Out of the Mouths of Babes & Teachers

Ah yes, out of the mouths of babes and out of the mouths of teachers.  Last night as our young martial arts students sit on the floor, rather impatiently, for class to begin: I encourage them, as I do each class night.  Sit, legs crossed, hands on your knees, eyes closed, I say over this and over.  I always say this & they always try to peek making sure that I catch each one who opens an eye.  Each one who opens an eye or two I call by name -- it is our game.  “Eyes forward”, I say as they turn their heads trying to see who just came in the door, through closed eyes.  I notice again, as always, every student is slouched.  But tonight is different, tonight I say “Sit honorably, sit straight, sit with honor, and respect.”  A few straighten-up, the other adult students and black belts stand a little straighter, and parents wiggle and straighten up as they sit on the uncomfortable floor. 
“For how we stand, how we sit demonstrates the honor and respect we have for others and therefore ourselves.”  I think I will add this to our game and when they grow-up and are the teacher maybe my words will ring in their ears and they will stand a little straighter and call to their students: “Sit, legs crossed, hands on your knees, eyes closed. Sit honorably, sit straight, sit with honor, and respect.” 
For as we are, so will be the next generation and the next. So I encourage each of us to stand a little straighter, sit a bit taller, and demonstrate through our daily lives honor and respect for all life – what a simple way to begin.

WrenTEK, June 14, 2005

Back to Articles