How do you attempt to “Be In The Moment” as you teach?
“Being in the Moment” for me is being self-aware. It is about how I’m feeling, how I’m breathing, am I fearful or feeling joyful, am I aware of the people in the room with me, how I’m listening to them or am I distracted, am I curious or disengaged, am I aware of the energy in the room or am I ignoring what my gut tells me? Whenever I feel distracted I take a moment to pause, take a breath, and re-establish my focus. I want people to feel that their participation in the educational conversation is important and that what they do matters. When people feel they are being heard and seen, then a lot of great things happen.
What does your “Radical Self-Care” look like?
When I first wake up I take ten deep breathes and slowly breathe out, drink a huge glass of water, do fifteen minutes of stretching/yoga, journal (asking myself “What am I grateful for?”), have a good breakfast, and then get ready for the day. At night I have a good dinner, take time for one of my many hobbies, read for one of my courses or for pleasure, journal on what I accomplished that added value for me, my family and the projects I’m involved in. I rarely watch television nor do I go on my computer at night. On the weekends, I try to unplug taking more time with family, friends, and nature.
When has the ability to say No to something helped you in your role as a Zen Teacher as a vehicle for simplification and focus?
This is a work in progress. I have a tendency to say yes to all the amazing opportunities that find me. It’s tough to say ‘No’ because I’m so curious and I love learning and doing. I’m learning to say ‘No’ to things and requests that don’t support my projects but it’s hard. What I focus on is if I say yes to X then how will Y be affected? I find I have more energy and enthusiasm and I’m getting the things I want done. When I get tempted to ignore my ‘No,’ I pick up Dan’s book The Zen Teacher and get reminded that saying ‘No’ just like saying ‘Yes’ is a choice and how I choose will determine how important my ‘No’ is.
Mireille (said like Mee-ray) Massue is currently on sabbatical from a corporate education position as Global Director of Learning and Development. She volunteers as the Social Connections moderator for the Adobe Education Trainer Community and hosts and produces the #Adobe #Author #Chats which is now the #AdobeAuthorChats attracting amazing teachers and business leaders presenting to approximately 500,000 Adobe members.