Have you written about your experiences with Waldorf? They'd make a good post someday. I've never taught at or gone to a Waldorf school, but they sound like ideal education. (Except for this one interaction I had with a man representing a Waldorf school, but I try not to let one individual influence my impression of a whole group of people . . .)
It’s funny you say that because I wrote a book about my experience: https://www.amazon.com/missing-teacher-Lani-V-Cox/dp/1507524129/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 and I did an audio recording of the whole book here: https://lanivcox.gumroad.com/ ~ but feel no pressure to buy or anything. I’m happy to figure out how to get you a free copy. It’s been over 10 years since I did anything with it, so I’d have to poke around. But your comment made me think about throwing up a chapter or two here.
Yes, you should totally throw up a chapter or two here! I was gonna write a book, then later just an article, on my experience as a teacher. But I later decided not to because I realized there’s so little interest in teachers’ stories. :(
I’m fairly certain there are publications that showcase teacher’s stories. Here’s one 👉https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/ And thanks for the encouragement. It’s been over 10 years, I miss the anniversary of this because I’m horrible about these things, but yes, and thank you for purchasing the audio! 🙏
Great list! I’d like to believe I am pretty good at 2 and never thought of 3 so have no clue if I’d be able to do that but can absolutely work on 2 and 4. 😊
Thanks, Yi! 🙏I figured you'd be good at 2 😉but 3 might be a nice to pay attention to, especially if you keep up with world events--so depressing. And you also strike me as having a healthy social life!
The world is indeed depressing (and seemingly more depressing by the day, so, all the more reasons to keep writing and support each other in our community! ❤️
"You don’t need an imagination to be a writer, you just need to look around you. There are stories hidden within each person, behind those trees, and under that rock." Love these words, Lani!
Thank you for reminding me about good news sites too. I am a news junky and always have been, I like knowing about what is going on around the world. BUT I have had to reduce my time online reading the news because it does feel that it just consists of constant updates about everything that is awful. That said, over the past few years, I have started buying a newspaper a couple of times a week in place of checking news sites and one thing that I really like about doing this is that once I have read it, that's it. I can put it down and that's my fill.
Oh my word. They still print newspapers? 🤯But what a great idea, truly, read it and be done with it. Using for packing sth fragile later on 😅This reminds me of picking out the comics when I was younger, the only thing of interest from the paper.
And thanks for sharing, and I'm glad the words resonated. It was a last minute edit. 😁xo
Lani, your timing is SO spot-on in my reading this today. I have been feeling really "stuck" for a long time and this is excellent snap-out-of-it wisdom. (Also, have we talked about Myers-Briggs before because I myself am a full-on INFJ! Not many of us about!)
I have been trying to meditate more regularly these days and have kept it up for about six months so def on the way to being a proper habit. I enjoy reading Buddhist books and have been doing so for over 25 years now, always seeking meaning. I listen to Tara Brach's talks frequently and find them helpful and thought-provoking.
I do the Essentrics stretching program online regularly and if I skip a session ... I know! It's a Pilates/Yoga/Strength training combo that works well for me and I don't have to attend spandex-laden classes lol.
It's so interesting what you say about needing time alone because I crave it and always make sure it happens but in retirement, one has to be careful not to spend TOO much time alone as one can sink pretty quickly if you're not paying attention ...
The TED talk is wonderful - I just sent to my eldest son who recently graduated as a video game designer but has had no luck finding work so far despite being in the top tier of his class.
I'm so glad to hear this, Sue. I was feeling stuck recently and sought, "The Way of the Bodhisattva" by Śāntideva. I haven't cracked it open yet, but was thinking (before I read your comment) that now that I have some free time, I need to. Your words are the extra nudge. Loving the synchronicity. 💯
I've never heard of Essentrics. Interesting. I know what you mean about spandex, just the thought of being around other fashionable-workout-wear women makes my upper lip curl. I'd rather just fall out of poses from the comfort of my own home. 😅
Tara's great. I dip in and out of her meditations. Kassandra does short ones that I like (to check the box and get it out of the way... oh, Lani >>missing the point<<) I'm a very bad meditator, hovering around 5 minutes. Ah, well. It's like doing that one pushup.
My mom's 77 and she's never retired fully. I don't think she ever will either. I get that you can have too much free time on your hands. And thanks for watching the video. She's so positive. INFJ's FOREVERRR ❣️
There are sometimes really great people at Ted Talks, I especially love when they are funny.
