What Works: Cultivating presence - Busted Halo

What Works: Cultivating presence - Busted Halo


Part of the reason I moved to Alaska is summed up in this article. Think about the idea of taking a step back and, to honor the metaphor, watch the river from afar. There's something to be said about observing many ideas, entertaining them, but not becoming consumed with any one thought. I'd like to hear what you think!

Re: Chelsy: A daily dose of West A

Chelsy: A daily dose of West A: West Allegheny High School seemed like a good place to be. Lately it seems like we aren't unable to do anything without being under constant...

Chelsy's post stood out, and I'd thought I should share her blog as one to emulate. However, the real power of blogging is not only to put oneself out there but also respond and generate an ongoing conversation in order to "make sense" of a particular situation.

 I'd like to provide a teacher perspective on how she and other students in general feel scrutinized.  Personally, I think the entire community should become more involved with teenagers’ lives, including teachers.  Knowing what kids are doing is, well, parents’ and teachers’ responsibility, no?  There must be common ground for students to acknowledge that an appropriate level of observation is acceptable and in fact necessary.  I love seeing the excitement from the student section during football games.  Should I turn a blind eye, however, if I suspect foul behavior?  Many times, I feel like I can be more of a teacher outside of school in that the lessons learned aren’t for a measly grade, but life.  Thoughts?

Journaling - I mean blogging - I mean blojouring, I mean...

So it's been a few days since we've commenced operation blogger and I have to say that despite a few setbacks and tribulations, we are having success.  I'm excited to see everyone take ownership for his/her blog and make it unique: themes, pictures, and of course creative posts.  Don't think for a minute that you don't have a story to share because we all do.  Sometimes we just don't feel like we have the appropriate forum, but I digress.

There are loads of resources to help get you underway, but the most important aspect to consider is simply, "What's on your mind?"  Check out http://www.ehow.com/how_5112040_journal-effectively.html from eHow for a list of commonly used questions to consider.  Your goal should include writing for 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted word-vomit.

Don't:
-Worry about editing
-Hesitate to go off topic
-Confine yourself to the rules of grammar
-Allow distractions (including iPods) to deter you from writing

Do:
-Dig deep and put to words everything that comes to mind
-Go back and reread after fifteen minutes and ask, "Is there anything else?"
-Generate a list of questions to consider in the future

So, let's get this underway.  In addition to to the questions from eHow, please "comment" on this blog with further suggestions for your peers.  Perhaps, we can collectively agree upon an issue that's plaguing West A and generate an on-going conversation.

Are you having trouble "Following" other blogs?

Technology is one of those "it's-awesome-when-it-works-but-is-frustrating-when-it-doesn't" tools. In fact, many teachers completely steer away from tech because of fear of it failing.  Well, technology isn’t perfect, but show me a perfect alternative and I’ll be sure to listen.

 After reading some blogs about blogger issues, I’ve learned that www.blogger.com has known internet browsing problems, particularly with logging-in.  The workaround is to delete all internet cookies and clear the cache.  While your web browser is open on blogger, sign out if you haven’t already. Click Tools: Internet Options: Delete (browsing history).  Before signing in, ensure that the check box “Stay signed in” is NOT marked.  You should be able to view other blogs and see a “Follow” button at the top of the screen.

Best of luck!

Mr. Denk

Walking

The lichen at my feet still reminds me of coral; it’s soft to the touch and malleable like a damp sponge.  I often stick to the beaten path, one maintained by yours truly, so as not to disrupt the moss and tundra tea.  But temptation lures me aside, manifested by the soft hum of 60 degrees and the sounds of determination from the creek below.  Thoreau speaks of walking; it is here I finally listened.

I’m not so much surveying the landscape as I am engraining this moment in my very being.  If, upon my imminent return, one throws a quick glance coupled with a passing comment, “You seem different,” I’ll surely be flooded with the remembrance of silent serenity where one’s thoughts are absorbed and lost in the vast tundra.  “I am different.”

Christopher McCandless: Two years he walks the earth. No phone, no pool, no pets, no cigarettes. Ultimate freedom. An extremist. An aesthetic voyager whose home is the road. Escaped from Atlanta. Thou shalt not return, 'cause "the West is the best." And now after two rambling years comes the final and greatest adventure. The climactic battle to kill the false being within and victoriously conclude the spiritual pilgrimage. Ten days and nights of freight trains and hitchhiking bring him to the Great White North. No longer to be poisoned by civilization he flees, and walks alone upon the land to become lost in the wild. - Alexander Supertramp May 1992
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