It is hard to go back to school after a break. Until you get there and see the kids, and remember why it is fun to be there with them. Until you get tired again right before lunch and wish you were back on break.

It goes up and down like this, all day, all week. Like it, don't like it. Attraction, repulsion. Just like Wes Nisker said. Says, in his books and his dharma talks. The lowliest of the microscopic animals behaves in the same way. It is drawn toward that which makes it feel good, and it backs away from that which does otherwise. Pushing and pulling, 24/7. So the meditative idea is to sit and watch all of that as it comes and goes. Be aware of attaching any meaning to the activity.

Today's group of middlers was actually into the meditation practice, and that was cool. It allowed me to even settle for a few moments. Often I am trying to figure out how to help them deal with their giggles. But these kids could handle sitting for 15 minutes two times. And this was the first session. Perhaps we'll be able to do even more next week.

I think teaching is an excellent occupation. I didn't feel this way growing up. I didn't know so much. So much. It is good to grow up.