Summer Stillness

Suzanne DaileyBlog, Self Care Better, Teach Happier

TL;DR:

  • Benefits of “becoming still” to recharge for the upcoming year.
  • Strategies for prioritizing stillness this summer.

We have all ended a school year unlike any other.  The energy we expended from March-June was so different, many of us ending the year mentally and emotionally exhausted. Drained. Weary.

And now we’re entering a summer unlike any before.  Although our bodies are resting from exiting the 19-20 school year, our minds are already restless as we imagine what school could look like in 20-21. We’re unsure about the fall, and that uncertainty causes worry. I find myself instantly overwhelmed, envisioning limited desks in isolated configurations while trying to maintain distance from students and colleagues.  Or worse, continuing to teach from a screen.  Before I know it, minutes and hours from my precious summer tick away because of these worries.

Summer Stillness: Becoming Still

This summer, more than ever, we need every minute and hour prioritizing rest and rejuvenation so that no matter what we are told in August when preparing to return, we can feel re-energized to face it with grace and perspective.

So how can we accomplish this? By becoming still.

If you find yourself becoming consumed with the “what ifs” of next school year, consider what could happen if you allow yourself to become still throughout the summer. Does this sound weird? Not buying it? Think about an ocean with choppy water – the water is moving so fast that you can’t see through it.  Now think about an ocean with still water – you can see right through it; everything is clear.

This daily practice has made a significant positive impact to my overall emotional wellness and it could for you too. Click To Tweet

Making Summer Stillness a Priority

If we allow ourselves to be still, we can squeeze the heck out of every unrushed, unplugged, serene summer moment by creating space with intentional time away. If you are like me and have family responsibilities, making stillness a challenge, this is still attainable!

Start with 30 minutes, which is about 2% of your day.  I create stillness twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. I am certain that my 15 minutes on the porch with coffee before anyone wakes up and my 15 minutes reading a book at the end of the day creates stillness and provides an opportunity to align my heart and my mind.  This daily practice has made a significant positive impact to my overall emotional wellness and it could for you too.

Spoiler alert: this fall is going to be a hustle no matter what. We could be restoring our classrooms based on new guidelines or revving up to kick off a school year virtually for the first time in our careers.  Whatever the scenario, it’s going to take unwavering energy, enthusiasm, and optimism. The only way we’ll get this is by conserving and creating energy by prioritizing stillness this summer.

Take a deep breath.

Get still.

Summer on.

 

How can you prioritize stillness by creating intentional time away? Start small and think about a 15-30 minute block in your day where this would work for you and your household.  You are encouraged to share this priority with your partner or children so they can help you accomplish this goal!

 

 

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ABOUT SUZANNE DAILEY

Suzanne Dailey is proud member of the Teach Better Family! She is an instructional coach in the Central Bucks School District where she has the honor and joy of working with elementary teachers and students in 15 buildings. Suzanne is Nationally Board Certified, a Fellow of the National Writing Project, and has a Masters Degree in Reading. She is dedicated to nurturing and developing the whole child and teacher. Suzanne lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.