With Gratitude: Teacher Appreciation Week

Photo: Camden Catholic High School
Yearbook  - ©1983

This is teacher appreciation week and I have been lucky enough to have so many wonderful teachers in my life who I would love to thank:

Ms. Dietenback, (K) Mrs. Mayer (1st)- Mrs. McCloy (2nd) - Mrs Murray (3rd)- Miss Drew (4th) - Mrs Whitworth (5th) - Miss Cavenaugh (6th)- Mr Lake (7th) - [ Apologies to my 8th Grade Teacher-I am drawing a blank!]

There have been so many others as well-art and music teachers as well as sport coaches - but I thought today it would  be fitting to tell you about a teacher who has educated, supported & influenced me the most on so many levels-personally, professionally and spiritually.

That person is Sr. Mary Philomena Gini.  (But I usually just call her "Aunt Ellie." )

In June, she will be retiring from 40 years at Camden Catholic High School (Cherry Hill, NJ), but  she has touched so many students and families in the nearly 20 years prior to that, not only as an educator, but also as a registrar, guidance counselor, as my paternal aunt, and as a Sister of Mercy.

In September, this amazing woman will also be honored for her sixty years of service to the Sisters of Mercy.  As one of my former classmates wrote, " I can barely commit to what I'm having for lunch-let alone 60 years to one mission!". I concur with his sentiment!

Camden Catholic was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Camden in 1887, making it 125 years old-the oldest Catholic School in South Jersey. My aunt has been *volunteering in the guidance department all these years, and  is the last Sister out of a 125 year tradition to serve there.  

*(That is right-volunteering. Sisters do not get personal financial compensation for their work-their paychecks go to support the community of sisters and each Sister receives a monthly allowance.)

As a teenager, (and a student of Camden Catholic) it seemed as if I couldn't get away from her watchful eye-and believe me, I tried! She used to tell me that I was closest she would ever have to a daughter-and so I was stuck with her-and she meant it. It was amazing that every formal dance I went to, (about 8 of them between my class's events & those of my then, boyfriend's who was a year ahead of me)  the chaperon's table was always the one RIGHT next to whatever one I was seated at! In front of my friends I would express angst & irritation,  But what I never told anyone is that it also made me feel like someone sincerely cared about me & was really looking out for me. She wanted to be involved in my life and this was her way of doing that.

My aunt is a 5 foot tall delicate balance of loving compassion and dynamic kick-ass. You never have to guess or wonder where you stand with her, she says exactly what is on her mind. She laughs as easily as she expresses displeasure. Nuns have a legendary reputation for getting wicked with rulers, but not my aunt. One look of disapproval from her is enough. She expected the best from us-especially me-but was also patient when we-and I- fell short of those high expectations. 

Her office was always crowded-and still is-with mostly football and basketball players-people just saying hello, people with something to share and people with heavy hearts. Her office was a sanctuary-a safe haven where you shared news, supported each other through rough spots and got told what you were doing right as well as what you were doing wrong. I watched her for four years, as she embraced each one of us as one of her own, and I took mental notes on how to really support people-even those who are irritating you at the moment. She has a gift-does not have any children, yet has keen insight into what a child or teen needs at any given moment, and has shown me, by her example, how to still love someone even if you don't like what they have said/done.

She never pushed religion on me-but always set a good example and answered my questions when they would come up. I think she was secretly hoping that some 'good' would rub off on me when I would spend Saturdays with her at the convent with ALL of the nuns. One of my fondest memories of high school was the environment of Peace and tranquility there among the Sisters-and although I never had a desire to enter a religious order, those early, pleasant experiences helped to shape my understanding of spirituality, inner peace-how to live simply-taking only what you need and how to focus on and stay in the moment. 

My aunt was also the first one who I went to, at 18 and in my first year of college, when I found out I was pregnant. I made some bad choices-(and some good ones) and had many challenges - some self-imposed and some not- to overcome, and  no matter how long I have gone in between phone calls, she always has a smile in her voice and good insight when I talk with her.  She knows things about me that my own parents, brother and those closest to me do not know. She has given me simple guidance, and has always believed in me even through those days when I no longer believed in myself.

