Strike One

Been walking the line for three days.

Had every intention of blogging about this silly strike and keeping track of the way power is in play. But I have been both exhausted by walking in the cold and rain and frustrated by the ill feelings this whole mess creates in myself and my colleagues.

I come home angry from it all.

Anger is one of those emotions of power.

I know what I want. I want to get back to teaching power.

I know that they have the ability to resolve this. They have the ability to make the classroom and the process of this education better. They have ability to end this strike and let me get back to teaching power.

Most of all they have the ability to get back to talking and negotiating.

That is their power over me and I am as unhappy as anyone being a subject.

However, I know that unless I want to engage in this power dynamic by using my abilities, I had better find a way to depower it all and find some compassion.

So I remind myself that we are all just here walking the earth and no matter what I still have choice.

So I choose to be at peace.

I offer an old one I haven't seen in some time but was sent to me by a friend.

I like it. Always have. Hope you do too. So until tomorrow and a little more energy....




Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.