Now is not the moment to be alive. We may never be alive at all in our entire life. Therefore, the technique, if we have to speak of a technique, is to be in the present moment, to be aware that we are here and now, and the only moment to be alive is the present moment. Becoming fully present is a priority for both student and teacher in my approach to teaching. In class, we begin with warm-up exercises designed to let go of the past and future long enough to have a direct, immediate experience of ourselves and each other.
Many teachers expect students to be present when they arrive in class.
Pairing, group sharing, art or journaling exercises allow students to express what may be preoccupying them so that it is easier to let it go. Good teaching can never be reduced to technique-good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher. Welcoming the inner life into the classroom takes courage. But the rewards are great for teachers who are willing to engage their own depths and meet the demons and the allies that dwell within. Nourishing the hearts of students, our own souls are fed.