The thing that inspires and impresses me most about her is that she has dedicated her entire life to something that she is passionate about and truly believes in. (And when I say her entire life, I mean it. You know how kids play "doctor" or "teacher"? Well, my aunt used to play "Nun in the convent" from the time she was about 5 years old. There are no other nuns/priests in the family who may have influenced this-so I can only conclude that it was truly a Divine Calling.)

So as we celebrate teachers this week, I want to thank her- Aunt Ellie- Sister Philomena for her love, dedication,  inspiration, & passion- for teaching, supporting and inspiring youth - and families from all over the state NJ- for sharing so much of her time, knowledge, experience, charity, unconditional love, and years of her life with all of us. 

Further Reading:

Its About the Little Things

Sisters of Mercy

Teachers: 99 Reasons to Love Them



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Loss, Compassion & Gratitude: Good People Everywhere

Photo: Expressive Arts Therapy Institute

Below is a link to a great post by my friend & fellow yoga teacher Angela at OMazing Kids yoga.

Recently, a teacher from Mexico City wrote to her and mentioned that all of her kid's yoga materials had been stolen from her car trunk, and that she had hoped to win a giveaway that Angela had written about, so she could begin to replace the (3 years worth) of lost items.

I received an e-mail from Angela asking if there was anything I could donate to help the teacher out, and I replied that I would be happy to donate one copy of each of my books, plus a downloadable copy of The 4B's Self-Calming Cards. All in all, Angela's post managed to gather more than 30 items,and counting, from the yoga community to help this teacher build her library and materials up again!

Its a good story and reminder for all of us, no matter what community you are in, because ultimately we are all in the Community of Humanity. Whether we like it or not, sometimes we depend on someone and other times, people depend on us. This is something that is vital for our kids to know, understand and to practice. Its important for them to know that there are Good People Everywhere.

What we need to remember is that no matter what your personal beliefs are, inside of every human is a spirit and a soul-the essence of that human. Our actions express that soul/essence. We are our most powerful selves, when we express ourselves through our compassionate actions-not by wielding our "awesomeness"- but by simply using it to help others when they need it; and by expressing gratitude when we need help and receive it. If there is any lesson more important to teach our kids, I can't think of one right now.

We have lost this somewhere along our evolution: getting too attached to our losses, and not expressing gratitude sincerely when its warranted. We have come to feel that there is no more good in the world & that we are entitled to things without reciprocity. We need to reverse this trend for the good of all people everywhere.

We live in a world where the media bombards us minute by minute with what they call 'news' that places a focus on all the "bad stuff" that happens around us-some of it is true and downright scary, and some of it is manipulated, manufactured and designed to test us, but what they rarely tell us is that there are absolutely (as the book says) Good People Everywhere, and I personally am grateful to have many of them in my life.

Read Angela's Post Here:
Gratitude & Loss: Blessing in the Kids Yoga Community



Contact Barbara: bodylogique.info@gmail.com 

Teachers: 99 Reasons to Love Them

This weekend as Jay and I were moving my office to a larger room in the house I found a box of old school work and photos. As I began going through these treasures, I recalled many of my classmates & all of my teachers from K-College and was filled with so many memories, some sad, but mostly happy.

There was a photo of one of my teachers (also my neighbor) who was killed in a car accident when I was in 6th grade. I was surprised at how much I rememembered about him, and that awful day that I have not thought about for so long. So may details came back in an instant.

There were also letters (HAND-written on lemon 'scratch and sniff' notepaper) that my best friend from 4th grade wrote to me. The words were carefully written and so innocent and genuine.

There were ribbons from field day, diplomas and awards, my high school jacket (my daughter has claimed that as hers now even though it has my name on it) and year books with signatures of classmates & teachers-some no longer with us- and as I looked through it all I was taken by how quickly Life flows and how many people have blessed my life in 47 years, with their friendship, their influence and their knowledge.

Many of these men and women influenced me enough to do my best in every situation and to think creatively to solve problems and leave my own signature on the world around me. Every one of them helped make me the person I am now. They all lit a fire in me that made me want to learn & to teach others to learn too. I can only hope that if they knew me today and saw my work, they would be proud of me.

I found this light-hearted article a while back and saved it. I decided that today would be a good day to post it and share it with all of you.

Many teachers still influence me today. They come to me in many forms: my students, my friends, my colleagues, strangers and even as adversaries. I have learned to appreciate every single one of them.

