"It is joy by which the labor that will make the life that I want, possible. It is not at all puzzling to me that joy is possible in the midst of difficulty." - Ross Gay
Image: A view from the field. Grateful for every day we can be in school. (© Spelic)
November and wow...
I have been thinking about this particular edition of Bending The Arc for a while. There are a number of themes on my conceptual docket that I look forward to offering you like STEM and social justice, processing the US Presidential election and upcoming PD opportunities. But, truth be told, I am just not up to it at the moment. And I can imagine that many of us are in a state and stage of survival mode that allows us to accomplish the necessary and that may be about it.
Given that, I want to acknowledge our reality and share a few possibilities for your personal edification - not necessarily for the classroom or your students - but instead for your peace, pleasure and/or learning. Enjoy!
Music can be a genuine source of relaxation. For me, listening to music from back in the day tends to relieve my immediate stress by just reminding me of happier times. Here are two playlists I created last year as part of the #31 Days BIPOC Blog series:
Pop Playlist
R&B / Soul Playlist
It can be challenging to rest enough, to rest well, and simply to rest. I recommend tuning in to the work of The Nap Ministry on IG or Twitter.
As a creative distraction, challenge or opportunity, consider these Math Art Challenges offered by math educator Annie Perkins to soothe and stimulate the mind.
And as a life-affirming listen I invite you to take time for this podcast with poet Ross Gay, "Tending Joy And Practicing Delight".
My wish for all of us in these times of extended uncertainty is to find pockets of peace and serenity as we need them. I hope you find something here that speaks to you.
Take care, friends.
Sherri