The term Shiva means the consciousness that dwells in all. It's your true identity- yourself. In this mantra the chanter bows to his true self.
I unveil my blog with this mantra because this is who I am. I believe in my true self. Other identities that make me who I am and I am proud of are:
A mum, a wife, a daughter, an educator and a learner.
Values that direct my pathway
Honesty
Self-responsibility & confidence
Doing my best in my worst
My value doing my best in my worst is a substantial one. Whenever I find myself in a stressful or a difficult situation this value influences me to look at the positive instead of the negative and guides my way through.
Defining health and active living is like a puzzle for me, the more I get into it, the more complex it becomes and the greater my desire to absorb into it and reach its core.
Why HEAL! (Health Education & Active Living)
My initial bulb was during one of my health science courses, about 4 years ago. The course dealt with how social factors affect ones lifestyle, the choices they make and their health. As an educator I was interested in enhancing my understanding of the influence of social determinants on students' education and learning.
This was confirmed when one of my students asked:
"Sunita, I want to lose 20 pounds"
How did this sentence confirm that I was destined to be in this HEAL program?
After teaching in public school and regular classroom for many years I got an opportunity to teach children with special needs only. Teaching students with special needs was a challenge as well as a great learning experience for me. My focus group was individuals with Down syndrome.
"I want to lose 20 pounds" was not an easy question for me to answer. Why?
- Children with Down Syndrome tend to be very emotional and find difficulty in making transitions. I knew the answer to this question was not a simple few worded sentence.
- There is limited research literature that goes in depth around the topics of Health Education and Active Living for individuals with special needs.
- Our current curriculum focuses on developing communication and reading skills of children with Down syndrome. Health education and healthy living programs for this vulnerable group are lacking.
- To adequately answer her question I needed to have a good understanding of the topic. I believe teachers need to be an expert in their area of discussion.
So here I am with an openness to explore, learn and develop under the guidance of our expertise and with my cohort group. I am excited and eager to share my knowledge with you all as well as experience your wisdom to expedite my learning.
What you expect in my blog
My blog will progress as I explore, experience and develop in these two years, yet......
Expect the expected as well as expect the unexpected
