The Story of Education is Extraction

 Situational Fatigue

The situation is universal- The wrenching of familiarity and replacement with the obscure. Uncertainty- apprehension. Education envelopes itself with the uncomfortable. The discovery and extrication of knowledge unbeknownst to ourselves. Sometimes we search for the gold- we mine for it. Other times we stumble upon it, as we navigate the bombardment of the new. New ideas, new commentary, new tools to dig, tug and quarry data with.  

As educators we seek the strategies to enhance growth- embody individuality. We read, practice and discuss. We are in a constant state of extraction- pulling resources from the vastness of the Internet. Attending conferences. Reading in our free time how to become better educators. We are uprooting our former and adapting to our current. We shift and we erode what doesn’t work until, with creativity and innovation it becomes a shiny new element of our teaching.

Withdrawal from the chaos of political strife, expectations of those who do not know of our plight- this is a constant struggle. Yet we persevere- we continue to evoke, express and advocate. We do not let the lode slow us down. We get exhausted, we feel like the canary in a coal mine- heavy and soot covered- yet we fly free. Not because we are forced to, but because we choose to. We continue amidst the negativity.

Education is a story of extraction. Moving every rock and finding every vein from which to source common ground with our fellow educators. We believe, as Ted Lasso,“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” and “For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.” We look for reasons to “believe.” To be the voice of solace for our students.

The world can be struck down, in a state of relentlessness. It can cave in on top of us, burying our spirit. Yet, we dust ourselves off and enter the classroom with a smile, eyes wide- showing our students, even behind a mask that they are valued. This is our extraction. This is our process- separation from the stresses of life, taking out our best instruments and letting the sparkles of minerals and precious stones shine through.

For those who are not on a school campus or in a classroom on a daily basis- this may seem unbelievable. It may appear to be a facade, a scaffold holding back the true mine below. But it isn’t. We wear our hardhats with pride. We know there may be tunnels yet to explore, that part of the system may be unstable, we are amidst a critical hour in the field of education. We know unequivocally that we must prepare for the worst- but then with shovel and pickaxe in hand- we must continue to pan for gold, because it is always present.

The Emerald City

There is a treasure trove just waiting to be extracted in every student sitting in our classrooms. They have struggled this last year, some being isolated for part of, or all of, the school year. Seeing their peers and teachers from behind a screen. But now, for most, they have been given the ‘Golden Ticket’ the directions to the ‘Emerald City.” Now it is up to us as educators to make learning fun again.

It is our responsibility to create lessons that dig deep. That inspire and inquire. It is our fountain of discovery, bonanza of investigation, and discussion that will lead them back into a growth mindset. We must use extraction to not only create the mystery of learning, but also to help them transition back into a classroom frame of mind. To create a stable, secure space for them to thrive. They need to thrive, it’s in their learning DNA.

Debates, Socratic Seminars and Jigsaw activities are great ways for students to lead the classroom. Give them topics and have them debate both sides. Fish Bowl or have students share ideas in a format where they comment and discuss, with little input from you. Instead of lecturing to students for long periods of time, provide current, interesting articles on the main topics and let them group-think and then present their article to the class. This way they are in charge of their own learning.

Have 1-minute check in’s with every student once a week, just to get to know one another and build trust. Create graffiti walls so they can draw and share content vocabulary. Have 2-minute mindfulness discussions at the beginning of class- to take the temperature of mind and spirit. Some days we all need to vent a little to feel like we are part of a group, that we share the same struggles. We need to feel our commonalities as well as our individualities.

I love to have students draw giant crime boards- C.R.I.M.E. - Connect, Remember, Information by Merging Evidence. Students write large bubbles (one for each standard) and then they take the vocabulary and concepts and draw lines connecting them to each standard, they add an emoji or simple drawing and as a group discuss the ‘big picture’ how everything connects. They do this as a group of 4 and the conversations I hear are awesome.

Collaboration is extraction- it elicits connections, uproots isolation and lets students feel a sense of camaraderie. It unites us and lets them articulate their knowledge. I have asked my students their preferences- do you want to work alone, or with a partner? Do you want to create a slideshow, poster or diorama? Giving students choice is part of extraction- whether they pan, pick, dig or scan- it is their choice of personal method of learning that is important. As long as they get to the gold- the strategy should be flexible.

