Breathe First

Have you ever been so rushed to get someplace that you didn’t have enough time to stop and get gas?   It’s ironic that the most necessary thing could be the very thing you neglected. 

Many of us rush through the day neglecting ourselves the same way we neglect our gas tanks.  When you consider the consequences that come from little things it’s easy to see there are no little things. 

As teachers you are caregivers and nurturers but who nurtures you? 

The answer is you.  You have to make a dedicated plan to take care of yourself first.  Just like the emergency instructions on every air flight to fit the oxygen mask over your own face first in life you must also make sure your breathe first. 

There are four dimensions of renewal that should become part of your day.  The first is the physical.  Caring effectively for your physical body you need to eat well, get sufficient rest, and regular exercise.  Making excuses about building wellness only ensures that at a critical time you will run out of gas. 

The second dimension is the mental.  When you become a life long learner you enhance and enrich your own teaching abilities.  Stimulating the mind by learning new things will make you more alert and responsive.  By challenging the mind you will discover that you are able to solve problems with less stress.

The third dimension is the spiritual.  The spiritual invites meaning and purpose into your life.  It also reinforces your commitment to your own mission and values.  Paying attention to the spiritual means connecting to what inspires you, nature, music, art, literature, all help you cultivate a richer life.

The fourth dimension is the social and emotional renewal.  It means keeping and improving your relationships.  Honoring your relationships means you keep them in constant repair.  You attend to the courtesies, listen for understanding, keep commitments and sincerely apologize when you make a mistake. 

Renewal is a lifetime journey with a million little steps.  When you practice this you maintain and improve the things that will help you accomplish your work and other desires.   Your mind, body and spirit will help you realize your goals.  A happy and healthy life is the result of taking care of you first.