So to all my teachers, past, present and future: Thank you for being hard on me and not letting me do just enough to get by. Thanks for sparking interest, enthusiasm and a love of learning and for reminding me that we are all responsible for our own attitudes about learning. Thank you for making learning fun, not only through the lessons in class, but through Real  Life experiences. Thank you for helping me make so many fantastic memories.
99 Reasons Teachers Rock

*Do you have a teacher that has influenced you in a positive way? If you could see them today, what would you tell them? Tell us about him or her below (or leave them a personal message!)

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Give & Take

One of the things that yoga has taught me on so many levels is the lesson of balance. Not just in the poses, or the way I stand, sit and walk, but also in the way I contract and relax muscles as I work & move through my day. In my breathing. In my thoughts and  speech and in my every action. In my work and play and in my emotions. I've learned that there must be balance in all things.

The hardest thing I have had to learn over the years would have to be balance in my relationships, specifically in the area of  "Give and Take."

I am an oldest child. I grew up putting my needs aside to take care of my younger brother. I became a mother at 18 and again at 36 and put my needs aside to care for my children. My family raised me to be polite, compassionate & giving. They taught me to put myself in others shoes, understand and empathize with the needs of others and that the world did not revolve around only me. They taught me how to give the very best of myself at all times.

The thing they forgot to teach me though was how to take-how to receive. I've have a hard time with that, from not asking for help when I need it to not wanting to say 'no' to someone who really needs help. Its natural for me to just help whoever is asking me. Saying 'no' - and taking something instead of giving- has been one of the toughest, but most important lessons that I have learned through my life experiences. It is one that I have done my best to instill in my children.

Giving can be a wonderful thing, unless you are giving until you have nothing left. Its like draining a battery-you have to allow it to recharge once and a while in order for it to work properly. Does that sound selfish? Well, maybe it is, but selfish is not always bad unless its in excess. How can we really give to and help others if we don't recognize and take care of our own needs first? Its what we are supposed to do. Ultimately, the only one we have to answer to on this plane is ourselves and If we don't do that, then we have nothing real or substantial to give to anyone else.  It is just as important to receive than it is to give.

The intention with which we give is also just as important as how much we give. Why do we give? Out of guilt? Out of expectations of someone else? Peer pressure or social status? Because someone gave to us? Or because we have something of value to an individual or group that we want to share with them? Each type of giving feels different and will either recharge your battery or drain it.

There are many ways to give and it does not always have to be something expensive, 'as seen on TV" and gift wrapped. For all the enjoyment we get out of giving, we know that ultimately, we get tired and bored with our 'stuff,' and so do others. Most of those gifts we give and receive will wind up in a drawer or closet within the next year or so. But when we give our attention, our time, our friendship, our unique talent & memorable experiences, these are the most priceless, useful and personal gifts that money can't buy!

As we come into this season of giving, talk with children about both giving, receiving and the etiquette for both. Teach them how to strike a balance between the two. Remind your children that gifts come in many shapes and sizes and the best gift you could ever give is to help around the house or to be a good friend to someone who may be having  hard time. Teach them the proper way to ask for something-whether that means asking for help or a new video game.
If they want new toys and games, have them go through the ones they already have and give away the ones they no longer use. This has been a fall ritual for my kids and myself for about 25 years. There are many schools and organizations that will gladly take gently used items: coats, sweaters, boots, etc. along with dolls and books and other toys that sit unused in the closet or basement. It helps to make room for the new things we want-materially and symbolically. When children do this regularly and as a habit, it allows them to maintain balance. It allows them to not only to appreciate the act of giving, but also to enjoy & understand the value of receiving much more.

Most of all, set an example and allow yourself  the pleasure of receiving. Put yourself on your holiday gift list.  Accept someone's offer to help you. Say 'no' to people who cross boundaries. Shut off your cellphone and electronics for a few hours so you can have some undisturbed quiet. Do something for you. When was the last time you took yourself to a movie, a cooking class or had a spa day to yourself?  This is the time for you to do that. Pretend its from Santa.

If you don't celebrate Christmas, pretend its from all of those, known and unknown people whom you have given to and helped over the years. Its a Thank You from the Universe for all the good work you have done here. Accept it and receive it graciously and enjoy!


