When I was in school learning to become a music teacher, I learned how to plan. Actually, a lot of time was spent perfecting our lesson plans. Meeting standards, choosing age-appropriate activities, planning for interruptions or extra time. I really liked planning, I was good at it! And to some extent, it is very helpful for a teacher to know how to make a good plan--as long as you also know how to throw the plan out. That’s the part I didn’t learn in school.
For me, it took actual teaching experience to learn that I have to meet my students where they are in order to accomplish anything. This means that I need to let go of my “agenda,” and frankly, my ego, and bear witness to how each student is functioning at the specific time of our lesson. To push my agenda, to ignore psycho-physical or emotional factors because they are not part of my plan is bad teaching because it prevents learning. Students who are feeling stuck, startled, or afraid cannot learn anything new! But, if I allow myself the time and space to meet my student where they are, we begin to create the conditions for learning together.
By being present, we allow the learning process to take place.
F.M. Alexander said "It is not the degree of 'willing' or 'trying,' but the way in which the energy is directed, that is going to make the 'willing' or 'trying' effective."
This week’s lie-down is about becoming present so that we may meet our challenges with curiosity and grace, instead of working against ourselves with fear and habitual reactions. This constructive rest practice can be a centering way to begin learning wherever you are, whether you are practicing an instrument at home, studying for an exam, or helping your children with e-learning.
When we only follow our expectations, our “plan,” we block ourselves from true experience and our authentic selves. When we accept our conditions, becoming aware of the present moment and releasing the idea of being right or “trying,” we open ourselves to something new. We become free, able to change, and connected to ourselves and the environment. We are all learning all the time. You don't have to be a student or a teacher to benefit from a shift in thinking. This week, consider meeting a challenge you face with presence, instead of a story you tell yourself. Give yourself the space to pause and consider. You have the freedom to choose, and you have time.
Kateri & Alexandra
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