1) I definitively sit still more waaaaay too long each day! I do practise qigong every day for 30´ to 60´ but I do sit for long period of time both at work and at home. When possible at week-ends I go hiking. Last week-end we did 18 km. Unfortunately it is not always possible to go hiking each week-end.
2) Willpower is my second name! No joke, I think I would not have done half of the things in my life, if I did not have it. I don´t like the word willpower though, as it sounds to me something done with force. I think discipline would be more appropriate to use in many cases, or committment.
3) Here my record is not good. I tend to get so involved in the things that I put all my energy and forget everything else, including have some joy and fun. This leads to regular phases where I feel quite low. Luckily I have the tools to pick me up again!
4) Friends are amazed by my capacity to keep in touch. It might not be every day, but if I connect with someone, the person might still hear from me at least by e-mail even after decades! I had to develop this skill because I used to move country every 3 years. For sure I left some people behind, but then there are others, who I still wanted to have in my life.
I admit though that with the passing of time I get more tired of always be the one to start a conversation. It is not the "why me" which bothers me, but rather I don´t always have the mental space to think about it and it would be nice that the others would remember I exist. I would be happy with a ratio 4 to 5 😂.
Thanks Lauca for your honesty. I 💯agree with you on keeping in touch. I feel the same way. It's rare for someone to reach out first, unless it's an ex wanting to apologize after all these years 😅
It's funny what you say about willpower because it's not a word I use ~ I think it's fallen out of favor for words like: intention, determination, and even discipline. Maybe it's just old fashioned. But I like this aspect of POWER, as in you must have it to do it! And isn't that great?
We can relate this way as well. I'm much more likely to jump in and do it and worry about the consequences later. Qigong is a great practice. I would do it more often if I was in a group, maybe because that's how I learned initially. Yoga, not so much. It feels more competitive, strangely enough, so I'd rather do it alone.
Lani, your post radiates strength, humour and soulful insight. Thank you so much for sharing your take on resilience in such grounded and accessible ways. I especially loved how you bring joy into your small daily rituals, and how honestly you speak about presence, connection and self-care as both practice and path. You’ve definitely inspired me to reflect more on my own resilience habits.
Hmm, in no particular order, I realise that I do sit for far long periods but, honestly, I don’t feel so worried about it. I’m always writing, reading, watching, listening for soul connection and also love connecting to my kindred spirits here. Agreed, Malte’s music is ab-soul-utely divine, I could listen for hours as handpan music fires my poetic imagination. I want one too!
Mother Nature, like many, is my number one go-to as the beach is only a short walk away. In the other direction, at the back of my garden, lies a valley, a river and beautiful ancient woodland. I feel so blessed to live here between land and sea. These are a few of the small ways that help me feel good. Oh, and I have to include journaling and dreamwork. Gardening is a joy when it's not too hot, like today. Thankfully we have a shady corner.
Thanks so much, Deborah, for your kind words! 🙏💗I must say it's nice to feel seen and heard. I do strongly believe in self-care and making space for that inner connection (with humor!) ~ I wish more folks would do the same.
My husband once said that the purpose of life is to feel good. Obviously, not in a hedonistic way, but I thought that was insightful. We have the means and ways, we just need to do it, but for some reason, it's something we forget to prioritize.
I'm so glad you enjoyed Malte's music! 🎶His handpan has become part of my daily routine. Listening now, in fact. 😁
You are SO LUCKY to live between land and sea. I'm more of a mountain gal myself, but who doesn't love the sound of the ocean or walking along the beach? Unfortunately, I'm in a city that's not as green as I'd like it to be, which is why I have to have all the plants inside and around my apartment! 🙌And yes to journaling and dreamwork!
Your husband sounds very wise. I did laugh when my phone buzzed and I thought to myself, here I am sat in the sun lounger journaling away! (Lol, not moving as per 'poet' usual!) 😁🤭🙃
DoDo videos are my daily mood booster!! Thanks for reminding us of simple things that truly matter, Lani!!
Thanks, Bonnie! 🙏🌟 You’re welcome 😁
I didn't know you were a Waldorf teacher! That's awesome.
