" The Examined Life":A Reflective Classroom Teacher 7

"The Unexamined Life, Is not worth Living." Aristotle
Reflective thought has always been a part of our day. Dr. Z, my wife, often refers to the many hours of contemplative time she spent in her mother's flower garden and the benefits of that activity. On more than one occasion, she has revealed that many of her beliefs and values concerning education were first formulated in private thought and reflection among the blossoms of early spring. I am delighted to tell you that it is still the one place where my wife feels true peace and contentment. This is her sanctuary, her place for reflective thought. She mentions often that everything in that garden grows, including; herself. We do hope that you too have such a place of your own. If not find one. It will become your psychological home a place where you feel free safe to experiment without the fear of being evaluated.
On more than one occasion, I have observed my wife without her knowledge, from the kitchen window of her parents' farm, as she crawls on all fours and cared for her plants. I am always amazed to watch the tight lines around her eyes disappear and see the tension of the day, replaced with first sincerity and then joy. Find yourself such a place my friend. We all need to retreat from time to time and examine our thoughts and our behaviors. We need to be with ourselves.