From those to whom much is given, much is expected…

I don’t know when I first heard a version of this quote, but it’s been present in my consciousness for as long as I can remember. It taps into existential guilt I feel about being born white, American and well-off. Not only did I grow up with plenty of food to eat, plenty of clothes to wear and live in a big house on a nice street, I was also well-aware that I had, as Dr. Suess says,

Brains in my head

And feet in my shoes,

I could steer myself 

Any direction I choose

My privilege, felt both as a blessing and a burden, has shaped many decisions over the years. It has led me, thank goddess, to become a teacher, but it has also led me to give my time, energy and money in ways that didn’t always align with my personality and values. I often gave because I could, attended because I should, put on heels because it seemed necessary and served because the slot was available in my schedule.

Luckily, I am experiencing one of those delicious moments that comes with age and experience, one in which I can see and appreciate the sweet crossing of my values and my ability to affect positive change. I can see clearly my role in bringing the practice of mindfulness to a greater population.

Why mindfulness?

Because it is empowering. Very simply, mindfulness means to pay attention. This practice of paying attention on purpose creates awareness. And self-awareness, without judgement, allows us to acknowledge what is:  what we feel, think, and want. Knowing our thoughts, feelings and desires allows us to make informed decisions that lead us in the direction we want to go. I see mindfulness as the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our children. The practice of mindfulness has allowed me greater clarity, ease, and freedom. Paradoxically, it has also gifted me a greater sense of connectedness.

Through my personal training and specifically via training with Mindful Schools, I have had the opportunity to teach mindfulness lessons to 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students across Omaha. In these classes students learn breath and body awareness, practice mindful listening, seeing and moving, and develop skills to help them focus their thoughts and attention. Upon completing the classes, students report greater levels of happiness, emotional sovereignty and an increased ability to focus.

Recently I have begun to work with a 501c3 non-profit organization, Wisdom House Collaborative, and we are raising scholarship funds for school teachers, counselors and administrators to take the Mindful Schools courses I have taken. These school leaders will receive support creating their own mindfulness practices as well as guidance teaching mindfulness skills to their students.

If you, your organization, business, or school PTA group would like more information about mindfulness, mindfulness training, or how to support interested local school teachers in their training, please reach out. I am happy to meet for coffee or come present to your group or school the benefits of mindfulness and the outreach of Wisdom House.

If you are interested and ready to financially help bring mindfulness to a metro area school, Wisdom House Collaborative has a PayPal donation button on their homepage, and/or I am happy to pick up and deliver your donation, 100% of which will go to providing mindfulness training to education faculty and staff. $75 will pay for a teacher to complete the  introductory 6-week Mindfulness Fundamentals course, and $250 will pay for a teacher to continue on with the Mindful Educator Essentials course.

I truly believe mindfulness has the power to positively affect individuals, families, schools, communities and our entire globe.

We may not all be born on an equal playing field, but we all have the potential to become more aware, giving us greater power to steer ourselves any direction we choose.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you are moved to give.

Mindfully yours,

Katie