Happy for Break

Most students that I encountered today were smiling, laughing, and in good moods. 

Why?

We see this just before all breaks.  Fall, Winter, Spring, and of course...Summer.

But what is the real reason for this immediate mood shift?

It is due to the immediate recognition that stress has lifted and they can take a break from the amount of stressors being put on them by their learning process.  They know they have a break and can breathe.  They can be in the moment.  They can be mindful of a liberating sense of happiness and can just "Be" for a moment.  For the next few days there will be no test, limited homework, and the ability to see and feel a life beyond the stress.

Why can't we figure out a way to bring some of these feelings into the regular school days?  Why isn't it a priority to make sure that we are nurturing the minds of our students with the comfort that these breaks bring to them.

I know...because the stress comes from the work itself.  This includes the testing and the pressure to perform. 

But...

Does it have to?

If we believe this, then it must be true that all people who work hate their jobs and careers.  They hate waking up each morning to do their life's work.  I don't but this.  I love what I do.  Most creative people live to create...and that is their life's work.  Why can't we find a way to channel some of what makes people happy, even when they have to work and have the natural stressors that come with responsibility, to our learning environments and schools?

Is there a way?

Be Mindful.

Peace.

Mark Levine

#Mindfulliteracy
@LevineWrites