It’s Christmas time.  In the middle of the night, I was laying awake thinking about how to support the students at my school to remain calm and grounded this week.  I was thinking about how to support the teachers too.  Children need our support on a week like this…

In some ways, it is complex.  Parker Palmer taught me, we are holding a paradox in this season:

The triumphalism 

and simplicity.        

You can see it in these images from the movie the Polar Express based on famous children’s author, Chris van Allsburg’s book by the same name.  Even our Western religious expressions are holding both.  Think “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.”

Children can feel the paradox.

Sometimes, I think our culture is more focused on triumphalism, victory, and overcoming. But, I want to unpack “simplicity” for now.

As a mom and an educator, simplicity is found in belonging.  It is found in relationships.  It is moulded in our homes and classrooms.  It is about helping children find comfort and feel cherished.

We can look around and see these simple expressions all around us.  Think #WelcometoCanada or changemaking in your own school.  I bet there is a Christmas concert or an ice skating rendezvous on your calendar.

Cultivating connection is the expression of faith.  It is the practice of belonging.  It is the pathway to worthiness and selfhood.  It is the launching point of changemaking.

We can nourish this simplicity with our traditions and daily routines.  We want to hold as many as we can to help children ground emotionally and spiritually.

This week I want to really focus on setting simple intentions to cultivate connection.  So, I am hosting a FREE webinar designed for parents who want more than tinsel and treats, called “Cultivating Connection with Your Child this Christmas.”  You can register now for our time together December 16 from 4-4:30pm for the most important 30min of seasonal preparations you’ll make this year!  I have a special free gift for everyone who attends.

Just in case you’re wondering, I am learning both how to connect and how to let go all at the same time.  It isn’t always easy.  Yet, I’m sure we can create a collaboration and a community to strengthen our hearts as we enter into a unique season of togetherness with our children.

My wish for us all is that we hear the whispers of hopefulness this season.

For the sake of the children,

Karine

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