Yep, I’m biased: I am certain that teaching is spiritual. Not because teachers need to be religious but because the tasks of teaching human beings require heart-based skills: faith, care, love, “unconditional positive regard for difference” — skills that do not necessarily come naturally all the time and therefore demand care and attention themselves. How can teachers (hell, and parents and other caregivers) develop and sustain these skills amidst the chaos of everyday life?
In this episode, I explore this question and others with Mark Longhurst, an inspiring pastor, writer, and publications manager for Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation. We talk about teaching, parenting, and just living as a spiritual practice, how seeing the “holy ordinary” in daily classroom moments can activate deeper meaning and aliveness for teachers and students.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
We talk about
Flowing with the chaos of parenting and teaching
Detaching from identities to promote healthy attachment
The benefits and perils of viewing the classroom as a sacred space
Embracing the quest for aliveness in teachers and students
The importance of “settled bodies” in classrooms
For my non-teachers out there: The “holy ordinary” is everywhere! Where can you tune into it in your own lives? What keeps you from it?
Got a story about your own holy ordinary? Send me your thoughts:
(413) 239-4158.
If you found something valuable here, consider leaving a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. And share this episode with your friends! All of it really helps.
External Links
the holy ordinary by Mark Longhurst (Substack)
The Holy Ordinary: A Way to God (Book)
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness that Can Heal the World by Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Credits
Founder and Host: Betsy Burris
Co-Host: Joe Johnson
Producer: Jullian Androkae
Audience Development: Andreea Coscai
Music: Tom Burris/Jabbering Trout