Digital Domain Blends with Tactile Tenacity

These days I have discovered that it takes a lot more concentration and determination to go with the tactile version of things. For a year they have been making slideshows, using simulations and playing virtual review games. This was the only way we could teach for a while. But these days when I offer Play-Doh, LEGO, dice and card sorts- they get more engaged. When I have them step away from their Chromebooks- their eyes deglaze, they shift in their seats with anticipation. Students want to be challenged scholastically. They want to dust off the sediment from their recent endeavors and get their interest peaked. Get their hands moving, rather than typing.

Students are stressed about a lot of things: their health, their family stability, their social interactions, the expectations of being back in school, being near other students after so long being isolated. It is our responsibility to help them find strategies to cope with the burden of this heavy load. Lay down the track so they can maneuver through the new terrain. It gets bumpy and they get ornery- for we all cope with stress differently.

Get up and moving- go outside so they can remove their masks for a bit- spread out. Watch mindfulness videos to relax at the beginning of class. Have some moments of quiet reflection during class- some students need a quiet moment to think. Keep things on a routine- students like routine, but leave room for some spontaneity here and there to keep them interested. Above all else- listen. Observe. Really focus on the little things- for that is what agitates the heft of uncertainty- not anticipating the next cave in.

Thank You

To every administrator, cafeteria worker, custodian, librarian and staff member- thank you for showing up every day and supporting classroom teachers. To every educator, thank you for shrugging off the negative parent attitudes, the stress of paperwork and expectations. Thank you for showing up every day- mask on or off- and engaging with your students. They are actively seeking extraction, connection, stability and we are providing it for them. We are battling our own fatigue, our own worries of Covid-19 and entering our building, walking the hallways, and setting up our classrooms as safe havens.

We know that the mine walls are crumbling at times, that the booms of uncertainty are causing cave in’s and challenges- but we show up. We are not giving up. I am seeing many quit, many changing professions- these are dire times for education. Yet most of us are still here. Are still grading papers, writing lessons plans, monitoring accommodations. We are  sterilizing our rooms, washing our hands- trying to keep our distance (only physically). But we are here- present.

Thank you to those who are sharing their stories: writing blogs, recording podcasts, attending and presenting at conferences. These are the things that keep our profession lively and flexible. We are educators and we thrive on connection, just like our students. 

So when you finally get home tonight, put down your stack of work and rest. We need you to stay healthy. We need you not burnt out. We need you to be strong, tool in hand to continue digging and extracting. Take care of yourself and know unequivocally you are appreciated and valued.

Strata, Data and a lot of Fun: Stratification in a Bottle

Today my 6th graders created Stratification in a bottle. We used ash, kitty litter, soil, baby cereal, rice, beans, and other materials to represent different times in Geologic History- as life began, extinctions occurred, and renewal started. Each table was given cups of different 'strata' materials. As I read the story aloud- they listened, and I paused after each section for them to be able to add their materials to their bottles.

Story

Around 4.5 billion years ago the earth was just hot rocks, minerals, and molten lava.  We have no evidence of life on Earth.

     Add 1 tsp of Lifeless Earth into your bottle

The earth slowly cooled and liquid water covered most of the earth.  Life evolved in the sea around 3.5 billion years ago.  The first life was bacteria and scientists have found chemical evidence of bacterial life.  After millions of years, the first bacteria gained the ability to photosynthesize and created the first free oxygen in the atmosphere.

     Add 1 tsp of Bacteria to your bottle.

Life continued to evolve in the oceans and diversified into many different shapes and sizes.  Many had shells and shells break up into small crystals, making sand.

 Add 1 tsp of Ocean to your bottle.

Life eventually moved to land, starting with plants, then later animals.

Add 2 tsp of Plant Life to your bottle.

Sudden extinction event- what material do you think we should add here to distinguish it from the previous strata?

Then animals evolved into a wide range of flying, crawling and climbing animals.  

Add 10 each Small Organisms to your bottle

Sometimes many volcanoes would erupt at once, spewing ash into the skies and leaving the land without the ability to support life.  

Add 1 tsp of Volcano and Fire. 

And 1 tsp of Lifeless Earth

The sea levels would rise and cover the land with shallow oceans.  

Add ½ tsp of Ocean.

Oxygen levels in the atmosphere increased and that allowed very large plants and very large animals to evolve.  

