Have a Sweet Summer

Get out there and enjoy yourself!

Lots of love - KC

Today:

You're a genius!

P.S. Just a little humor.

The Way of the Great

Challenge of the day: Consciously shift your perspective and become aligned with your own inner greatness.

OK, maybe that sounds really abstract....

What would happen if instead of thinking of yourself as average (maybe you never do?), you started thinking of yourself as infinitely great? After all, you are made of the same stuff that flows throughout the entire universe, causing the sun to rise and the flowers to bloom. So embody it!

From a perspective of greatness, more greatness emerges.

Trust in your own greatness. Allow it to emerge and discover where you can be led.


BONUS:

"Power Posing"

Did you know that if you take 2 minutes to stand in a 'power pose' your cortisone levels decrease, your testosterone levels increase, and you actually feel more powerful. What an easy way to boost your own confidence (or just show those kids who is boss!)! An example of a power pose might be standing with your feet apart, your hands on your hips, and your head held tall. Go ahead - try it!



P.S. Just for fun:

Got to love a good lip synch-er.

Getting groovy with your workout.

Living with Intention

Work hard. Be nice.

We live by a simple yet powerful manifesto here at KIPP. Creating a personal manifesto can be an effective way to bring more intention into the things you do everyday.

Take time today to think about what you value. What would your personal manifesto look like?

Here are a few that others have created to give you inspiration:

Bonus: Candy Chang's art installation chalkboard in New Orleans encourages visitors to call to mind what's important to them and then pursue it.

Goals

And here we are racing toward the end of that road! As the end approaches the tendency is to either grunt and push through, or curl your fingers around the rim of the boat and hold on tight. 

Either way, the end is fast approaching - so why not relish it?

What can you do today to reignite your enthusiasm? 

Be light and have fun!

And since the culmination of a school year evokes reflection on the gains achieved (or possibly judgement upon those not quite actualized), remember: the fruits of our labor are not always apparent to our immediate satisfaction, but may be realized down the road in unexpected ways. 

Unclench

Oh the woes of this little girl with her electric blue ice cream cone. She is most likely contemplating the effects of the locust infestation in Madagascar.

Have you ever caught yourself frowning, clenching your teeth, or shrugging your shoulders up tight to your ears, for no apparent reason at all? Sometimes tension can creep up on you in an uninvited sneaky fashion.
Our inner thoughts are reflected outwardly on our face and in our bodies.

"We are what we think, all that we are arrises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world." - Budda

Your life is great! Don't you believe it?
So allow your thoughts to reflect that truth and unfurl your brow.

Forehead wrinkles aren't helping anyone.

              

Your homework:                      And something to make you smile:

     

               
               

Get Dirty

Happy Earth Day!

Take your shoes off and walk around barefoot on the grass - it's called Earthing.

Love your earth and feel free to get a little dirty.

Play

Student: Why is Mr. Anderson acting like a kid?
We both gaze across the playground to observe Scott Anderson, romping across the playscape, followed by a trail of children.
Me: Even adults need to play.

Have fun this week!

Kids!

This week: Here's to kids! To the explorers, to the artists, and to the most authentic and spontaneous people you will ever meet.

We toil tirelessly developing lessons and creating fun learning expereinces for these quirky little people. As much as we are afforded the opportunity to teach them with every lesson we plan, every word we say, and every gesture we make - I am constantly astounded by how much they are teaching us!

In front of you sits 22 tiny teachers. What are you learning from them?

A few worthy "kid" related items:

This kid is incredible. And so is this one.

Kid logic.

The most coveted treasures from around the world.

Hit n Run Hugs (my favorite thing about being at KIPP).

Kids answer questions.

Spring Cleaning

True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.Antoine de Saint-Exupery

March 20th marks the Spring Equinox and the official start of the season. Pause for reflection and notice what is beginning to stir inside of you. Often times old thought patterns that no longer serve still reside, floating under the surface, and newness begins to emerge, searching for a place to take root.
If Winter staleness still lingers, now it the time to release it. Now is the time to make room for new growth.
Set an intention for yourself this spring and clear out a space for this intention to bloom.
Maybe your intention is to draw more love or joy into your life. To laugh more or to show up as a more supportive friend. Whatever it may be, here is a suggestion to ponder:

That which you wish to experience, cause another to experience. 

