Dr. Maria Montessori reminds us that “The real preparation for education is a study of one’s self. The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character, it is a preparation of the spirit.”
In a busy world, it is easy to get caught up in the daily to-do list. By racing through life and checking things off, we are neglecting our need for quiet, peaceful moments of calm and self-reflection.
Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, Greenspring Montessori School is focusing on the theme of the Spiritual Nature of the Child. As part of this initiative, our work will focus on the spiritual preparation of the adult. Below are several of the ways that Montessori educators and parents can support their spiritual development and fill their cups to be fully present for our children.
Provide space and time for spiritual exploration
Greenspring Montessori School staff summarized several of the ways that they can stop and slow down with a mindful moment.
- Spending time in nature
- Journaling
- Yoga, tai chi, chi gung, dance
- Meditation, mindfulness, and/or prayer
- Silently repeating a simple word (“Peace, Peace”) or phrase (“May all beings be happy.”)
- Walking a labyrinth
- Reading poetry
- Painting or other creative expressions
- Create a gratitude practice
We had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Shatananda on our Voices in Montessori Podcast, for an episode on Creating Space and Structures for Calm and Peace in an Age of Overwhelm. Rachel joins us to talk about supporting children with their spiritual development, including what it looks like for us to create space for ourselves as adults. Rachel discusses these big topics and more by describing the practices and strategies she has used successfully in her classrooms.
Establishing daily habits that promote self-awareness and inner harmony gives us a greater capacity to nurture peace in our classrooms and homes. Cultivating a peaceful inner life is the foundation for observing and interacting with children with calmness and respect. There are mindfulness and awareness exercises, as well as excellent books that can help us learn to respond from our hearts.
As parents and educators, we have so much on our plates. Start with something small and doable, like taking slow, deep breaths for a minute or two. Then appreciate yourself for remembering to nurture your inner spirit. This practice, however brief, can help you to connect with and nurture the light and inner lives of the children. One of the beautiful things we’ve found is that these techniques can be used with children as well as adults.
“The present moment is one of power, of magic or miracle if we could ever be wholly in it and awake to it.”
Spiritually prepared adults bring their own joy and delight to the classroom daily. These strategies and others help Montessori educators and parents maintain a joyful heart and model ways to care for themselves. Part of our goal this year is supporting children in articulating their experiences and emotions of beauty, power, grace, brilliance, love, or even the joy of being alive. Join us in this important work!