Add 1 tsp Plant Life

and 4 Large Organisms.

Sometimes a great earthquake would rattle the earth.  Gently knock your bottle a bit sideways.  At least once a great asteroid hit the earth causing tremendous heat to kill some of the largest dinosaurs and spewing dust into the atmosphere, blocking out the sun.  Without the energy from the sun, plants died, the large herbivorous dinosaurs, then the large carnivorous dinosaurs did not have anything to eat.

Add ½ tsp Asteroid.

Add ½ tsp Volcano and Fire.

Eventually the earth recovered, and plants and smaller animals thrived again.

Add 1 tsp Plant Life

and 5 each of Small Organisms.

 

Students had a fun time using funnels and adding different layers into the bottle. Eruptions, extinctions, and era's oh my! What a fun day.

 

Reasonable Expectations

Reasonable, within reason. Makes sense but somehow we are much harder on ourselves than we are anyone else. We have this image of the perfect, spouse, educator, friend, parent, sibling, child- yet these lofty visions are often fantasy. We can be great at many things. We can be dedicated, engaged and thoughtful. We can be kind, present and mindful. In fact most days we are. But, perfect, flawless- well not many of us fall into this category and if we are honest with ourselves- we can see this.

Some days we awaken tired, irritable, frustrated. We take offense, feel bad about ourselves and set such high expectations for our encounters- we can't keep up. There are far more variables that we can not control, than there are those we can. Yet, we panic and try to control every situation. We try to expect and anticipate- to the point of exhaustion and irritability- thus we wake up carrying that burden. A burden weighted by an expectation that we can reasonably control our world. But, if this pandemic has taught us anything- it has shown us how vulnerable we are.

I just read an article about how the Happiest countries are not in that positive frame of mind because they are wealthy, or comfortable- not even because they have great jobs and an easy life style. They rank a high level of happiness because they set reasonable expectations for themselves. They do not stand on a pedestal or avoid uncomfortable conversations. They have an outlook of - how do I fit into this world, what are my actions and how do they impact other people. In other words- they are aware of their actions- thus mindful. They remain more positive because they understand it is not permanent- it takes a lot of work.

These days we are all transitioning from a place of dread to one of hope. Some faster than others due to again- circumstances not necessarily of our own making. We are located somewhere where we have more opportunities, more options. We have choices, where in some places, those are harder to come by. But if we have reasonable expectations, we can see that. We can understand the plight of others. We can hear the call of those maybe more incensed, more enraged, more despondent than we are. It might seem reasonable to get over things quickly for some- but for others, it is not. What does reasonable mean anyway?

Expectations are again personal. We often forget that the behavior of others is based on so many factors- many we never see or hear about. Students in our classrooms are coping with this same level of frustration, exhaustion and emotional rollercoaster as we are. They are just finding it harder to understand the reason for it. They are struggling in so many ways- most of what we can't identify as of yet. Patience and mindfulness is key to set the stage for better communication and action.

I know for me, these last few weeks have been engulfed with waves of anger (for no reason many times) and isolation (quiet) and taking many things too personally. Just when I think I have a handle on my teeter-totter emotions, something else arises to send me spiraling back inwards. Inwards is where I tend to go. I am not an extrovert by any sense of the word. This ordeal has made me even less so. What I am working on most lately- setting reasonable expectations.

Not expecting from others what I need or want. Steering clear of the negative bubbles of conversation. Listening to good positive music and spending time reflecting on my emotions. Why did this student make me so frustrated today? Why are my colleagues making me feel more isolated- its not them, it is me isolating myself. You can not expect others to fill a void. The shovel is in your domain and you must find the soil to fill it. But it hurts sometimes when others are not actively seeking to help right? But it is no ones job to make you happy, to make you fit in, to make you feel connected. You must actively seek it. Set reasonable expectations of yourself and others.

When we expect- we are disappointed. When we try to shape others, we are resented. When we do not take the time to write down and reflect on our expectations of others- we put ourselves in a situation where we will feel more frustrated, more irritable, more alone. Baby steps. Set one intention a day, then two, then three. And count them as you do them. Remind yourself of your successes- your milestones and your crawls. Everyone is important. Be reasonable with yourself and others- for they have been through a lot too.

Reasonable expectations are a gift you can give yourself. 

