Good Morning!
Good morning!
Let’s all take a mindful moment to cordially greet the Teacher within.
Yes, yes, I know that you are a teacher. I know that you have had teachers in your past…
At this time, all that I am requesting is that we take a mindful moment to say “Good morning” to the Teacher within.
I wonder, what does your Teacher within sound like? Have you ever noticed their tone of voice? How about their philosophy, or their ethics? Are you privy to their pet peeves? You may have never thought to meet this teacher or to inquire as such, but let us not be mistaken: the Teacher within has certainly met you!
In order to build a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with the greatest Teacher we will ever know, we must become expert listeners.
What do you think of when you hear the word listen?
I’m sure that you think of listening to things occurring and making sound outside of ourselves. Though, this is not the listening I am referring to.
I am referring to the skill known as inward listening.
This will be the only way to meet the Teacher within.
I have been in many classrooms and have participated in many conversations in which the topic encircles, over and over, that the students “just won’t listen.” It leads me to wonder, if the teacher sharing these sentiments knows how to listen themselves.
So I wonder, how does one Listen? What is that skill? How do we practice? This is all going on in my head while I prepare to ask my colleague, “What behavior is most desirable to you at this time?”
Her response was that she would like, more than anything, that her students remain quiet, still, and attentive. She wishes that her students receive every single ounce of information, knowledge, and wisdom she has prepared to impart unto them. She seeks receptivity.
The Teacher within wants all of that from you.
Thank you for reading this piece.
I Believe in You.
A Teacher Named David
Peaceful Practices
1. Morning Mirror Dialogue
Stand before a mirror, close your eyes, and take three slow breaths. Then ask aloud: “Teacher within, what do you need from me today?” Listen, without forcing a response. Let the silence speak. Write down anything that arises.
2. Soundless Observation
Choose five minutes during your day (in class, in a meeting, alone) to listen without reacting, fixing, or interpreting. Observe without judgment. Afterward, journal this question: What did I hear inwardly, beyond the sounds?
3. Ink and Silence
End your day with a candlelit free-write: ten minutes, pen to page, no edits. Start with: Today, the Teacher within taught me... End the session in complete silence for one minute.
A Song for Inward Listening
Nourishment
Rosemary + Olive Oil Morning Toast
1 slice sourdough bread
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
Pinch of flaky sea salt
If you wish: a light spread of ricotta or soft goat cheese
Toast the bread to your liking, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary and salt. Eat slowly, with full awareness. Let it be your morning meeting with the Teacher within.
