At this time of year I like to reflect on those people in my life who have given me the gift of their companionship, their insights, their spirit. Some of these are my teachers, some are my students, some are neither.
If you are part of a spiritual discipline that values thankfullness as a practice and attitude, consider that such appreciation of others is something that can be observed and emulated. As a teacher, can you show your students what gratitude might look like?
Be aware of the difference between lecturing about gratitude and practicing it. Too often we direct others in actions and attitudes we ourselves do not evince, without even the useful teaching of giving voice to our own struggles.
My offered practice: when teaching, make or find a time to enjoy the company of your students, or to talk about a subject you have affection for. Can you find some satisfaction in this time, in your students, in your subject? If you can find an ember of delight in this moment, breathe on it and seek to turn it into warmth. If you find that you appreciate the company or effort of your students, tell them this. Consider how you might also tell them without words.
Thank you, my readers, for your presence here.
Thank you, Asher.