A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, Karen Caswell (2023) wrote a post about glimmers. “A glimmer is the exact opposite of a trigger—it is some kind of cue, either internal or external that brings one back to a sense of joy or safety. It’s a micro-moment that makes you happier, a little moment of awe, something that makes you feel hope. However, glimmers aren't just tiny moments that bring joy or happiness, they can also spark ease, relaxation, safety, connection or a feeling that the world is okay even for a fleeting moment.”
Throughout this week, I've had the privilege of experiencing moments that have not only illuminated aspects of my own life but have also shone a light on the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of some remarkable children I've had the honour to work with. Over the past seven days, I've been on a journey with campers from the Southern Cross Kids Camp, an organisation I've been connected with for 22 years. This national camping program is specifically designed for children who have emerged from the foster care and welfare system, often facing significant educational challenges. However, it is crucially recognised as an early intervention initiative aimed at helping these children overcome the detrimental effects of abuse and neglect.
For many people, sacrificing a week of their time away from their usual routines might seem inconceivable. But for me, engaging in this with both my wife and children has helped to disrupt my normal daily rhythm and, in doing so, allows me to recalibrate my priorities, focus on what truly matters and sit with the delight of the aha moments. The interactions and experiences I've had with the children I supported this week have left me, in the words of Karen, with a glimmer of joy, hope, and a profound sense that the world can be a better place.
What further reinforced this sense of optimism was the knowledge that the camp's director was a camper of my wife's twenty years ago. She arrived at the camp as a broken seven-year-old, but today, at the age of 27, she is charting a new course for her life and passionately advocating for the wellbeing of other children who have come after her. Her transformation is a testament to the enduring impact of programs like Southern Cross Kids Camp and the profound difference they can make in the lives of vulnerable children.
As educators, we play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of the next generation, imparting knowledge, and nurturing the future leaders of our society. This career path is undeniably filled with its fair share of challenges, but it is equally endowed with a multitude of blessings. In this blog post, I will highlight some of these blessings and emphasise the importance of embracing the slower rhythms to ensure we can be rejuvenated and avoid burnout. This post does not have significant referencing but is written from personal experience and intentional growth that I am still working on.
Our careers are marked by profound blessings that extend beyond the boundaries of our classrooms and have a far-reaching impact on society as a whole. We have the privilege of not only disseminating knowledge but also guiding and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. Through our teaching, we instill values, ignite curiosity, and mould young minds into responsible and informed citizens who contribute positively both within and beyond the school environment.
This endeavour, in turn, contributes to the creation of a more enlightened, compassionate, and harmonious society. The satisfaction that comes from witnessing a student's growth and success is a reward like no other, reaffirming our sense of purpose. Seasoned educators can attest that teaching also nurtures qualities such as empathy, patience, and resilience, which enrich our own character. Similar to the experience I had through my week at Southern Cross Kids Camps, the impact and relationship we have with students can serve as an enduring source of blessing, as it involves sowing the seeds of wisdom and nurturing the promise of a shimmering and shining tomorrow.
Sense of Purpose
Those in education have a unique sense of purpose. We wake up every day knowing that our work inspires and empowers the next generation, imparting knowledge, critical thinking skills, and values that will guide students throughout their lives. We play a pivotal role in nurturing not only academic growth as we engage in research, impart advanced knowledge, and foster innovation but also character development we create by instilling the values of empathy, respect, and responsibility.
In contrast to many other careers, where job satisfaction may be influenced primarily by financial or status-related factors, educators derive their satisfaction from the intrinsic rewards of their work. It's the satisfaction of witnessing a student's "aha" moment, the joy of seeing students succeed, and the knowledge that they are contributing to a more informed, empathetic, and innovative society. This unique sense of purpose and its resulting job satisfaction makes education truly special.
Lifelong Learning
Education is a field where learning never stops and is characterised by an ongoing journey of discovery and growth. Those of us who are educators are fortunate to embark on a continuous quest for knowledge, constantly broadening our horizons. This involves immersing ourselves in novel areas of expertise, adjusting to evolving pedagogical approaches, and remaining abreast of cutting-edge educational tools and techniques. This unceasing process of learning serves not only to keep us intellectually sharp but also to foster a deep sense of engagement with our profession. It enables us to provide our students with the best possible educational experience and equips us to navigate the ever-changing landscape of teaching and learning.
The Gift of Impact
One of the greatest blessings we experience as educators is the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Whether we teach kindergarten or university-level, we have the power to inspire, motivate, and ignite curiosity in our students.
As educators, we are entrusted with a unique and powerful responsibility. Our impact extends beyond the classroom, as the seeds of inspiration and learning we sow can germinate into a lifelong thirst for knowledge and a commitment to making positive contributions to society. By nurturing the intellectual and ethical development of our students, we are not only shaping their individual futures but also influencing the collective future of the world.
Consider, for instance, the kindergarten teacher who instills a love for reading and exploration in a young child. This child may grow up to become a lifelong learner, a future scientist, or a writer who inspires others with their words. Or, think about the university lecturer who imparts critical thinking skills and a sense of global responsibility to their students. These students might go on to become leaders in fields that address pressing global challenges, such as environmental sustainability or social justice.
In essence, as educators, we have the power to catalyse a chain reaction of positive change. Each student we inspire and equip with knowledge becomes a potential catalyst for progress, a source of innovation, and a force for good in the world. Our influence, therefore, reaches far beyond the confines of the classroom and has the capacity to shape a brighter and more promising future for generations to come. This is indeed one of the most significant blessings of being an educator.
Valuing Slower Rhythms
Teaching is a profession that carries immense rewards; however, it's important to recognise that teaching can also be demanding and emotionally draining. Educators often invest significant energy and effort into their work, facing various challenges such as managing classroom dynamics, addressing individual student needs, and meeting academic expectations.
Despite these challenges, teaching remains a deeply fulfilling profession that fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride. Nevertheless, the demands of the job can take a toll on an educator's physical and emotional wellbeing.
This is where the concept of valuing the slower rhythms comes into play. Teachers often have breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer holidays and term breaks. These moments of respite provide teachers with a chance to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate. They allow teachers to step away from the hustle and bustle of the classroom, offering a valuable opportunity to relax and prioritise self-care.
During non-teaching periods, educators can take the time to engage in activities that nourish their mental and emotional health. This might involve pursuing personal interests, spending quality time with family and friends, or simply enjoying moments of solitude and relaxation. By appreciating these slower rhythms, teachers can find the balance they need to continue delivering high-quality education and support to their students.
While teaching is a rewarding profession, it's vital to acknowledge the challenges it presents and the toll it can take on educators. Embracing the slower, non-teaching periods is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring that teachers can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of their students.
Self-Care and Balance
The demands of teaching can be overwhelming, often engulfing educators in their responsibilities. However, it is imperative to prioritise taking periodic breaks and replenishing one's energy. Embracing a slower pace of life allows educators to dedicate valuable time to self-care, moments of relaxation, and opportunities for introspection. These interludes are instrumental in ensuring that educators can return to their classrooms with a revitalised spirit and a heightened sense of enthusiasm for their work.
By emphasising the importance of taking breaks and embracing a slower pace of life, we acknowledge the need for educators to step back and recharge their physical and mental faculties. These breaks are not just moments of respite; they are vital opportunities for teachers to refocus and rejuvenate themselves.
During these breaks, educators can engage in self-care practices that are essential for their overall wellbeing. This might include activities like exercise, meditation, writing, camping, flotation, swimming, walking, hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones. Such self-care activities help in reducing stress levels, enhancing mental clarity, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Additionally, the slower rhythms of life also offer educators the chance to relax and unwind. They can disconnect from the relentless pace of life, allowing themselves to reset and decompress. This relaxation can come in the form of holidays, staycations, or even a simple day off spent unplugged.
Importantly, these moments of introspection and self-care enable educators to reflect on their teaching practices and personal growth. This reflection is instrumental in reigniting their enthusiasm for education and reminding them of their purpose. It also disrupts the normal daily rhythm and recalibrates priorities.
Ultimately, the slower rhythms in an educator's life also allow for a healthier work-life balance. This balance is vital for our wellbeing, relationships, and overall happiness. It enables us to be better individuals. When we return to the classroom, we do so with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We are better equipped to engage with students, adapt to new teaching strategies, and navigate the challenges that come their way. By prioritising self-care and embracing slower rhythms, we not only benefit ourselves but also our students, creating a more vibrant and effective learning environment.
Avoiding Burnout
Burnout among educators is a genuine and widespread concern in the field of education. Teachers and educational professionals often find themselves grappling with the physical and emotional exhaustion that accompanies the demands of their roles. The pressures of managing classrooms, meeting educational objectives, and addressing the diverse needs of students can be overwhelming. However, there are practical ways that can be taken to mitigate the risk of burnout and foster a sustainable, enduring passion for teaching and learning.
Savouring the slower rhythms in the educational process means recognising that effective teaching and learning don't always require rushing through curriculum or constantly pushing students to achieve at a fast pace. Instead, educators can benefit from adopting a more deliberate and measured approach to their work. By allowing for thoughtful reflection, giving students time to absorb and process information, and not succumbing to the pressures of rushing through content, educators can create an environment that is more conducive to their wellbeing.
Taking regular breaks is another crucial aspect of preventing burnout in education. Incorporating breaks into the daily routine, as well as taking planned periods away from the classroom, can help educators recharge both mentally and physically. These breaks provide opportunities for relaxation, self-care, and rejuvenation, which are essential for maintaining enthusiasm and dedication over the long term.
Addressing burnout requires a shift towards valuing slower rhythms and recognising the importance of breaks in our professional lives. By embracing these principles, we can not only safeguard our own wellbeing but also create a more nurturing and sustainable learning environment for our students.
To that end, being an educator is a truly blessed profession. We have the privilege of shaping minds, fostering learning, and making a difference in the world. To continue enjoying these blessings, it's vital that we value and savour the slower rhythms, embedding them into our daily lives. By doing so, we can reenergise, grow professionally, and ensure a long and fulfilling career in education where we see the blessings and glimmers that make impact on our own mind, wellbeing and the broader society.
As Karen stated in her post, "embracing glimmers is a simple(but maybe not initially easy) and effective practice that can make life feel so much sweeter!"
Stay the Course!
References
Caswell, K. (2023). Embracing Glimmers https://www.karencaswell.com/post/embracing-glimmers
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