Because in the end- happiness comes behind it- like a parade. Balloons and banners waving. Marching music blaring. But parades pass. Music fades. They only way to keep the happiness parade coming back is to stay reasonable and lower your anxiety. Just be in the moment. Feel content for part of the day. Slow down and yes smell the daisies. This is reasonable expectations- this is reasonable awareness- this is reasonable daily routines and activities. 

Happiness is not a lofty goal at all- it is a reasonable one, so lean in and grab it, its here....

They Made Up Their Mind and Started Packing

They made up their mind and started packing. Where are they going without ever knowing the way? They do not have a map or GPS. They decide to walk around the lake tonight. Then venture off down a new road tomorrow. Decisions many, some made without thought. Others determined by a sermon or campaign that steered them away from the choir. It feels safer being off the grid in a world without frequent travellers and cartographers. The intentions are loud. Silence is their reward. Isolation is their clarity.

They hear the roar of the crowd. The unforgiving, relentless opinions in combat. Each an armada of personal truth. Blinders on. Mute button pushed. The cults of personality- speaking in a language not foreign, not inconsistent with the populace voice. But nonetheless not their words, thoughts or feelings. Trying to stay removed is a task, arduous and exhausting. For silence is considered a threat to the fleet. A threat to both sides of the war. Tug-of-war pulling troops into a stand off.

They are stipped, barren in a conversation of mudslinging. Nothing to retaliate to. Nothing to bundle or curse. They simply dig. Dig deep for a way out of the battle. They are not combatants, enemies of the state, or warlords. They are not victims, yet. They are hiding away from the din of dismay and conversations of distrust. They see the reason for dissent. They feel the anger and sadness. They understand it, they have been judged, misunderstood, blamed, ridiculed, bullied and hated themselves.

They experience the fever, nightmares and anxiety. They are not in the majority of any circumstance. They have been displaced. They have been under attack and no fortification has kept THEM out. There are many things they can not fully understand- experience and circumstance preventing it. But they are reasoning beings, open-minded, kind and retrospective. They think about their actions. They speak honestly and with conviction with a positive outlook. They live life with a deep need to see all perspectives. They are independent from the crowd, the choir, the loudest voice. 

They choose to play something new. Listen to the lyrics. Listen carefully to the meaning, to the irony, to the reality. They unpack their emotions, for feelings are not facts. Feelings are their way to make sense of the noise. They pick at the straw, shovel the sand, and hammer away at the scaffolding of hate. They refuse to settle for conjecture or make decisions based on fear. This takes work. It takes an honest look at themselves. It can be painful, it can be beautiful and it often leads to new travel plans. New reasons to pack. But, more reasons to unpack after a journey. 

Changing minds is no one's responsibility. It is costly and can often result in more negativity. But asking the right questions, following your heart, listening with such engagement that it feels uncomfortable- this is the way to get more people to pause- to recognize an attempt to understand. This is how minds are opened. Not by preaching, politicking or persuading but by personal growth. When they grow it shows. When they find truth not by happenstance, but by inner reflection, outer refraction and consistent meaningful, purposeful conversations- it shows.

They are welcoming to dissension in the ranks. They, the rebels, that start the meader, that slow negative flow. When they take the time to remove themselves from the banter, this does not mean they do not care- it means they care enough to rethink, reassemble and redirect the voices that are vibrating the common ground. Causing tumbling and landslides on the edges. Clearing the way for others to make the journey to the surface- both sturdy and active.

They are packing so they can travel to the center, the foci, the epicenter of change. The common ground. This is the spot where the armada tends to avoid- because it means not raising the white flag of defeat of their enemy- or the parade of victory. It means laying down their arms and sitting down to have a conversation about similarities, honest problems of racism, prejudice, misogyny and hate. To face the cause of war, accept the role, and understand the demons of these atrocities.

These are not universal. Yet, they are more common than we think. These are the uncomfortable things we need to look in the eye and conquer.They are the common threat, the enemy of the state, the terrorists and devils of society. THEY, themselves are not any of these. THEY are catching their breath in order to dive into the ocean below and swim towards the conversation- but with a demeanor that lends itself to evidence based change, real discussion of how to begin. 

