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: