nicolefonger

Gazing out a window.

The ability to gaze out a window. To see onto a world, to impose meaning on it. Is such a gift. I cherish this gift, and position myself throughout the day to have as much exposure as possible to nature and the outside world. As a scholar and teacher I write and engage in indoorContinue reading “Gazing out a window.”

Learning to listen.

Learning to listen. To a calling, deep inside. Turning inward to notice. No longer hidden– A desire to connect. With higher purpose. Through expression. Through teaching. Through silence. Through sleep. My dreams bring visions of translations of Sanskrit verses Yet here I am–awakened to the sounds of babes Crying, whining, cajoling me back to awareness.Continue reading “Learning to listen.”

Honoring the now.

Honoring the here and now. Accepting what is. Accepting what isn’t. Noticing anticipation of what is to come. The could be. Noticing regret of what was. The should have. Come home to witness. Honoring the now. The sweetness of joy tastes sweeter. The depth of frustration grips tighter. The ebb and flow offer relief andContinue reading “Honoring the now.”

Rx. Breathe, nature, self-care.

Each of us has a story, has been stuck, has suffered affliction of one form or another. Our challenge then, remains an opportunity. See one another. Hold space for one another. Be. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.

Tuning in.

I awoke this morning to notice. I noticed restless slumber, so I read a book. I noticed bodily aches, so I flowed on a yoga mat. I noticed streams of thought, and am writing. Tuning into emotional, bodily, and thoughtful awareness I come into being, still guided by a sense of seeking. Of seeking greaterContinue reading “Tuning in.”

How do you measure a day?

Breathing in and out, I sit to write as the day closes. One babe just blinked his eyes closed, while another reads. Today has brought both joy and frustration. Compromises and love. I find myself at the end of the day, happy, yet somehow unsatisfied. I have writing projects that need attention. I turn awayContinue reading “How do you measure a day?”

Taking time.

When taking time to do something, or be somewhere, or with someone Time itself doesn’t matter; it needn’t enter into consciousness. My favorite ways of taking time occur as bookends to the day. A long breakfast, children shrieking and laughing, only silent while eating. Standing in the kitchen, enjoying coffee while cooking. Then again toContinue reading “Taking time.”

Can you draw it? Sketchnotes 101

In my current projects on linking research and practice in mathematics education I am called to create illustrations and visual manifestations of ideas. I have also found this lens to be supportive in my teaching. In reading student papers, where ideas are still forming, I ask: Can you draw this idea? Create a sketch to illustrateContinue reading “Can you draw it? Sketchnotes 101”

Lead with your heart.

In practicing yoga, the cue to “lead with your heart” often is interpreted to mean shoulders back and down, abdomen in to support a strong core, arms perhaps stretched out like wings or clasped behind your back and down, with heart-center the leading force of your physical movement. (Think of doing a forward fold swanContinue reading “Lead with your heart.”

Habit forming.

Habit forming. March 2, 2018 I’m working on a new habit of opening my computer to continue my writing. I’m working on a new habit of being OK even when I’m in what I sense to be an uncomfortable situation. With bells ringing, trucks beeping, people talking, fans whirring, engines, motors, beings, all conceivablyContinue reading “Habit forming.”