Nurturing Mindfulness and Self-Care for Music Teachers
Hemdah L Salonimer-Horner
Expert, Music Teacher's Coach, Founder, Discovering Autistic Music Students' Gifts/ Creator, Discovering Autistic Gifts/ Owner, Hemdah's Music Studios LLC/, Piano Teacher
Picture this: you're in the midst of your day, teaching a class, and suddenly, overwhelm and exhaustion hit. You realize you're anxious, trapped in the lesson with no escape. What do you do?
As teachers, we're expected to be constantly present for our students, but we're also human. Amid the chaos, taking care of ourselves is vital, creating a calm within that resonates with our students.
In this article I am focusing on those music teachers with a low threshold for sensory input. The ones who easily get overwhelmed and anxious. You might be an avoider, like me, desperately trying to sidestep overwhelming situations. Or perhaps you're a sensor, a passive regulator, only realizing at the end of the day that you neglected self-regulation.
For those low-threshold music teachers, here's a game-changer: Open Monitoring Meditation. This practice involves using a mantra to shift your mindset. As an avoider, repeating phrases like "not my problem" or "not my responsibility" helps regulate emotions.
It's not about being passive; it's about preserving your well-being by stopping the negative self-talk that says “It’s all my fault.”
For sensors, craft a mantra that prompts active self-care steps. Whether it's planning a stretch after class or dedicating time for personal reading during a break, these affirmations contribute to regulating and energizing your day.
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In my experience as an accompanist and piano teacher, embracing Open Monitoring Meditation brought a surprising change. While the immediate impact on students wasn't apparent, I left school with newfound energy and calmness, a transformation that endures.
So, in the midst of your busy life as a music teacher, remember Open Monitoring Meditation – a practice that allows you to notice everything happening around you while maintaining a regulated and calm state. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for ourselves and our students. Everyone benefits!
I'm looking forward to hearing your key takeaways. Let's continue this conversation in the comments below.
#musicteachers #mindfulness #neurodiversity