The Tao says, "Reduce selfishness, have few desires" (p. 61). Okay, I can accept that as a lofty goal, something for which to strive. But in associating this with the classroom, Nagel goes on to say, "Sometimes teachers work extra jobs or devote hours to their homes or social lives, much to the detriment of reflecting upon their classes with a quality and quantity of time. Wise teachers select natural pastimes that will complement interests and projects related to teaching" (p. 61). What?!!? (says my very 'western' mind). I'm not supposed to fix up my home? I'm not supposed to have a social life? And with teacher's salaries what they are, many simply cannot survive on just one job. You're going to tell me I should not work a second job?
This just really goes against our traditional western mind-set of freedom to do what we please. After all, when I put in my time at school, I give 100%. Shouldn't I be allowed to do what I want when I'm not at school? These were my thoughts as I read this passage in The Tao of Teaching. Why was I resisting Nagel's thoughts so much here? I spent a few days pondering. . .
I was reminded of one of my favorite teachers, someone who taught each of my three children when they were in either kindergarten or first grade. Long after my children had moved on to college and other lives, this teacher took a year's sabbatical from her job. She decided to buy a small motor home and travel the outer perimeter of the contiguous United States. During the year, she would write daily "blogs" (now, this was in the day when few people even knew such a thing existed!) and post pictures on her computer so that her students could keep in touch and share in her adventures.
This, I think, exemplifies what Nagel is talking about. This teacher enjoyed her "job" of teaching and found ways to enhance her teaching, even when she was not "on the clock". Is this what it means when eastern philosophers talk of "living your dharma"? Finding work that is so fulfilling, so enjoyable--that you want to do it all the time? A job that is not really 'work' at all.
I think Nagel was also saying, don't spread yourself too thin. Teaching is a commitment and we should take that commitment seriously.
Now, I'll admit that I'm a master of spreading myself too thin and I'll bet that many other classmates could claim mastery of this too. But, all of our other preoccupations that keep us so busy are our experiences and we've learned in this program how important these experiences are to who we are, what we learn, and what we can teach others.
ReplyDeleteSo, I'm going to go with....keep doing all our hobbies, duties, jobs, etc, but also make time to reflect and relax as one of those parts of our day that we can't miss. I think it's like exercise: sure we don't HAVE to make it an integral part of our days but we'll be better off if we do. Similarly, I think we should make reflection and quiet time a part of our days so that we can actually absorb those experiences that keep us so busy and use them to make us better teachers and, really, better people in general.
I agree with Emily. My motto has always been: Pursue Perfect Mediocrity. In a sense, it is the attempt to achieve balance in life--I am not sure anyone ever achieves it, emotions and the human condition seems to make it impossible. And, even though your core, desires, and/or happiness resides with your work, take time to step away to reflect and gain new knowledge. Nagel may be inferring to step out of your norm to do so, but to also identify an obsession and immersion at the sacrifice of self and those around you. Quality of life is an interchange and the balance of life is an interplay.
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