over the years, i have spent a lot of time talking to my students about being present with their work... mindful of their surroundings, the marks that they are making, and the process that they are a part of at that exact moment.

i have found that in my own work, when i am totally present and aware of the process, not only does the work turn out better, but i learn more and am able to take my works further. it is a very hard thing for teenagers to really take hold of, but when we have those moments where the entire room just gets locked in to that zone its magical.

i recently saw a piece on 60 minutes where anderson cooper discussed mindfulness with jon kabat-zinn - it was eye opening and reassuring for me and seemed to hit home to my AP students when i showed it to them in class.