Thinking about 'presence'

1/16/2019

As you are getting into the book, please share any thoughts or connections you are making. If you chose to, you might want to share what the word ‘presence’ means to you. How do you incorporate presence into your daily life and that of your students?

9 Comments

Janice Ewing

1/17/2019 03:04:46 pm

Hi All,
I'm writing in response to the Preface, Intro, and Chapter 1. There are many aspects of this book that resonate with me. First, I appreciate Lisa's vulnerability in sharing her personal experiences. That draws me in as a reader and deepens my understanding of the practices that she is sharing. Also, I appreciate the connections between working towards a mindset of presence in one's personal life, and how that connects to the classroom (no matter what the age group of the students).
I'm still thinking through my ideas about presence, but to me it seems like a way of being in touch with what's happening around me, and how best to respond or find balance. Taking time for reflection is very helpful to me. I know that can be very hard in a classroom teacher's day but so valuable! I hope others will share their ideas and reactions to the book!

Rita Sorrentino

1/17/2019 03:05:06 pm

My first thought is to contrast "presence" with multitasking. When I am constantly trying to get through a to-do list, my mind races to the next thing. To be more purposeful for me is to think about what/why I am doing something. A brief pause can remind me to attend to the task I am doing and perhaps complete it with more awareness. When I attended an elementary Catholic School many years ago, I had a teacher who encouraged us to "bless the hour" taking a brief pause with a little silent prayer as the clock chimed the hour. When I think back, it was a way to help us appreciate the importance of our efforts and give us motivation to continue. So far now, I see practicing presence as a blessing, a conscious effort to be attentive to the moment.

Janice Ewing

1/22/2019 05:36:12 pm

Rita, I thought of your comment as I read page 49. In the "Body Scan" section, Lisa talks about taking one minute per hour to focus on her breath. Then she goes to explain a three-minute relaxation technique. They both sound like healthy habits to develop.

maureen foley

1/17/2019 10:59:20 pm

Greetings friends and colleagues, I just read the preface and so identified with the overwhelming feelings Lisa Lucas describes. Can't wait to continue with my highlighter. I also agree that students learn best from teachers who are enthusiastic and enjoy what they do.

Carol Shiffrin

1/19/2019 02:19:16 pm

I actually began to breathe differently as I read Lisa Lucas’ words in the preface of the book. As the author described her experiences as an educator, especially the feelings of being overwhelmed, I felt my breath quicken in recognition. That was me! A continuous tape played in my brain repeating “What’s the next thing I have to do?” as I ran breathless from one task to another, knowing I could never complete my to-do list. It was not until years after I retired from full-time work that I was able to (partially) silence that tape!
As I read about the author’s personal quest for strategies to find meaning and pleasure in her work on a daily basis, my breath slowed down a bit. I appreciated the fact that Dr. Lucas drew from many disciplines and would be offering a variety of paths to practicing presence. I am glad because at this point, I am still trying to wrap my head around the concept of presence. I look forward to deeper understandings as I read further. My hope is that I will be able to share ideas with the teachers I supervise.

Jacqueline Meyers

1/22/2019 07:04:28 am

Most of all, I am happy that mindfulness is recognized as a part of becoming (being) an effective teacher. It is a pleasure to read this book and know that I am also working on exactly what it takes to fulfill all of my roles in life. I found my own need for presence when I read the words, "I was on role and task-switching overload" (p.25) For me, presence is the opposite of that. It is, was ,and always has been what I need to work on. So being truly in the present moment, in the present role and focusing fully on the present task, to me is presence. :) Looking forward to implementing some of Dr. Lucas's strategies to do (be) this.

Rita Sorrentino

1/26/2019 12:49:40 pm

Jacqueline,
Thanks for giving us a little mantra - present moment, present role, present task. It really helps to focus our busy minds.

Jacqueline Meyers

1/26/2019 05:15:13 pm

Thank you Rita! And your reminder about how we used to bless the hour was a great memory and reminder for me :)

Lisa Lucas

1/24/2019 02:09:40 pm

Hello All,

Just "dipping in" to see your thoughts.

I appreciate that you are attempting to define what presence might look like for you as individuals. It's a word that has many meanings.

I'm wondering if you'd like me to add you to my weekly blog? In the blog I am continuing what I'm calling The Practicing Presence Project- meaning that the journey certainly didn't end when the book was published, it's a daily practice to remain present, and in this blog I share some strategies and insights. You can e-mail me at [email protected] if you'd like to be added.

Winter Book Club

Thinking about 'presence'

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