We are in a sentimental mood as Krista gets married this weekend!
Continuing with our theme on adults as learners + sentimental mood = discussion of courage.
Researcher Brene Brown explains courage and vulnerability in this video. She says that the original meaning of courage is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart. Isn’t that nice? We need the courage to be imperfect in order for connection to happen. We have to fully embrace vulnerability because it is the birthplace of creativity, joy and love.
Dr. Brown says in order for connection to happen we have to:
1) Allow ourselves to be seen. Really seen.
2) Love with our whole hearts even when there is no guarantee.
3) Practice gratitude and joy because feeling vulnerable means we’re alive.
4) Tell ourselves that we are enough. Because when we do we stop screaming and start listening. We are kinder and gentler to ourselves and others.
Isn’t this appropriate advice both for us as we strive to put ourselves in a state of learning as well as to celebrate a marriage?
We started this blog in the hopes of having a conversation. The vast majority of you view our posts but don’t leave comments. We ask that you have the courage to be seen and join the conversation. 🙂
What act of courage in the context of “being truly seen” have you practiced recently?
We’ll get it started below.
Today I will admit that I overreacted to something a few days ago and apologize to the person. -Julie
Yesterday I shared with a colleague how something he did truly upset me. It was scary to be so honest with my feelings. -Juliet
2) Love with our whole hearts even when there is no guarantee.
I’m in the loving mood! Thanks for the shoutout.
You are a lucky guy, Craig! Take care of our Krista. 🙂
Happy Wedding Krista & Craig!!!!!!
1. Today I shared with an administrator what I thought were the strengths and weaknesses of the school. She was very receptive–particularly of a point that was critical of her in particular. I was impressed with her receptiveness and non-defensiveness.
2. A couple of days ago I made an appointment with a mediator to help me share with a staff member about how the way she treated me 3 years ago (in an official school capacity) continues to hurt me today.
3. My students make me feel humble regularly when, after I am convinced I have planned THE PERFECT lesson, I suddenly realize in the middle of class that the students have missed a key point or are even totally lost! It takes courage to acknowledge to myself that I or the lesson has failed miserably and it is back to the drawing board to re-think it!
Thank you for sharing, Ayo. Very courageous. The third one is my favorite. Continuous learning. Humility without defeat. 🙂
I love what Dr. Brown was saying about vulnerability with regards to raising and teaching children. That the main goal is not to make them perfect but to teach them that they are worthy of everything that comes with being alive, both the good and the bad stuff. I loved the video. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for your comments, Kate! Hmmm….it’s got me thinking. How can we incorporate this idea of worthiness into our everyday teaching practice? I’ve been trying to change the culture around getting to the “right answer” as the ultimate goal. Helping kids explore, take risks, learn from their mistakes. It’s hard to combat the standards & test-driven reality. Any thoughts on how we do it?