Two ways to cleanse:

Mental:
Since positive thought patterns support optimum health and well being, clear you mind with a simple morning meditation - even YOU have one minute.

Physical:
Do your body a favor and clean out the gunk! Try this:

- Lemon juice in warm water upon waking up
- A glowing green smoothie
- Exercise - sweat it out! (exercises with abdominal twists are especially detoxifying
- Lots of sweet pure water

Plus 10 foods to put some pep in your step as you enjoy the extra daylight hours.

Worthwhile Things

Let's face it, we are all on a countdown to Spring Break. You are pushing hard to make it through this week, and you will make it through if you just hang tight. 

But what if you didn't just push through? What if you took the time to really enjoy each day?

Here is your homework (No, seriously, do this):

Make a list of the little things in life that make you happy or maybe just bring a smile to your face. Then, either begin to integrate these happy practices into your everyday, or simply notice that when you place your attention on theses things their happiness generating factor is amplified. 

Here are a few of mine:

1. Clean sheets
2. Sticking my face in the warm clothes fresh from the dryer
3. The way the sun comes in through my windows in the morning
4. Biking on a sunny day (especially downhill, kicking one leg out behind me)
5. Drinking yerba mate from my gourd
6. Runny fried eggs with honey on toast
7. Candlelit yoga
8. The quotes on my tea bag
9. My orchid and the fresh flowers that my roommate brings home and puts in old tin cans
10. Farmer’s markets
11. Free samples
12. Driving with the heater on and the windows down
13. A great new song to chill out to
14. A great new song to sing along with and pretend I'm giving a rock concert
15. Coffee mugs that I can wrap two hands around
16. Reading books in bed 
17. Really good hugs

P.S.
10 suggestions to practice everyday for a (possibly) more joyful existence.


P.P.S.
How to be beautiful according to Roald Dhal:

Brain Juice - Hooray for Creativity!

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

~ Jim Rohn

We are all so lucky to be afforded the opportunity to be creative every single day. But what's more, we are surrounded by talented, creative, and inspiring people. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each and everyone of you for allowing your creative juices to drip off your brow and flicked in my direction.

Speaking of creativity, here are two really neat innovations:


       Google Glasses: 

3D Drawing?!:

 

 

And for when the creative juices have run dry, here are some ideas to find that spark:

P.S: The Zilker Kite Festival is this coming weekend - woo hoo! So grab your picnic blanket and bike on over!

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

 

 

 

“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.”
~ William Feather

At the turn of 2013 we returned to the classroom refreshed and invigorated, ready to take on any challenge that may rear its' ugly head with our indestructable positive mental attitudes. Yes! Teacher conquers all!
However... now that February has descended upon us in its typical slump-inducing style, have those sparkly thoughts lost a bit of their shine?
Don't fret! The dreary fog will undoubtedly clear (eventually at least).
Looking to expedite the process or feeling extra zesty? Why not mix up your routine and try something new. Here are some ideas to clear the fog:

Eat.
Wouldn't you drool for this? But be honest, you are never going to make it, so why not head here instead?

Or how about a coffee alternative to perk up your morning?

Maybe it's time you try a new restaurant? Whether it's a trailer, a cuisine you are unfamiliar with, or an Austin restaurant that is making tummies grumble all of the USA, take your pick!


Watch and Listen.
For something classically awesome and hilarious try this.

Or if you are looking for brain food try this or this (go ahead and listen again even if you have already seen them).


Do.
Art or music or food or fitness.

You've Got the Love

With Valentine's Day situated at the end of the school week, love is in the air. Joy is love and love is joyful! So allow your heart to swell.

 

 

Even after all this time
The sun has never told the earth

“you owe me”

Look at what happens with a love like that,

It lights up the whole sky

-Hafiz

 

Thoughts:

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live” – Thomas Jefferson

Share your feelings in a big way.

