Happy Thanksgiving! I wanted to update parents and community members on what is going on for the school in the Comprehensive Guidance Counseling Program at Ainsworth.
Holocaust survivor and psychotherapy pioneer Viktor Frankl wrote, “between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” This quote describes the direction we’ve been taking in the past two weeks with our mindfulness practice in all K-5 classes. Specifically, we’ve been exploring about the thoughts that distract us from focusing our attention long enough to learn. We’ve also been exploring breath as a tool for us to bring our attention back to the present moment. In checking out those thoughts and focusing on our breath, we are able to identify what is filling that space that Frankl mentions, between stimulus and response. While simple, the practice is very difficult for most of us, and we wind up seeing that the thoughts aren’t always what we expect them to be. In today’s world of distraction, I’m encouraging students to develop a habit of taking a moment now and then to ignore the distractions and focus on their bodies. We will also learn to focus on other things that can anchor us – friends and classmates, gratitude, and our emotions. In doing so, Kelso’s wheel will be more available in that space, and we will be able to listen compassionately to others and to ourselves. I will continue using a blend of mindful practice (from MindUp and Mindful Schools), Kelso’s choices, and Nonviolent Communication in the coming weeks.
I’m also continuing to work on the Career Fair. The date has been changed to April 29. Since my last report, I’ve been in touch with the Portland office of the FBI, the Port of Portland, PGE, Intel, Alaska Airlines, Multnomah County, as well as independent veterinarians, acupuncturists, surgeons, contractors, and more. There are still fields I am looking for, and I would like to start compiling a list of adult volunteers who could chaperone groups of students on career fair day. Let me know if you can help!
Holocaust survivor and psychotherapy pioneer Viktor Frankl wrote, “between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” This quote describes the direction we’ve been taking in the past two weeks with our mindfulness practice in all K-5 classes. Specifically, we’ve been exploring about the thoughts that distract us from focusing our attention long enough to learn. We’ve also been exploring breath as a tool for us to bring our attention back to the present moment. In checking out those thoughts and focusing on our breath, we are able to identify what is filling that space that Frankl mentions, between stimulus and response. While simple, the practice is very difficult for most of us, and we wind up seeing that the thoughts aren’t always what we expect them to be. In today’s world of distraction, I’m encouraging students to develop a habit of taking a moment now and then to ignore the distractions and focus on their bodies. We will also learn to focus on other things that can anchor us – friends and classmates, gratitude, and our emotions. In doing so, Kelso’s wheel will be more available in that space, and we will be able to listen compassionately to others and to ourselves. I will continue using a blend of mindful practice (from MindUp and Mindful Schools), Kelso’s choices, and Nonviolent Communication in the coming weeks.
I’m also continuing to work on the Career Fair. The date has been changed to April 29. Since my last report, I’ve been in touch with the Portland office of the FBI, the Port of Portland, PGE, Intel, Alaska Airlines, Multnomah County, as well as independent veterinarians, acupuncturists, surgeons, contractors, and more. There are still fields I am looking for, and I would like to start compiling a list of adult volunteers who could chaperone groups of students on career fair day. Let me know if you can help!