Rest

A photograph looking down on two feet with socks standing on wooden steps. There are scattered fall leaves and a small pumpkin. There is an open book, a mug with coffee and a blanket on the stairs.

On the cusp of November in North America, we know that the heat and intensity of summer becomes more of a memory, less of our day to days lives. And in the Midwest where I live, the days grow darker each day. It can feel cozy and make us want to nest. It can bring feelings of loneliness or despair. Or maybe all of those feelings ebb and flow for you. I like to garden and the more I study the lifecycle of my plants and trees, the more I start to appreciate the cycle of growth and rest it has. I have started to shift slightly in my thinking about the darkness. Many seeds are dispersed at the end of summer or autumn. And then they rest. Just the potential for next year. Not having to do anything but wait for the conditions to be right to start growing.

I wonder how that might feel for us as educators- to know that we do not need to be growing and expanding all of the time? That rest might bring us into our future just as well.

What are some ways you have grown in the last few months?

How comfortable are you with resting?

What are some ways you can support yourself in this season?

A photograph of a cluster of seeds on a dead flower.