It was a REAL mixed bag. 😅But happy to meet someone who knows what Waldorf education is! Thanks, Moorea. 💞
Have you written about your experiences with Waldorf? They'd make a good post someday. I've never taught at or gone to a Waldorf school, but they sound like ideal education. (Except for this one interaction I had with a man representing a Waldorf school, but I try not to let one individual influence my impression of a whole group of people . . .)
It’s funny you say that because I wrote a book about my experience: https://www.amazon.com/missing-teacher-Lani-V-Cox/dp/1507524129/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 and I did an audio recording of the whole book here: https://lanivcox.gumroad.com/ ~ but feel no pressure to buy or anything. I’m happy to figure out how to get you a free copy. It’s been over 10 years since I did anything with it, so I’d have to poke around. But your comment made me think about throwing up a chapter or two here.
Yes, you should totally throw up a chapter or two here! I was gonna write a book, then later just an article, on my experience as a teacher. But I later decided not to because I realized there’s so little interest in teachers’ stories. :(
I’m fairly certain there are publications that showcase teacher’s stories. Here’s one 👉https://teachersandwritersmagazine.org/ And thanks for the encouragement. It’s been over 10 years, I miss the anniversary of this because I’m horrible about these things, but yes, and thank you for purchasing the audio! 🙏
Thanks @Victoria for the restack! 🙏💖🌟
I agree about paying attention being important. And not just for writing.
💯If anything, it makes life far more interesting! Thanks, Jeffrey!
Great list! I’d like to believe I am pretty good at 2 and never thought of 3 so have no clue if I’d be able to do that but can absolutely work on 2 and 4. 😊
Thanks, Yi! 🙏I figured you'd be good at 2 😉but 3 might be a nice to pay attention to, especially if you keep up with world events--so depressing. And you also strike me as having a healthy social life!
The world is indeed depressing (and seemingly more depressing by the day, so, all the more reasons to keep writing and support each other in our community! ❤️
Absolutely. Thanks, Yi! 💯💞
"You don’t need an imagination to be a writer, you just need to look around you. There are stories hidden within each person, behind those trees, and under that rock." Love these words, Lani!
Thank you for reminding me about good news sites too. I am a news junky and always have been, I like knowing about what is going on around the world. BUT I have had to reduce my time online reading the news because it does feel that it just consists of constant updates about everything that is awful. That said, over the past few years, I have started buying a newspaper a couple of times a week in place of checking news sites and one thing that I really like about doing this is that once I have read it, that's it. I can put it down and that's my fill.
Oh my word. They still print newspapers? 🤯But what a great idea, truly, read it and be done with it. Using for packing sth fragile later on 😅This reminds me of picking out the comics when I was younger, the only thing of interest from the paper.
And thanks for sharing, and I'm glad the words resonated. It was a last minute edit. 😁xo
Lani, your timing is SO spot-on in my reading this today. I have been feeling really "stuck" for a long time and this is excellent snap-out-of-it wisdom. (Also, have we talked about Myers-Briggs before because I myself am a full-on INFJ! Not many of us about!)
I have been trying to meditate more regularly these days and have kept it up for about six months so def on the way to being a proper habit. I enjoy reading Buddhist books and have been doing so for over 25 years now, always seeking meaning. I listen to Tara Brach's talks frequently and find them helpful and thought-provoking.
I do the Essentrics stretching program online regularly and if I skip a session ... I know! It's a Pilates/Yoga/Strength training combo that works well for me and I don't have to attend spandex-laden classes lol.
It's so interesting what you say about needing time alone because I crave it and always make sure it happens but in retirement, one has to be careful not to spend TOO much time alone as one can sink pretty quickly if you're not paying attention ...
The TED talk is wonderful - I just sent to my eldest son who recently graduated as a video game designer but has had no luck finding work so far despite being in the top tier of his class.
She's very inspiring - so thank you for that!
Re-stacking now ... xo
I'm so glad to hear this, Sue. I was feeling stuck recently and sought, "The Way of the Bodhisattva" by Śāntideva. I haven't cracked it open yet, but was thinking (before I read your comment) that now that I have some free time, I need to. Your words are the extra nudge. Loving the synchronicity. 💯
I've never heard of Essentrics. Interesting. I know what you mean about spandex, just the thought of being around other fashionable-workout-wear women makes my upper lip curl. I'd rather just fall out of poses from the comfort of my own home. 😅
Tara's great. I dip in and out of her meditations. Kassandra does short ones that I like (to check the box and get it out of the way... oh, Lani >>missing the point<<) I'm a very bad meditator, hovering around 5 minutes. Ah, well. It's like doing that one pushup.