THEY made up their mind and started packing. THEY found the way, they travelled around the lake, through the woods and made their way to common ground. This is where they built their home. Set up their wifi and gas lines. Settled in for the long haul- because nothing is more important. AND, YET nothing is more destructive and fluid. It will not happen overnight, it will not happen in a year or a decade. But, it requires sturdy ground, a voice of common sense and a voice- not one of preach, persuasion or politics- but one of gentle reasoning and determination.

The Joy of Being Wrong

As with many, I do not enjoy being wrong. Not because I failed or stumbled. Not because I think I am always right. In fact I am the opposite- I seem to doubt myself and second guess myself constantly- and well, I think I have a lot to learn. I like learning so this part I quite enjoy. I think it is being embarrassed that tricks us into thinking we are always right. Confidence getting seduced by pride. But truth, no one is right all the time. Calling people out for it- I think that might be the impetus for most of the anger, hatred and revenge in the world.

We want so much to be appreciated, respected- but more than that treated with respect and reverie and when we are not- we get defensive. We stake deeper claims to our truth, to our opinions and values- never blinking. We stare into the chasm- relentless. Even though all the evidence is laid out before us. We see glimpses of it, but our pride kicks it out of the way. We are so afraid to look bad, to be judged- we forget we are doing that to ourselves: and personal judgement, guilt, self-deprecation- that is our true enemy. If we can conquer that demon- things will look much simpler.

We complicate, exaggerate, exasperate. We ignore, avoid and down right deny. Our brains are trained to do that- if we can narrow our focus we can get more things done. We can let the noises of life continue around us and still get things done. We are wired to see what is in front of us and ignore our periphery- unless danger lies ahead. If we know we are equipped with a field of vision larger than we need- why are we so desperate to stay within. When we have so much room to scribble, rip things up and kick the dirt.

I can sit here and write a tale of my ease with failure and being wrong. It would be a false narrative- I struggle greatly with it. Being bullied in school and made to feel less than in my younger years, has led me to be constantly looking for ways to feel more than and let me tell you making mistakes and being wrong is not one of them. But, having Dyslexia and a bit of Autism- I know I have flaws. But, I have just as many strengths. I feel guilty when I am successful. Yet, I never give up. I have a hard time in conversations- my mind wanders, I am easily distracted and over-loaded. But, I ask questions and seek answers. A conundrum.

The thing I enjoy about being wrong, is that I love knowing I can learn new things: new ways of conquering my fears, new ways of teaching, new ways of meeting people. I love to read- when I say I love to read, I mean like really love it. I have a book or magazine in my hand 80% of the day. I love seeking answers. Hearing different opinions. Listening to podcasts. Hearing the opposing point of view to my own. I want to know what people are thinking- this guides me to ask more questions.

So being wrong to me does not have anything to do with ignorance- in fact its quite the opposite. Blissful ignorance means staying in a bubble of those who tell you what you want to hear. Never shaking up the bottle and letting the carbon dioxide explode outward. The fizz, the overflow of foam and bubbles- that means you have to clean it up and when we clean things up we are more likely to notice things. We are more likely to listen to the pop and feel the sticky texture. This is learning in a nutshell.

Being wrong means I do not know enough. I can get better and grow and as they say "Bloom where you are planted." But also- "Find the light and let your branches stretch"- that is mine. I think photosynthesis requires radiant energy and our minds require words and stories, findings and discussions and this energy is energy for the soul as much as it is for the mind. Being wrong allows this energy to find you. So you can discover more ways to grow. So find the joy in being wrong and the love of wondering why? This is where we find compassion and mindfulness. Love and grace. Respect and gratitude. 

The Magical Classroom Portal

There is a gateway one crosses through as the bell rings. A threshold where the hallway jibber jab becomes more academically focused. As I stand at the precipice- I shake hands with a few weary travelers, and smile huge from behind a mask- eyes lighting up to make sure my intentions are clear. It is a strange dichotomy- teacher stance and teacher personality. You have to have this aura of control yet approachability. 

The magic portal invites students in- desks arranged into a friendly vibe. Minimal, yet colorful interior. Inviting and personal, yet organized and disciplined. The perfect semblance of give and take. The balance of learner and educator. This energy is accumulated over many years of teaching. At first I struggled with knowing how to corral and set free. But with experience came trust and confidence. These days it is a different feel virtually than face to face.