*What are some of the best gifts that you have given or received for the holidays or a birthday? Please tell us about it in the comments below!



Below is an article link that I saw about a 69 year old woman who has taken Giving & Receiving to the next level. I find it both interesting and fascinating although I don't know that I would have the courage to try it!   “Gib und Nimm” (Give and Take).


Read more about the spirit of giving here:
La Befana


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Gratitude & Attitude for This Body

I woke up this morning and noticed my ankles were sore. I asked myself :  "What the heck did I do yesterday?".  As I started moving around  I felt the sunburn on my arms and shoulders & I remembered yesterday's long day on my feet, out in the sun at my daughter's class trip to a Civil War Reenactment. I started to hear that self-pitying whiny complaining voice in my head that we all tune into into from time to time, so after a minute I stopped and realized that its not my body's fault. I should have used more sunscreen and I need to get a better quality sneaker to stand/walk in all day.

'Harriet Tubman' & Lauren

There were several children with walkers and in wheelchairs there yesterday, all having fun.  I however was physically able to stand on my feet all day-and in addition, I had a great time with the kids, especially my daughter. (We met "Harriet Tubman" and learned how to weave lace, march in formation and of course, shoot a cannon. ) I am grateful for the whole experience! Even the sore ankles & sunburn.

So today, as your day begins, and every day from now on, I want you to take a moment each morning -when you feel those aches & pains and recognize that complaining attitude in your head- and thank your body, no matter how it feels or what condition its in. If you have health challenges, then thank the parts of your body that are healthy.  If it sounds silly, or is a difficult thing for you to do, bear with me & do it anyway. Here is why:

We tend to focus so much on what our bodies cannot do-on our pains & limitations. We constantly remind ourselves that we are 'getting old', we ache, are out of breath & can't remember things. But think for a moment of what an amazing engineering masterpiece our body really is at any age: for starters, more than 200 bones that are stronger than concrete, that hold us upright, 600 muscles that can move in any direction and speed we want and a pump that circulates life supporting blood 1,000 times a day through more than 60,000 miles of blood vessels. We have a brain that controls it all and has the capacity to process 400 billion impulses through 45 miles of nerves in one single second!

Science tells us that our bodies also have the amazing power to regenerate all cells & tissues including cardiac & nerve fibers. With every single breath, and at every moment, renewal is going on somewhere in the body or brain.

Every single hour, one billion cells die and new ones are made to replace them. We get a new stomach and brand new skin every month. Our 206 skeleton bones renew every three months. Our liver will be brand new in about 6 weeks. In fact, in just one year's time, about 98% of all our body cells die and are replaced. Every single thing we eat, think and do, at every moment, (especially what we think) contributes in some way to our physical and emotional health so that we literally are not the same person we were a year or even a week ago.

Reflecting on just these few feats makes it clear that our bodies deserve a little-no- rather much gratitude. We were designed to experience health, movement & vitality. Health is our natural state of being, regardless of our situation or abilities, everyone can obtain health to the degree they desire, starting with gratitude then working on attitude. We have the ability & unlimited opportunity to direct our growth & our health at every moment.

For children who are developing in every way by leaps and bounds, as well as those who have delayed development due to medical or other conditions, we as parents & educators can be encouraged to know that their bodies are renewing at even a faster rate. The more we nurture their growth with healthy ideas & thoughts, nourishing natural foods, pure hydrating water, varied movement and unconditional love, the better the environment for their bodies & brains to grow more healthy.

We need to start having gratitude and appreciation for our own bodies first so that our children can learn from us. We are the example they will follow and teaching them health habits that begin with the way we think & perceive our own bodies-as naturally renewable instead of limited by physical or cognitive conditions- is where we start.

Our thoughts and comments about our health-or lack of it-become their thoughts, and that becomes their belief and ultimately their wellness programming. This programming will become their habit. Their habits will determine how far they move forward or are left behind in becoming their optimal healthiest selves. Every adult & child deserves to reach their highest, healthiest potential, and it starts with our own attitude.

For the last 10 years, I have enjoyed teaching health in the form of adaptive yoga, to children with challenges & their siblings, families & peers. By using stories, movement & art we engage & calm & ensure that all kids - of all abilities - move all those muscles; strengthen all those bones & use all possible nerve connections to learn & reach their highest, healthiest potential.

