It was heaven.  The children looked up at me with their big wide eyes.  They were not afraid to participate.  We sang songs, chanted, colored, and pasted.  It was the perfect language learning environment.

So I took the plunge and began teaching alongside my friend and two other teachers, each of whom had taught for a minimum of twenty years.  I loved the atmosphere and the camaraderie, but then after a few years something changed.

My 2 young boys became the same age as my students ,and nothing would ever be the same.  I had a 2 year old and a five year old at home, and 24 four and five year olds at school.  Instead of going home full of pride and joy, I went home exhausted, only to play the same role and use the same language in the same tone of voice.  I spent every waking moment trying to convince these little people to make good choices and use indoor voices and I was tired.  I felt like I had pins and needles poking into me for all the times someone needed something from me.

The worse part was I felt like a failure and a fraud.  I was comparing  myself to these women who had been teaching this age for decades and still had amazing creativity and passion for their jobs.  I wanted to be the teacher I would want for my boys, but I wanted to be somewhere else.  I tell you this story, because we all know it.  The discomfort that comes from not taking the time for peace and quiet, from not listening to myself.

Thus, I share some ideas for adding a touch a quiet to your day.  They may seem very simple, but I can assure you it is not always easy for us to do something only for ourself.  Please try.  We all need you to be the best you can be.  Here they are.

5 Ways to Find Peace and Quiet in Your Day

1.  Learn to meditate.  Do it daily.

On this month’s Whole Teacher Holiday 911 call, Grace gave us a great point to help quiet the mind during meditation.  She suggested that as thoughts came through (like we know they will) to focus instead on the space between the thoughts.  As  you let the thoughts pass by, focus on making the space bigger and bigger.

2.  Try using aromatherapy to calm your senses.

Lavender is great for relaxation.  We all have scents that we associate with past experiences.  The smell of dove brings me back to my grandmother’s bathroom as a little girl.  Find the scents that you associate with relaxing, and one sniff can change your state.

3.  Read an inspirational story or poetry. 

I have a book of poetry by Hafiz that my yoga instructor would read from before each class.  Now, when I read those poems, I can get right to my most relaxed state.

4.  Listen to quiet music or soothing nature sounds and dim lighting.

A few summers ago I helped my sister out by working as a receptionist in her spa.  I loved the calming music that swept through the reception area and relished the contrast to my own job as a high school guidance counselor.  In my office things are often hectic with people always popping in with problems that need assistance.  I decided to adopt some of the same atmosphere techniques for my office.  I’ve turned off the overhead lights and brought in lights from home, but what students appreciate the most is the music.  I have collected CD’s, but often log into internet radio on the computer.  There are some great ambiance stations that bring me right back to the spa.

5.  Finally, if you can’t escape the noise, consider ear plugs.

Look for the white squishy ones used for sound (not swimming).  They come in handy for loud concerts or snoring family members.