Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Weekend Unplugged from Technology and from Being an Educator

Those who have known me, know I have been an avid reader of Buddhist writings for the past five years. I've even tapped into some of that wisdom here on the blog from time to time. I say that not to promote that way of thought. Tonight, I thought I would just take a moment and let everyone know that I am "unplugging" this weekend. Beginning tomorrow afternoon sometime, I am passing into the mountains of North Carolina, away from cell towers and WiFi, to participate in three days of Mindfulness training and meditation. It should be a time for me, with the guidance of a teacher, explore my mind and techniques for becoming focused and aware. When I scheduled this session back in February, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for me to reflect and recharge before our school year begins next week. It is my time to not just physically unplug from technology, but also unplug from my role as an administrator too.


Please understand, I am certainly not evangelizing or promoting my beliefs here. In fact, in true Buddhist fashion, I think we all have to explore that area and settle it for ourselves. I do share the fact that I am unplugging for a couple of days, simply because I have heard people say we all should do that once in a while. I honestly can't recall the last time I was away from Twitter, blogging, and other social media for three days. I also can't recall the last time I thought of myself as someone other than a school administrator or educator. This weekend I will do both, and I would be lying if I said was not a bit apprehensive and excited about the experience.

When I started this post, I had all these ideas of posting goals, objectives, things I wanted to explore this weekend, but I think doing that kind of misses the point. I need to unplug from those things too. I need to just be and let go of any and all expectations too. Perhaps I should have just posted, "I'm unplugged." See you next week. 


I think sometimes we all need to step away from technology and our educator roles and get back in touch with who we are away from those things.

4 comments:

  1. Stepping away is not avoidance but the chance to tread a path formerly unexplored. Enjoy your unplugged weekend.

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  2. Thanks, and I did. What an experience! I hope to share some things I've learned in the coming weeks.

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  3. All the best with your retreat. Trust that your presence in that place at that time translates to greater presence in your school with your students and staff from day to day. Namaste.

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    1. Thanks. It did. Already planning another one this summer.

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