Powered by Me® for Educators Pre-K to 12

Introduction

Powered by ME ®

When I first started writing this book, I wanted to contribute to positive change in education. However, the final stages of this process awakened me to a new intention. My purpose is to cultivate acceptance and to guide educators on viewing themselves from a higher mind; as creators with unlimited potential. Acceptance in the now supports authentic movement from the depths of compassion. This stirs perception permitting the revelation of self-imposed obstacles. It is neither necessary nor helpful to rehash some of the obstacles living and breathing amongst educators today; three of which may be the suppression of creativity, instinct and self-expression. I intend to focus on resources that free you from distracting perceptions, beliefs, outside influences and short-term (quick fix) strategies. Upping the Educational anti on standards, expectations and professionalism may very well be appropriate and necessary. However, in order to truly make a difference in the lives of students and their family’s one must not negate the power of individual and group consciousness. In its absence educators are susceptible to the tug of perfectionism, self-criticism, negativity, burn out and frustration all of which weaken the self, clogging pathways to higher teaching potential.

Tool and Strategies

Consider this book a toolbox of super potential, practices robust with effects well beyond the classroom. What makes them so powerful is every single strategy in this book is mutually beneficial, to you, your students and others. Not only are you exposed to new ways of handling the classroom, you also electrify the more familiar ones. This is not meant to replace or even add to your collection, as that would imply the ineffectiveness of your current practice. There lies why I wrote this book. Although often unspoken the idea of not being, doing or working hard enough is capable of searing the roots of who you are. What is happening around you opposed to inside dictates your experiences. If your students are focused and performing well you may feel peaceful, if they are struggling, you may also struggle. One of the intents of the strategies in this book is to soften the voices around you; the voices of policy makers, administrators, parents, colleagues and students. As they soften, your voice and its ties to your inner body are pronounced carving the way for presence and deeper experiences with yourself and others.

The tools and strategies you currently utilize with your students may not change. However, how, why and when you use them may. Your awareness is what modifies a teaching tool coming from you to a tool that comes through you. Tools that come through you carry your potential, passion, purpose, vibration and strength.

Throughout the book I have included studies that support this way of being. Also included are Try This! practices and classroom examples you may relate to. They are opportunities to experience mindfulness. The Try This! practices are simple, at times purposely playful. To begin I would highly suggest you read the entire book. If you skip ahead you may dismiss the power of process. This book is more than knowledge, it is an experience. Your experience with the Try This! practices prepare you for incorporating mindfulness into the classroom. Some of the strategies are direct while others move through quiet observations of self. One is not better or more effective than another. Allow yourself time to truly absorb and play with the material. This book is less about doing and more about being.