The daily meanderings of a teacher

Bird Droppings January 17, 2017 We are neither wolf nor dog   It has been some time since I first read a book by this name written by one of my favorite authors Kent Nerburn. In much of his writing Kent Nerburn addresses the spiritual significance and depth of life of our Native Peoples. While…

Bird Droppings January 13, 2017 Are you at the center of your universe?   “Tung-shan was asked, ‘The normal mind is the way; what is the normal mind?’ He replied, ’Not picking things up along the road.’” From Teachings of Zen, edited by Thomas Cleary, © 1998   One aspect of the Zen teachings is…

Bird Droppings January 12, 2017 Looking in the direction to start the morning   “Beginnings start in the east – from where the sun rises we begin a new dawn. Each day is a good new day with a fresh beginning, a new start. East is the direction of the physical body and newness including…

Bird Droppings January 11, 2017 We should not allow teasing?   “Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, and is it true, does it improve on the silence?” Hindu proverb   So often I speak first and clean up afterwards many times simply walking away quiet generally leaving whoever I am…

Bird Droppings January 10, 2017 Trying to find a way back to normal   “Tin soldiers and Nixon coming, we’re finally on our own. This summer I hear the drumming, four dead in Ohio. Gotta get down to it soldiers are cutting us down should have been done long ago. What if you knew her…

Bird Droppings January 6, 2017 Can we say true heroism and humility are spelled the same?   Even though I am one of the worst spellers in this local area, I know heroism and humility are technically spelled differently. I will concede to using words to come up with a perhaps catchy title for my…

Bird Droppings January 5, 2017 Caring is a very precious commodity in life And some thoughts from Maxine Greene   As I am pondering my early hours today before heading to school an article dealing with charter schools and how they exclude many students. The air temperature is chilly outside and we are under a…