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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Reflections and intentions


There was much to process after my weekend at Taproot. After a week of down time, I thought I would share my reflections and intentions:
  • Once again, I came home with the understanding that I am trying to do too much. I heard Jean Miller say last year to "go deep not wide", "value process over product", "quality not quantity" and heard it again this year, but came home with a more specific understanding of what this could mean for us. This year, I will have patience with myself and my children. I will relax, enjoy and take time with every bit of knowledge we pursue, nurturing my children's ideas and watching them grow.
  • At Taproot, there are always opportunities to participate in music and art. It shows me how uncomfortable I am and how much I have to learn in these areas. This year, I am inspired to do more singing, movement and art with my kids. Even when it feels intimidating, I'm going to jump right in and do it anyway.
  • Everyday with my kids I am aware that I am as much a learner as they are. We are often learning together. At Taproot, there was certainly an exchange of ideas, but I was mostly there as a learner. I noticed that the job of receiving information is pretty exhausting and the job of giving information is also pretty exhausting. We all needed down time to recover and process afterward. Many of the important connections were made during the down time. Thankfully, we were all encouraged to take care of ourselves, joining in on planned activities as we wished and this highlighted for me the value of unstructured time. I will be curious and learn along with my children. I will keep a sane pace in the household, providing plenty of unstructured time for relaxation and reflection.
  • I learned a lot about myself and the ways in which I learn best. I noticed that there were some activities that were easy for me to learn from, some that I was resistant to but enjoyed once I gave it a try, and others that simply did not work for me. I will be aware of the ways in which each child learns best, ways that they are each open to being stretched a bit and activities that seem to block their learning process. I will be mindful of my children's projects, providing necessary resources and materials and reminding them where they left off when they are struggling to find something to do.
 

9 comments:

  1. Kelley,
    This is amazing!!

    I swear it takes me weeks, if not months, to break down what I get at Taproot and then how I want to incorporate it into our daily rhythm.

    Your clarity and efficiency is inspiring. So glad to call you friend.
    xoxo,
    Sheila

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    1. Sheila, you are a sweet friend. Yes, I remember last year that I continued to new revelations all year long from the information I took in at Taproot. I suspect this year will be the same. Writing down my revelations helps me hang on to them rather than just watch them fly on by. :)

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  2. Hi Kelley - Love the deep awareness you bring to every experience and to education in general. I also noticed how much I enjoyed the movement time at Taproot. It was so grounding and soothing. And also deeply recognized the importance of downtime. WOW! Love your reflective spirit, Alison

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    1. Thanks, Alison! Thank you many times over for your contribution at Taproot. I learn so much from you!

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  3. Wow, look at your zentangle!!! A truly inspiring post, Kelley. I love how you placed a specific intention after each reflection with such clarity. Now I'm going to write my reflections from Taproot and see what intentions for the year arise. Hooray for more singing, movement and art! Big Hugs, Jean

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    1. Wonderful to see you here, Jean! The zentangle and setting an intention were some of my favorites this year. :) Big hugs and big thanks!

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  4. I really like your zen tangle! Also the tone of your reflections: taking care of yourself and patience with yourself and your children! As a grandmother, I look back at my time with my children and I wish I had been more gentle with them and with myself! It is a delicate balance between our work ethic and our spirit!

    Thank you for writing this! Big hugs to all!
    Barbara

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    1. Nice to see you here, Barbara! I am so thankful that you are willing to share Taproot and your knowledge and experience with all of us! Hugs!

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    2. Thanks Kelley,
      I also was reminded of possibilities without the strenous effort that often in the past left me unfullfilled. I was rejuvenated in my "whole Life' from the week-end. Ravenjane and I have the most balance we have had. More importantly I am lightening up and sometimes funny; she actually laughs at me. Thank you for sharing and to all the folks who touched my sleepy spirit.

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