Stop Being A Teacher For Awhile

People tend to confuse who they are with what they do. We often identify ourselves with our job or role in life. When asked what we do we will more than likely reply, "I am a doctor, lawyer, accountant, waiter etc." As a quick reply this is fine. However, what happens in many cases is we equate our job or position with who we are. Once we start doing this there is the danger that we will try to become what we think our role is, rather than just being what we are. I am a lawyer so I should act like one, and have all the things a lawyer has. Or at least be the things that the general population perceives in a lawyer. Teachers often fall into this trap. The idea that they are a teacher starts to colour all of their dealings with kids. Separation is created. Once that happens we lose much of our ability to relate to our children and guide them in a meaningful way. Yes, we are the teacher, but that is only our function. We are there to help lead, direct, give our experience, everything a teacher should be doing. The trick is to avoid falling into the illusion of duality. Teacher and student have their distinct function and purpose, but we are still human beings, equal and yet different. Once we identify with our role, we create the idea of superior and inferior. We gain self-importance and lose effectiveness. Try for just one day losing your identification with your role and start concentrating on your purpose. Then let it become a habit.