Is this what you really love?

Adorn yourself with love.

I am in Friend-Love with you.

Love bites. Yum.

And for all you single women out there, just be happy you don't have to date these guys.

Pep Talk

There is no getting around it, a lot of grief, misery and sadness exists in our world. 

What's the point of positive thinking? How can we be happy if there is so much misery permeating?

I have a friend that lives in a perpetual state of mild depression because he feels so effected by the misfortune in the lives of others and powerless to help them. He often feels guilty when he is enjoying the pleasures of his own life because he is aware that many people will never have opportunities such as his.
Some would call him a bleeding heart and honor his compassion.
I call him (to put it rather crudely), an idiot.

If his true intention is to alleviate the suffering of others, then dwelling upon their anguish is counter-productive and only contributes to the problem.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

-Confucius

Every man must walk his own path. Honor the path of another, however backward it may seem, and offer him an alternative with your own Self as an example.
KIPPsters are too bright to fall subject to the traps of guilt and despair as a mechanism for dealing with adversity. We are doers, we are changers, and we are the cesspools of inspiration. (That's right friends, cesspools, i.e. where the stickiest, most infectious form of inspiration is bred.)

Speak Up!

“ Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes—goodwill among men and peace on earth.” ~ Albert Einstein

This posting is a reminder to utilize one of the most powerful weapons in your arsenal... Your voice! .

Use it honestly. Let your words reflect truth and be a beacon of sincerity.

Use it kindly. Let your words spread cheer!

Use it wisely. When that little voice inside begins to bid for attention, don't ignore it! Allow that voice to give rise to your heart's desire. Speak up, share it, own it.

And lastly. Use it joyfully. Sing and partake in the glorious melody of your windpipes!
Not a singer you say? Well, here is a song that's funny to watch:

Still need a little inspiration? Here is a man who used his voice powerfully:

P.S.

THIS is joy:

P.P.S.

A pinch of humor:


If Dr. Seuss books were titled more like academic journal articles, that might look something like this:

Stoke Your Fire

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.
Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into the flames of achievement."
 - Golda Meir

Well said Golda. 

So stoke the fire! What causes your heart to quicken or the corners of your mouth to lift?

Perhaps there will be days (or years, or months) when your inner fire will dwindle to a smoldering ember and you may forget for what your heart burns. So step away from yourself and listen. Leave the image of who you should be behind, sit naked at the edge of your bed, and listen to the whispers that arise from within. Trust yourself. Then catch the whispers and fan them into a rip-roaring audacious flame.

.......Or else, take a page out of Jessica’s book, shout affirmations at yourself in the mirror each morning, and notice how your spirits lift.

P.S.
A little humor.... (I was skeptical too, just watch it)

Swedish director Johannes Nyholm made this hilarious short film, starring his baby, about a middle-aged woman on vacation trashing a bar.

You are who you are! But who are you?

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.
-Lao Tzu

Take a moment today and think about the person you are choosing to be. Do your words, thoughts, and actions reflect this person? Are they leading you to a place you'd like to end up?

With each new moment we have the ability to choose who we want to be. So choose to be radiant. Choose to be brilliant. Choose to be loving. Choose to be courageous.

 

Shine bright so that all of those around you may bask in the glow and feel inspired. Let them be uplifted by your very presence. Today, serve the world by choosing to be your most radiant, most powerful self.

And be blown away by just how magnificent you are.

EnJOY yourself!

The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.
Robert Green Ingersoll

Greetings from the KIPP Joy committee!

As we begin 2013 and enter into our second semester, let's remember to do so with abundant joy! Because let's face it, life is more fun that way.
Remember that taking care of yourself, not only benefits you individually, but is a gift to all those around you. Share yourself joyously with your students, your co-teachers, and all of us here at KACD. Take time to nourish yourself this week in whatever capacity you choose. Excercise, sleep, meditate on good thoughts, read, write, sing, play, laugh, or ......Dance!

 

Welcome Back!

 

(Please post comments and feel free to email members of the KIPP Joy committee with fun tid-bits you'd like to share!)