Mistakenly (or, jokingly) I am often heard to ask “what great plans do you have for the day?”. That question seems a bit of an oxymoron in this year — the year 2020.

In my case, tho, I have been busy — busier than pre-pandemic days. And, I think that could be said for many of my friends and acquaintances. For example, just the other day I received a gift from a friend - one she had made herself. PLUS, the card was created by her also — a stamp created by her, with different colors in the artwork (Impressive!).

My observation, then, is that many of us ARE busy, busier than ever.

Personally, I’ve been working hard to complete the work required in my last class of my Yoga Therapy program. This class requires 60 hours of client work (in person or via zoom) and associated paperwork (aka ‘charting’), 12 hours of mentoring with a Certified Yoga Therapist approved by the school, a video of one (or two) of my sessions, and I’m waiting to hear what the final reporting is to look like.

Where am I with all of this? Well, I am at 56 hours completed client work. I have met with my mentor for 5 hours via zoom. I’m gathering the equipment to satisfactorily do a video (iPhone, tripod, lens). And, I am so pleased that several of the people I am working with have volunteered to be part of the video project. I will meet with my Mentor tomorrow and believe I will hear about the final reporting requirements.

AND - WHAT HAVE I LEARNED ???

1. ORGANIZATION SKILLS - I can be organized. You should see the notebook where I retain client notes plus calendar plus helpful information, etc., etc.

2. COMPUTER USE - I’ve kept files ready to be transmitted (and, easy to find), if needed, keeping in mind client confidentiality.

3. THE VALUE OF A CALENDAR - Of the 59 hours I’ve spent with clients and Mentor, I’ve just missed one appointment — my appointment last week with my Mentor - Darn!, Darn!, Darn!

4. TEACHING IS LEARNING - I realize that this is a great learning, as well as teaching, experience.

5. HOW LUCKY I AM - The community of clients has stepped up in impressive fashion to support me in this work. Each is invested in their work, shows up on time, spends their time with me asking insightful and helpful questions, and is supportive of me.

Outside of all this schoolwork, I realize that everyone is busy - busier than they thought possible - organizing their homes, learning musical instruments, crafting, homeschooling, helping others, etc., etc.

In summary, may we all stay busy, remain strong, and wear our masks !!!

To teach is to learn twice.

Joseph Joubert, 1842

I’d love to hear how your 2020 has gone - what you’ve been doing, what you may have learned, how the year has been one of growth despite all we have dealt with. Leave a comment below . . .