Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of a Chinese word, ch’an, which comes from a Sanskrit root meaning “thought,” “absorption,” or “meditation.” And meditation is at the heart of Zen, along with an emphasis on self-control and insight.
—Vocabulary.com
adjective
INFORMAL
1. peaceful and calm.
—Dictionary.com
I feel so calm
in this space
the teachers say
whenever they stop by
my room
during the day
a shared space
where three of us
keep lamps burning
on our desks
in all our comings
and goings
a safe place
to rest and gather
one’s thoughts
in the cool shadows
or to decompress
from all the stress
to eat some chocolate
perhaps
or to have a voice
that’s valued
or just to know someone
is listening
without judgment
we can often answer
each other’s questions
but not always
no, not always
the important thing
is that they feel comfortable
asking
and that they feel welcome
to just be
for a while
in our circle
of lamplight
they are
the heart
of this hallowed place
—my room
during the day
whenever the teachers
stop by and say
I feel so calm
in this space.
*******
As one of three instructional coaches working from the same room, I know the needs in schools are great. If student needs are to be met, teacher needs must be met first.
Beginning with what I told a panel of professional educators in a recent interview: We need each other.
In that same vein: Today I rejoin the online community of Two Writing Teachers for the Slice of Life Story Challenge…
a safe place
to rest and gather
one’s thoughts
or to decompress
from all the stress
to have a voice
that’s valued
or just to know someone
is listening
without judgment
we can often answer
each other’s questions
but not always
no, not always
the important thing
is to feel comfortable
and welcome
just to be
for a while
in this hallowed place…
A place of peace, carved out just to be, and be here, for one another.
As teacher, writers, human beings.
I know I need it.
lit bits and pieces 