love to share a laugh together about teaching. Jokingly I said, “Who would be stupid enough to do this job right?”. He smiled and said, “When I am having a bad day, when I have just got of the phone to an angry parent or something has happened, I just take myself into Kindergarten and sit with the kids. I am quickly reminded why I do this job.”
Isn’t it easy to forget the 'why' when you are up to your neck in paper work, running from class to class barely keeping afloat? When you have been stung by harsh words from a parent or a disapproving glance from a colleague? A mantra can be your reminder, an opportunity to return to the core of your practice.
This week I played with words until I found my teaching mantra. This is how it happened:
Passion
Inspiring
Fueled by JOY
Nourishing
Giving
Advocating
Driven by LOVE
Love for what I do: Education, teaching, learning, growth
Growth equals HOPE
Through creativity and innovation
My mantra was found.
Fueled by joy,
Driven by love,
Growing through hope.
What is your teaching mantra?
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