Keep Calm and Run On

One week ago I was working from home as well because school was called for an ice day. I then went to vote, saw my chiropractor, went to dinner and a show with my husband.

I was counting down the days to spring break. A conference I was planning to attend had been cancelled, but that was hundreds of miles away.

One week. My reality has certainly shifted. Sure, hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes were delivered to our classrooms, and all educators began sanitizing their spaces and reminding students about good hygiene. But life went on as normal.

It was not until Thursday that things started to get weird. High School games were first limiting spectators, then the same day, cancelled. We were briefed on a possible closing, then suddenly at 11pm a done deal.

There was so much to do, and so many instructions to pass on to so many students that there was no time to think or worry beyond how to best be educators. How will we stay in touch? What materials do you need?

Now in this vacuum with time and unaccustomed quiet we are questioning what it even means to be an educator, what does that role entail at this time. So much more than the curriculum we teach. We read in the eyes of our students how they are feeling, if they are ok. We help to calm them when the world is crazy.

I am worried that we took familiar faces and trusted adults out of the picture so unexpectedly. That is why I am up at 7am posting art challenge videos on the internet. It is something, not the quality engagement I would like to give them, but something.

When I entered this field over 16 years ago I remember having a hard time once I built the momentum to slow and stop. I was in teacher mode and couldn’t stop on the weekends. I asked someone how the veteran teachers turn it off and I was told “they don’t”.

I’ve learned to turn it down in the summer, but I still teach at art camp, I still coach and train. I’ve learned to harness it, this instinct to instruct, facilitate, organize, be in constant motion.

But this is not summer, it’s March! This is completely different, and I still feel the need to teach. Don’t get me wrong I like a day off as anyone does, but I am having a little bit of withdrawal from my work, and it’s only officially day 2.

This has felt very unreal and disorienting on so many levels. It was only yesterday on my run that I was able to feel into a sense of peace. The cool fresh air on my skin and in my lungs helped to ground me.

Our gym is closed so I can’t swim, but I am blessed to have the space for my trainer and bike in the garage and beautiful, sparsely populated back roads to run on.

That is my advice to you. When you are feeling anxious, or a case of cabin fever starts to take you, go out and breathe the fresh outdoor air. Work your muscles until your mind is forced to quiet. Keep calm and run on, and run on to keep calm.