Life's Fragile Moment

While it has been a few weeks since #NCTE16, I continue to reflect on the learning that occurred each day. There were many joyous events from the rekindling of friendships to new opportunities to notice and wonder. There were also a few solitary moments when I just needed to stop to savor the beauty of life. The reflecting pool at the Georgia World Congress Center allowed me a few moments of tranquililty on my way to my roundtable team's presentation, Authentic Voice in a Digital World: Using Technological in Our Literate Lives.

This #imagepoem is offered to Mary Lee Hahn for her #haikuforhealing challenge.

Stepping back into NCTE 16's world of learning has brought me to reflect on the slowing down of time. While it is normal to run from one event to another while at a large conference, in our daily routine it is important to slow down to savor life.

As the day comes to a close, quiet time brings writing time and so I compose my thoughts:

Reflective teachers are mindful of the fragility of life.

Each day they don the garb of zen masters

who listen, learn, and grow in wisdom.

True to self, as awakeners with purpose and patience,

they guide their students onto paths of

wonder, exploration, and discovery.

As facilitators, they provide authentic

opportunities where risk-taking is

encouraged and all voices honored.

Life calls each one of us to find the right mix of professional and personal life to enjoy. Being present in the moment is a gift we can give ourselves.

If you miss the present moment, you miss your appointment with life. That is very serious!" ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Today is Slice of Life Tuesday so please visit Two Writing Teachers here if you would like to read what other slicers are slicing about.