The spiritual and creative path of teaching
Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about creating space for transformation. It’s an act of imagination, intuition, and connection, offering teachers a unique opportunity to:
- Embrace the imaginative—Bring creativity into the classroom, allowing new ideas and perspectives to emerge.
- Draw on the wisdom in a room—Recognize that every group holds its own collective intelligence, and trust in what the group can offer.
- Define your own voice and vision—Teach authentically, in a way that reflects your values and passions.
- Create space for inspired possibilities—Move beyond rigid structures to allow the unexpected to arise.
- Support what naturally wants to unfold—Facilitate growth in its own organic way, rather than forcing outcomes.
- Serve something larger than yourself—View teaching as an opportunity to contribute to a greater purpose.
It’s about being present, connecting with others, and opening doors to new possibilities—not just for students, but for the teacher as well.
In my book, Getting Messy: A Guide to Taking Risks and Opening the Imagination for Teachers, Trainers, Coaches, and Mentors, I explore how teaching is a point of access to something greater than ourselves. It’s a path of lifelong growth and discovery.
Teachers have shared that Getting Messy transformed their teaching lives, giving them the confidence to explore uncharted territory and trust their instincts. Non-teachers have found it equally inspiring, because the principles of teaching—imagination, connection, and trust—are principles of life itself.
Teaching isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being open to the questions and possibilities that arise. It’s a creative act, a spiritual calling, and a journey of endless discovery. It’s a spiritual and creative calling that lasts a lifetime.
