The mindful teacher

Photo by Matheo JBT on Unsplash In March I offered an e nso workshop for art teachers in my district. We had a great time that included discussion, mindful breathing,  lots of painting and generally making a mess of things. We talked about how enso painting fits into a Japanese aesthetic context, and how it is also relates to the "action painters" of abstract expressionism . Especially relevant is  the notion of   wabi-sabi ,  the embracing of change and imperfection.  We began the practice part of our workshop with some focused, mindful breathing, to help us become fully present. The silence was refreshing  after a very busy school day. I then demonstrated the traditional enso, where the artist completes a circle in  one focused movement. I also showed examples of ensos that I had done in other media, or combinations of media, to illustrate creative options for elaboration. After some practice on newsprint, my colleagues immediately began playing with heavier- weight pape

On a recent spring afternoon, our 6th grade team took students to Kelley farm in Elk River. It is called a "living history" farm because it is still actively raising crops and animals, in addition to giving tours to educational groups  After a week of rain and clouds, the sun shone brilliantly, and a cool breeze provided refreshment. Not surprisingly, the kids were excited to be out of the classroom and exploring a very different type of environs. For many, it was clear that this was an entirely new experience.  Most modern classrooms are pretty sterile experiences. Windows are locked and sealed, animals have been banned, and there are few signs of natural life, other than the humans involved. The lighting is the bland florescent type.  Out on the farm, however, the senses come alive. Breezes brushed our cheeks and hair; the smell of manure graced our entrance to many of the exhibits; the cavernous, natural lighting gave a beautiful depth to the faces of the guides as th