There’s nothing sweeter than a heartfelt thank you note written by a child.
As teachers and counselors, we’re often so caught up in the day-to-day rush to educate and help our students, we don’t have time to recognize the impact of the good work we’re doing. While we teach children the importance of showing gratitude, we often don’t take enough time to receive all the love they bestow on us.
Some years ago, Lynea mentioned that one of the hardest parts about being a school counselor was receiving all the love that children so openly gave to her. We see it in our courses, too, when teachers resist going into the Compliment Circle – and then the tears that often come when they open up to hearing what a difference they make in our lives.
This receiving soothes our souls and fills our hearts. It reminds us of all the beauty in this world and of our boundless capacity to love and nurture others. It completes the circle.
Before you turn your full attention from your school year towards summer, we thought a few of the endearing notes Lynea received from students at Portland’s Bridger School would help remind you of the wonderful work we all are doing. (Lynea recently delivered a year of staff training and a two week residency at Bridger.) We think you’ll also love how the children added Common Core “Connectors,” “Openers,” “Transitions” and “Closings” to their writing!
Activity: Write “Rainy Day Note” to Your Classmates
Summer and holiday breaks can be stressful for some students, so one way we help them is to finish the year by writing “rainy day” notes to each other – notes for a proverbial rainy day to remind them of all the wonderful gifts they possess and their friends who care about them. You can even write them to yourself as a reminder of all the good work that you do.
Here’s a sample note written by a student at the end of our recent Yoga Calm RYT-200 Adult Yoga Teacher training:
Thank you so much for what you do in the world! We wish you a restful and rejuvenating summer.
Summer School Special!
This is the summer to become a Yoga Calm Certified Instructor – all online! Register before July 1 and get $100 off the full online certification bundle. Learn more about our exciting, effective and esteemed program.
Celebrate with us!
It’s Summer in Portland, schools are out, and it’s time to relax and celebrate! Come and celebrate with us on June 21, from 5:00-6:30 pm, at Still Meadow Retreat Center in Damascus, Oregon. Learn more about Yoga Calm for Children, meet other Yoga Calm practitioners from around the country, enjoy a refreshment, appetizers, and live music at the end of our second day of our 8th Annual Yoga Calm Summer Intensive. Our longtime friend and musician Ronnie Robins, accompanied by bassist Dave Lucas, will perform an intoxicating blend of bossa nova, samba and jazz. The event runs from 5 to 6:30pm. Spouses and children are welcome!
