"The shortest distance between two people is a smile."
Victor Borge
You are a great teacher. I have done teacher training (for early childhood teachers) and the qualities that make good teachers are the same whatever the age or setting. You have a warm and clear communication style, you really listen to the members of the class and your responses are sensitive and enlightening. You have given us all a lot to think about and integrate into our lives. I am struck by the power of listening to each other around the circle. When people speak I think about how stressed we all are. I want to tell everyone not to feel this way and to be kind to yourself, then it comes back to me and I allow myself this advice as well. I already see how we can free ourselves from some of this with practice.
Dolly E Pedevillano, Ed.D
Director, Spring Street Preschool, Amherst MA 01002
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame,
the malice, meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
By Rumi, Translation by Coleman Barks
