Acceptance

   Nearly five years ago I started my blog. At that time I was struggling with letting go of college, nervous about moving to France, and heartbroken about the murder of my coach/friend. Accepting these turn of events was a challenge. I became keenly aware of how much accepting and letting go I needed to do in my life. I thought I would be better at it by now.

    I re-read my first blog entry. I'm still trying to synchronize my thoughts, values, and behavior patterns. Now I would add to that list, emotional patterns.

    An important developmental milestone for children is learning delayed gratification. Perhaps for adults, relinquishing expectations and rapid acceptance of the unchangeable is a parallel milestone of maturation. Some days I feel discouraged, and wonder when/if I'll get there.

    My job has been an intensive exercise for practicing acceptance. I become impatient and critical with the students more than I'd care to admit. Students make decisions that don't benefit them. It's my job to keep them safe, and guide them if they are receptive. If students aren't receptive to feedback, then I just keep them safe and wait for them to figure it out. Ideally I'd be waiting with love and patients.

    Ten years ago a show from the United Kingdom followed 6 students on their journey through Red Cliff. I thought I'd share this video with you so that you can catch a glimpse of where I spend my time, and meet the students who help me on my journey.