It is time to get back to work. To face the students with a great smile and get ready for all the good and bad things that usually happens in a boy school.
Today we took the whole day to learn a lot about emotional intelligence, mindset thoughts and wellbeing…. but luckily we were talking about us, teachers, the ones who are supposed to be leaders inside and outside the class. We definitely need to assess ourselves first.
The wellbeing of Australia is way above the world average, yet the cost/benefit of this is horrifying. Latest stats show the Australian government spends over AUD 200 Billion on mental health issues every year. 1 in 4 students enrolled in class have problems related to anxiety, depression, adhd. Suicide in Australia? This is even more horrifying; 8 people take their lives every day. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/09/27/australias-suicide-crisis-has-peaked-to-a-terrifying-new-height_a_21480647/)
The staff development today really made me think where I am at, personally, mentally, and how I am looking after myself in order to function normally, and not end up becoming part of the statistics. Here in Sydney, particularly, I can clearly see this contradiction of wellbeing and life issues. Everyone looks so busy, in fact, everyone is really busy, its hard to hear a hello or a good morning when you are on your way to work. There is no conversation with “strangers” in a coffee shop. Actually, take away coffee is the way to go. No time to waste.
There are contradictions in every aspect of wellbeing and life. Let me give you a real example.
Morning walk along Shelly beach, Sydney Australia
Studies have proven that students would learn more effectively if they somehow relate with the teacher. that means, teachers should be more relational, rather than just a teacher. I FREAKING AGREE WITH THAT! However, here is the reality; Teachers are incredibly busy during school period that there is no way teachers can be something else than just a teacher. In my case, I love surfing, diving, outdoor, soccer… When I started teaching full-time, I barely have time for those activities that actually tell everyone who I AM! If I can’t be myself, then I will become forever JUST ANOTHER TEACHER. How on Earth am I able to relate with students, more than simply the boring relationship Student-Teacher.
I am not saying that I need time to surf with my students. But I am saying that I need to be myself first in order to effectively relate with students. They love when I talk about surf, drone, epic trips, and this is my open gate to share knowledge - to educate them.
In this contradictories, I am making up my mind that I do not belong to this system of 9-5 daily work, and the rest is family and my activities. This does not satisfy me. I think it never did.
WHAT DOES IT REALLY MATTER IN LIFE?
For me, what really matter is to be able to spend time with my family and friends, looking after my spirit and body. I am sure that the consequence of this is a wealthy life (however you define wealthiness). there are so many ways of making money nowadays… people are just not looking at the opportunities. they are TOO BUSY working to pay bills.
I wish I would be able to change something in this system, but perhaps the best way is to change myself and inspire others.
Travelling, spending time admiring nature, practice a new sport, be relational… these are things that everyone can start doing it: Why not to travel an hour from where you live?
why not go for a walk looking for a specific type of plant, or an animal and observing it in nature;
or just get an hour to play squash with a friend or your wife… why not to say good morning to someone when you are on the bus stop, to the bus driver?
Small things can make big difference.
Respect your body, eat well and be mental and spiritual wealth
My name is Wander Godinho, marine ecologist and trying to enjoy life in full! Please follow me and give me your advices too .
What other simple things can we do on a daily bases that make us wealthier.