As I look back on my formative years, I can enthusiastically say that I
received a great education from dedicated teachers, who had their  student’s best
interests at heart. However, we often learned facts through memorization, which was my
least favorite method for integrating knowledge.

I have often wondered what the benefits might be if we taught
students, of all ages, relationship skills such as communication, listening to
understand, mediation, conflict resolution,  clarification of values, and ethical decision-making,
to name a few.

 In recent Journal reflections,
Erie Chapman has helped us explore a gateway into the present moment by simply
noticing the rhythm of our breathing. Interestingly, if one practices mindfulness, we may notice very subtle changes occur over time. Without any conscious effort on
our part, we naturally gravitate towards self-care and healing.  We experience less stress and fear-based
thinking with an overall sense of peaceful well-being.

As we turn our awareness to this one breath and then the
next, we may sometimes question the effectiveness of sitting with our eyes
closes.  Especially, when our mind is full
of thoughts that can distract us from settling in to a state of tranquility.
 Yet, even when I am restless, afterwards
I notice a greater calm throughout my day.

Regardless of the seeming quality of my contemplative time,
there is a deeper knowing that this practice is essential for my well-being, and so I
return again and again each morning to sit quietly and notice the ebb and
flow of my breath.

This following video illustrates the remarkable
transforming power of meditation. I applaud the teachers  of Visitacion Valley Middle School, San
Francisco for initiating a creative and innovative approach to helping
students cope with extraordinary life challenges.

~liz Sorensen Wessel

Above watercolor by ~liz