Another dichotomy. Another type of balance. The portal is alluring and most students eagerly approach and dive in. We offer entry- but they must choose to have their ticket stamped. They must choose which rides to approach. Which gift shops to spend their currency in. This portal it leads to amusement parks and thrill rides, carnivals and yes, sometimes haunted houses with mystery and scary ghosts. But as the conductors of these- we can lessen the anxiety and up the magic.

These last few months have been a whirlwind- spinning tea cup rides and steep drops. We have all felt a little dizzy and discombobulated. But we kept entering the lines, we kept getting on the ride and buckling up. Some of us have been in a classroom since September, some are just entering now. Either way- the portals are there, opening minds, creating safe places for our students to investigate and thrive.

I for one have enjoyed teaching three classes virtually and 3 classes in person- it has been challenging but the experience has made me a better teacher. It has allowed me to see my lessons in different formats and different approaches. It has made me think about things differently. I greet with a smile and a virtual hand-shake. I look them in the eyes and welcome them to the classroom magical portal. 

The gateway might look differently - it might be pixelated rather than real world imaged- but the portal is expectation. It is feeling safe. It is wanting to learn. It is being given choice. It is being allowed to struggle a bit- then asking questions and building confidence. It is strange the world of dichotomy- virtual vs. face to face. Students moving from one to the other every six weeks even more so.

But this portal is flexible. Expansive. Accepting. Enter. Brace for change. Then create the magic that opens up more portals. Classrooms are flexible and inviting- this is portal life. This is the life of an educator.

Rethinking Undermines Our Comfort Level

Our bubble, silo, pod keeps us insulated. Our echo chamber protects us. We feel safe in our sense of who we are, when we are surrounded by those who think, behave and analyze situations as we do. But we need to hear both sides. Be willing to not just hear, but listen intently to others. We might not agree with them, but we must be able to listen.

Binary bias takes a very messy world, our topsy-turvy world- our fluid existence and splits it into sides. Once we begin to listen, we see that there are two sides, two opinions, two movements, two points of view and many gray, shaded areas in between we see the world more binary. This openness creates a level of polarization that is very much ramped today. The us versus them mentality. We have to be able to see both sides, accept both sides and rather than make a line in the sand- erase them.

We need to be able to empathize, sympathize with others, and analyze new information as if we are desperately trying to learn something new. Not necessarily change our foundation- but give it a good quake. So, we can see the cracks, gouges, and instability in our thinking. Once we understand that we have fault lines surrounding us- we can better prepare for the aftershocks of enlightenment.

I hear, I see- I am confused, baffled and downright saddened by the words and actions of those so tight in their bubble- they choose to hate, disparage, and denigrate others- rather than pause and look inward. Reflection, rethinking, understanding ourselves- is very challenging. Pondering inward can be difficult. We truly need to believe we are good people. That we make good choices. That we are mindful.

Yet, mindfulness is not permanent. It is a constant upgrade, shift and battle ground of misconceptions bombarding us. We walk the Earth with our personal arsenal, yet we often forget to search our tool bag. We over-react, get angry, say things we don't mean. React with spite. Seek revenge. Talk with confidence when we lack the competence. WE push ourselves without readiness.

This sudden, this lapse, this action gives us our setbacks. It prevents us from moving forward. It locks us in place, spinning wheels clouding the sky with dust and gravel. We cough and choke, yet still dig in our heels- because we think we are right. We choose not to look at our mistakes as blips. For that is what they are. Blips in time. The work we put into to working through the blips- that is life, that is experience.

Words are floating around, looping, spinning, piercing. Some make it into our field of view. Some pop our bubble of protection. Some bounce off like particles of air- not strong enough to penetrate our pod, our silo, our bubble. But some in rapid succession, cause the collapse of our safety net. This can be a good thing. Safety nets are adjustable.

Our sense of security widens and narrows. Our happiness ebbs and flows. Our sense of self should shift along with it. We need to look deep inside. Reflect. Rethink. With rationality and perspective. There is no need to overcompensate and damage. There is no need to destroy others from behind a computer screen because we are bored and restless and disappointed.

We need to keep our minds open. Our words cautious. Our responses mindful, rather than our actions hostile. It is a tumultuous world, to say the least. So much hurt and frustration. Disenfranchisement and isolation. It is expected- the anger and lashing out. But it is time to pause- listen and reflect. Rethink and adjust. So, we can unite against a common enemy. Not one another.