So this is... Christmas...no, this is blogging!

Forgive me in advance, I am a rookie blogger - and a bit excited.

I posted a comment last week, talking of my travails in transitioning back-to-school after a busy holiday - and how I turned to meditation - and had a very good day!

In fact, a great couple days, so I kept meditating.  And each day, I gained momentum and found a modicum of peace in the morning which would eventually send ripples throughout my day.

If I didn't have fifteen minutes in the morning, I would try to sneak at least five minutes before teaching my English classes - so that I'd "Be Present" - in order to listen closely and discuss with my students rather than nod and share my answer or pose another question.  I gently pressed students to clarify and elaborate on their responses.  I cajoled them into responding to one another - to at least echo what a classmate had said before sharing their own particular view.  I listened with greater awareness as did my students and I felt a shift in the energy - they had taken ownership of the conversation.

In the afternoons, I'd sneak in a full fifteen minute meditation, allowing the dust to settle after a hectic school day.  These meditations would renew me more than a nap, because my mind stepped of the treadmill of "Do this. Do that!"  And allow me to check in with a simple mantra: "First things first."

In the evenings, outside of class, I held writing conferences that were meaningful exchanges with students about their writing.  We talked about the process of writing and the process behind their words on the page.  Candid conversations about effort and time invested were shared.  We talked about form and structure, using examples with analysis, but ultimately, it was about finding a voice and translating their ideas and thoughts into words on a page with clarity - indeed, a meditation in writing!

I could go on with this meditation on teaching, yet these are merely examples of how meditation leads to empathic teaching.

Through listening to the breath, we cultivate a practice of listening to others without judgment or expectation, but presence and openness, resulting in true kindness.

So I thank Charry and Elena for Living Yoga 365- and for the daily reminder: make the time to breathe.

In sharing on this blog, we create community - and send a message to a community far beyond our respective locales -  sending ripples that eventually reach distant shores.

Cheers to sending ripples,

Kevin

P.S. All this talk of ripples, couldn't resist...a little Grateful Dead... Jerry Garcia sings "Ripple" - click for lyrics.

Now, I meditate - best before lunch :)