Sublime

Tedium is a regular part of my job. But today the graphs and calculations fall away as I inhale the scent of dirt and spruce needles. Out here, I am half scientist, half disciple. I’ve left the laboratory far behind and, with it, the need to quantify and contain. In its place, I’ve reconnected with the simple act of observation.

Give them some control.

Measurement is the motivator for improvement. Resist the temptation to define the measurements for the person. Make certain that he or she owns that responsibility. Wrestling with the “How will I know when I do it?” question helps the individual learn about what he or she really wants to accomplish. It is not uncommon to find that clarifying measur

if a person develops a personal connection to nature by the age of 12, they’re more likely to be pro-environment later in life.

our kids need to understand that they are not above, outside, or apart from their physical environment—they are completely intertwined with it, and it with them.

Instead, you want to give your learners a safe path into the material.

space to develop if I hadn’t stepped into the instructor’s role? Would I have become someone who sees the good in others if I hadn’t first benefited from my students’ positive projections?