Spirit Journey: SINCERITY
The word “sincere” is from the Latin word for “whole” or “one growth”. An often repeated folk etymology proposes that sincere is derived from the Latin sine = without, cera = wax. According to one popular explanation, dishonest sculptors in Rome or Greece would cover flaws in their work with wax to deceive the viewer; therefore, a sculpture “without wax” would mean honesty in its perfection.
Perfection. How many of us fall victim to this luring illusion that seems to promise us a feeling of wholeness and completeness? How many of us expect this from our students? We are all shooting for that 100%, right?
Why are we afraid to be vulnerable and flawed? Why can’t we be authentic and true to ourselves?
Some of the greatest teachers I know embody authenticity and vulnerability and model these characteristics for their students. As a result, profound relationships and learning flourish and grow in these classrooms.
No “waxing over” things and filling in holes, cracks or gaps in children or teachers in order to create an illusion of perfection. The cracks or holes are the parts of us that let the light shine through. The cracks/holes/flaws are what is authentic about each of us, and it is through these cracks and the cracks of others that compassion seeps out and creates a coating of loving kindness. No wax necessary!
So, how can we bring more sincerity into the classroom?
No competition. No professional jealousy. No judgments, shaming, blaming, finger pointing, projection or passive-aggressive behaviors or comments. These are toxic, degrading behaviors that can destroy morale, beliefs, motivation and vision. Education should build people up, not destroy and take them down.
Instead, this is what sincerity looks like and how we can be whole and grow together:
- Always do your best and know in your heart that that is enough.
- Look for the good in others and know that they are doing the best they can given the circumstances.
- Be honest and true to yourself and to others at school.
- Reach out and lend a hand or ask for a hand to help hold things together.
- Share an open heart and an open mind of acceptance.
- Let go of that 100% mindset and try a growth mindset approach.
- Lift your spirit and that of others through praise, support, encouragement and inspiration.
- Make a commitment to the best practices of loving kindness and compassion for all people and all situations.
- Be vulnerable and ask for what you need, want or desire in any given situation or moment.
- Trust and have faith that everything that happens is a learning opportunity to grow greater in our abilities, insights and wisdom.
- Invite and allow authentic, personalized learning experiences for everyone in the classroom, including yourself.
- Let it go and don’t allow yourself or your creativity to be frozen by the unknown or by the criticism and judgment of others.
- Make decisions with your best intentions, especially when it comes to what you need or what the children need and not from what is being asked from a checklist, formal assessment or a scripted lesson plan passed down to you.
Finally, follow the SPIRIT of teaching by adding them to your lesson plan book. By writing them into your plans, you will set your intentions from the heart. In turn, your heart will communicate via the Vagus nerve to your brain and raise your awareness. This is how we develop best practices!
This is what SINCERITY would look like in your lesson plan book for the day:
Essential question for today:
How can I bring more loving kindness and compassion into the classroom today?
Can Do Statements:
I am curious to discover each child’s “cracks” as well as my own.
I will embrace all “gifts of imperfection” in myself and others.
I will “differentiate” my lesson, and then, embrace the unique gifts of each individual student.
Best practices for today:
Implement SEL practices into my lessons.
Take a mindfulness break-brain break with my students. Play and laugh.
Take time to check in with each student and see how they are doing and what they need.
Learn more about the Vagus nerve here
For more ideas, guidance and support to bring SINCERITY into your classroom, go here.
Inspirational songs:
2. This Is Me (The Greatest Showman)
Picture credit:
“Jon’s Bust” by FotoGrazio is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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