Why Teach?

It has been a summer and fall of 'first lessons' for my son in a number of areas.  First swimming, first piano, first dog walking, first construction project, etc.  What occurred to me was just how many teachers there are that show up for us in our lives to provide us with knowledge, support and guidance along the way.

What I think that few people truly consider is that there is a Giving and Receiving of energy that occurs in the teaching space that provides energy for both the student and the teacher.  In many ways it is not just that you are giving something to someone else, but you are also giving to yourself at the same time.

In teaching others you are actually teaching yourself...the awareness of the flow and input of energy while teaching a student is something that natural teachers know instinctively...they can feel it every time that they support someone else in their learning and growth.

And of course we are ALL teachers in some way or another.  The trick is to recognize when you're really enjoying it and receiving the energy as the teacher, as this will encourage you to do more of it...thereby passing on the energy to others.

Teach what you love and love what you are taught in return! :)

All the Best,
Whitney
© 2013 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

Transformation

My son had his first baby tooth come out recently.  He was wiggling it quite a bit during the week and it had begun to bother him and hurt a bit, especially at meals.  But one evening at home while wiggling more with his tongue it dropped into his lap and with a bit of blood cleanup it was finally out.

What surprised me next was that he was sooooo happy about it.  True Joy as he transformed into a boy with teeth coming out...and new teeth coming in.  One minute it's a wiggle tooth and the next minute it's a hole in his smile! :)

I am always amazed at how children are so flexible and adaptable to change.  One minute crying and the next they are all smiles and writing a note to the Tooth Fairy. :)

If only Transformation were so easy for us adults...often requiring hours, days and years of surrender to the inevitable change (if we're lucky).  Here the Hanged Man hangs upside down waiting, patiently waiting for transformation to come to him.  Yes, I know...he's got a bit of the Martyr in him too but what can you say...at least he's taking his transformation with a bit of Zen.

But for those of us without quite that amount of patience, or for whom Action is part of our DNA, how can you approach transformation and hopefully get to the Joy sooner rather than later?  How do we get through the period of teeth wiggling and somewhat painful or tentative meals and onto a new a brighter smile?

There are of course many true and valid approaches but the one I will offer one for today is 'put your focus elsewhere', and particularly on something that you Know, Love and Appreciate.  Rather than focusing on the 1 tooth that is coming out, remember to be Grateful for all of the others that you have and what you can still chew and eat with them.  Give thanks for the rest of your body that has created a biological mechanism whereby baby teeth come out and another set of adult teeth are ready to come forth...truly amazing when you really think about it, isn't it!?

Be Grateful for what we do have (which is usually much greater than the 1 tooth about to go), vs. focusing on our upcoming Loss and Change.  Focusing on the Loss and the Fear can lead to increased anxiety and even addiction...it usually looks something like the Tower...not too pretty eh?

This is not to say that we should not wish our tooth well and think of it in a positive and appreciative way.  For after all that tooth has been with us through many ice cream sandwiches and marshmallows and lollypops...it's just that it's not going to be in our smile this Halloween.  But to focus on it without respecting it's own Transition into 4 quarters provided by the Tooth Fairy would be to actually diminish our memories of the good times.

Focus on what you DO have, allow for the transformation to occur in it's natural way and prepare for the next Change.  For after all, there is already another tooth ready to start wiggling even if you may not be aware of it yet. :)

All the Best,
Whitney
© 2013 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

'Life is change.  Growth is optional.  Choose Wisely.'