I find the end of the year can bring about all the feelings: anticipation, lethargy, excitement, laziness, restlessness, exhaustion, inspiration, regret. There’s nothing like a looming transition to unmoor us.

How do we manage all of our own feelings AND face the onslaught from our students who are similarly all over the place?

First, mindfulness asks us to recognize these feelings.

Gah! I’m feeling all the feels! This is hard!

This. Is. Hard.

Then, perhaps we invite in some relaxation techniques: deepening the breath, progressive relaxation of the body, gentle yoga, a walk in the park. Perhaps we move some of the more overwhelming energy through, running, dancing, or kick boxing.

And then we clarify for ourselves: Even as this is hard, how do I want to show up? What is most important to me when I am with my students on these last few days?

For me, as the sands shift under our collective feet, it is to offer some stability. Some moments of calm. Some moments of fun. And the love. Always the love.