On this Teachers’ day

It is Teachers’ Day in India today. On this sacred day, Teachers are celebrated, appreciated and honored in India. As a teacher myself now, I am humbled by the realization that I don’t teach topics or content. I teach who I am. This realization is not my own. It has come to me through experience and the teaching of another teacher. I owe this one to Parker Palmer.

As I think about my own growth as a teacher I am reminded of the teachers who are represented in my own work, because they taught me by being who they are. Out of reverence for all those who nurtured me, I want to bring awareness to their ideas, actions, movement and stillness …

… You teach not subjects and topics but rather you teach who you are

… If there is love in your heart, do what you will, it will always be right

… There is a difference between intellect and intelligence. The former can be trained through techniques; the latter is a movement of the whole being.

… Lasting teaching is like sugar in tea. Sugar makes the tea sweet even though it is not visible. Good teaching is also invisible.

… A teacher’s work lies in creating the environment in which inspiring interactions can lead to meaningful learning

… Whatever you do, don’t ever shame or embarrass a child

… If you hope to nurture life-long learners, be one yourself

… Moving teaching comes from constant learning

… There is no path or method to discovering the truth

… There can be no method, no universal path to teaching and learning that is real, connected to real living and learning

… To be seen as a teacher is to see someone inspired by your humility and touched by your humanity

I have deep gratitude towards my many teachers who shared their hearts and their souls with me.

Namaste.