Lean In

“To listen is to lean in softly, with a willingness to be changed by what we hear.” ~ Mark Nepo

October is a special season to lean in to the hustle and bustle that is happening in your learning space. I can picture you and your students creating special memories and joyful moments. The sporadic laughter and unexpected adventures that keep your job so interesting! The friendships forming and the lessons learned.

I can also imagine leaning in feels vulnerable and heavy at times. With leaning comes a shifting of weight, one way or another. When you lean in to someone or something, you disperse that grounding weight. As you discover more about your students, you may uncover heartbreaking trauma, lack of structure, or a sense of emptiness. You are brave to lean in during these times. You know you will take it home. You know it will break your heart just a little or maybe a whole lot. But to take someone’s hand and lift them up requires bending to their level, leaning in, and offering hope. 

Thank you for being brave enough to lean in today.