This past couple weeks has been a bit crazy and crazy extends for another week, so I'm preparing myself mentally. The thought of doing this was something I would have NEVER considered or given any attention until after my time in exile. There is a distinct difference between physical and mental tired and you have to honor both of them in different ways.
I'm an assistant professor at a local university and have had the summer off from teaching, my main focus has been the restoration of West 17th. Mental work goes into restoration but for the most part, it comes natural to me so the biggest challenge has been the long hot days and the physical toll it takes on my body.
I've always said that after going to teach The Birdhouse Project I'm a different kind of tired. I don't know that I've made the connection so solid as I did this week. This week I'm teaching 2 two day sessions to teachers from around Kansas who want to learn more about CAD and CNC machining. We've been starting at 8 and finishing around 4:30 daily.
After taking a few weeks off from teaching, Monday evening my head was buzzing. I stepped back from the feeling and reflected on how similar it was to my feeling within after teaching the project. It's a different kind of tired. It's not muscles needing blood, it's the neurons in the brain saying, "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa".
When I teach at FHSU or the project, I don't regurgitate information. I put myself into the moment, I share it the best I can. If I don't, there's a complete disconnect. I teach through and feel my past experiences as I share what I know. At the same time, my mind is completely open to what I don't know and it wants to take in new. Teaching is about learning, learning is about teaching in my opinion.
So I've had to honor that space. Understanding that a good nights rest is important, but allowing my mind to shut off is even more important. Last evening after three full days of teaching and going to West 17th to keep the guys working, I came home and was numb. Taylor could sense the disconnect I was having and we talked about it, the conversation led me to a much needed neuron destraction.
I bring this all up because this morning I feel relaxed and refreshed. I recognized that body was willing to push forward but my mind was saying no, I had to honor that request. By stepping back from all of it and simply understanding the battle within, I feel as though the brain and muscles have reached a comprimise.
Understanding is learning, learning is teaching within, teaching within leads to teaching others, teaching others leads to changed behaviors and changed behaviors leads to peace within. Then the cycle starts all over and we become more and more open inspiring self. Be safe and well, but more importantly, be yourself.