My mom's 77 and she's never retired fully. I don't think she ever will either. I get that you can have too much free time on your hands. And thanks for watching the video. She's so positive. INFJ's FOREVERRR ❣️
Great post Lani!
There are sometimes really great people at Ted Talks, I especially love when they are funny.
1) I definitively sit still more waaaaay too long each day! I do practise qigong every day for 30´ to 60´ but I do sit for long period of time both at work and at home. When possible at week-ends I go hiking. Last week-end we did 18 km. Unfortunately it is not always possible to go hiking each week-end.
2) Willpower is my second name! No joke, I think I would not have done half of the things in my life, if I did not have it. I don´t like the word willpower though, as it sounds to me something done with force. I think discipline would be more appropriate to use in many cases, or committment.
3) Here my record is not good. I tend to get so involved in the things that I put all my energy and forget everything else, including have some joy and fun. This leads to regular phases where I feel quite low. Luckily I have the tools to pick me up again!
4) Friends are amazed by my capacity to keep in touch. It might not be every day, but if I connect with someone, the person might still hear from me at least by e-mail even after decades! I had to develop this skill because I used to move country every 3 years. For sure I left some people behind, but then there are others, who I still wanted to have in my life.
I admit though that with the passing of time I get more tired of always be the one to start a conversation. It is not the "why me" which bothers me, but rather I don´t always have the mental space to think about it and it would be nice that the others would remember I exist. I would be happy with a ratio 4 to 5 😂.
Have a lovely week-end!
Thanks Lauca for your honesty. I 💯agree with you on keeping in touch. I feel the same way. It's rare for someone to reach out first, unless it's an ex wanting to apologize after all these years 😅
It's funny what you say about willpower because it's not a word I use ~ I think it's fallen out of favor for words like: intention, determination, and even discipline. Maybe it's just old fashioned. But I like this aspect of POWER, as in you must have it to do it! And isn't that great?
We can relate this way as well. I'm much more likely to jump in and do it and worry about the consequences later. Qigong is a great practice. I would do it more often if I was in a group, maybe because that's how I learned initially. Yoga, not so much. It feels more competitive, strangely enough, so I'd rather do it alone.
Lani, your post radiates strength, humour and soulful insight. Thank you so much for sharing your take on resilience in such grounded and accessible ways. I especially loved how you bring joy into your small daily rituals, and how honestly you speak about presence, connection and self-care as both practice and path. You’ve definitely inspired me to reflect more on my own resilience habits.
Hmm, in no particular order, I realise that I do sit for far long periods but, honestly, I don’t feel so worried about it. I’m always writing, reading, watching, listening for soul connection and also love connecting to my kindred spirits here. Agreed, Malte’s music is ab-soul-utely divine, I could listen for hours as handpan music fires my poetic imagination. I want one too!
Mother Nature, like many, is my number one go-to as the beach is only a short walk away. In the other direction, at the back of my garden, lies a valley, a river and beautiful ancient woodland. I feel so blessed to live here between land and sea. These are a few of the small ways that help me feel good. Oh, and I have to include journaling and dreamwork. Gardening is a joy when it's not too hot, like today. Thankfully we have a shady corner.
Thanks so much, Deborah, for your kind words! 🙏💗I must say it's nice to feel seen and heard. I do strongly believe in self-care and making space for that inner connection (with humor!) ~ I wish more folks would do the same.
My husband once said that the purpose of life is to feel good. Obviously, not in a hedonistic way, but I thought that was insightful. We have the means and ways, we just need to do it, but for some reason, it's something we forget to prioritize.
I'm so glad you enjoyed Malte's music! 🎶His handpan has become part of my daily routine. Listening now, in fact. 😁
You are SO LUCKY to live between land and sea. I'm more of a mountain gal myself, but who doesn't love the sound of the ocean or walking along the beach? Unfortunately, I'm in a city that's not as green as I'd like it to be, which is why I have to have all the plants inside and around my apartment! 🙌And yes to journaling and dreamwork!
Your husband sounds very wise. I did laugh when my phone buzzed and I thought to myself, here I am sat in the sun lounger journaling away! (Lol, not moving as per 'poet' usual!) 😁🤭🙃