When designing this program I wanted it to be fun, something that could fit seamlessly into any schedule or environment and something that everyone could enjoy. The purpose of  "adaptive" yoga, or dance or sports is exactly that: to adapt it enough to include every one who wants to participate, so they can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits of that activity.

 Special Olympians from Perkiomen Valley

If you have ever watched a Special Olympics or a Miracle League game or adaptive dance recital you will see that the children participating are not focused on the limits they have. They just are happy to be doing what they are doing! Having fun, playing, moving-pure gratitude in the form of happiness! That is how each one of us needs to be, especially those of us who are healthy and able-bodied.

I encourage you to explore your own attitudes about your body and your health and notice what messages you are sending your students & children, especially children with adaptive needs. Be aware of your attitudes, have gratitude for your own abilities as well as those of your students & children & guide them to enjoy exploring as many forms of healthy adaptive movement as they want and as they can as the summer begins!


More Information:

BodyLogique Adaptive Movement for Kids:

Hope Dances Adaptive Dance:

Special Olympics NJ:

The Miracle League

Philadelphia Center for Adaptive Sports

 Dorothy Hamill Adaptive Skating

Surfer's Healing-A foundation for Autism
 
 
 
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Synchronicity? (Or just plain coincidence)

Last week, as I was ready to leave for a class, my 11 year old daughter suddenly decided to change her outfit. My response was pure exasperation-we had a long drive in rush hour traffic and we needed to leave now. She had plenty of time to get changed, etc. and she waited until the last minute to do so, and so we left the house a few minutes later than what I had intended. The class was a group of special needs children and it was their last class of the session. I wanted it to be special for them.

We had driven about 6 miles and suddenly were stuck in non-moving traffic. I started to get tense & to re-iterate my  "this is why we needed to leave 5 minutes before we did..."  speech.

As we slowly crawled through the line of cars, I realized that there had been an accident and I immediately softened my demeanor . At first, in the darkness, and distortion of oncoming headlights, it appeared that a fender of an SUV was lying crumpled on the road, however when I got closer to the scene I realized that it was actually what was left of a motorcycle. The driver was lying in the road nearby a parked SUV. There was a man and a woman kneeling beside him. The accident must have just happened moments before.

I instinctively pulled my car to the center island/ lane and instructed my daughter to stay in the car. (She could not actually see what was going on from where the car now was.) I got out with the intent to go & offer some assistance.

As I approached, I could see the serious extent of the young man's injuries, the distraught SUV driver, several more people who had stopped to help and saw the lights of the approaching emergency vehicles. I had to stop before I could get close enough to actually offer assistance, and go move my car as it was now in the way of the medical help this young man needed.

As I got back in my car, I was suddenly and unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion: having absorbed visually and empathically the confusion, pain and fear of those involved in that moment. The driver of the vehicle was in just as much pain as the young man who was injured. What if the driver of the SUV had driven a bit slower-(or faster) and what if the young man had taken a different route home? I also had to ask myself: had we not been delayed by Lauren's last minute wardrobe change, would we have been involved in this life changing accident? My daughter understood in an instant everything I could not verbalize just then and reached over and patted my hand and said : "Its ok mommy. Good thing we were running late!"

I am again and again humbled & reminded that many times our daily frustrations, perceived inconveniences & troubles can in reality be quite the opposite. Supposed "coincidences" seem more & more like "synchronicities"-meaningful reminders from our universe that there is a much larger force working around and through us that can give us us guidance through symbols & experiences any time we need it. We can use this information to gain perspective & understand our interactions, change our perceptions or to make better choices. We all were at that scene for a purpose at that moment: some to assist and support, and some of us to remember & understand more about what is really important in life.

During the upcoming season of  Peacefulness & Gratitude, it is my hope that everyone I know, don't know & have yet to know, can see every experience-even the 'coincidences' in their life as a part of a bigger picture, and use those experiences to live well, appreciate more and create a better world for themselves & the ones they love.



Have  a Healthy & Safe Holiday.


~Barbara


PS: The young man was seriously injured and has a long way to go to fully recover. Please keep him and everyone affected by this in your best thoughts!