Weekly Message from Head of School 2023/12/17-2023/12/22
Dear Kestonians,
Wishing you all a peaceful and harmonious Dong Zhi tonight! This is a perfect moment for us to celebrate the triumph of light over dark as we sleep tonight knowing that from now on, the days will start to get longer and brighter and we move towards the light of the calendar year to come. Deep winter is the perfect time for reflection as the darkness dampens?the noise of a well-lived, if busy, life.
As we enter the last full week of 2023?ready to rest our brains and bodies, let us prepare to enter 2024 in our optimal state for learning. Please take some time over the next week to reflect?humbly, and with gratitude around these questions related to our values. ?
Ren 仁 Compassion?
We are social beings who derive identity from our interactions with each other. We recognize the interdependence of communities and cultures. We act with kindness, understanding and empathy in our relationships with others. We value the quality of our connections, and care for the emotional, physical and spiritual health of self and those around us. We act with a generous spirit and make a positive difference in the communities in which we live and learn.?
Reflection Question: ?
In what ways did I act with a generous spirit in 2023? ?
What are my goals for further or additional generous action in 2024? ?
What was the quality of my connections this past year? ?
How might I want that to change in 2024? What actions should I take to make this possible? ?
Yi?义 Justice?
We act rationally and fulfill our responsibilities courageously and with determination, steadfast in our integrity and sense of balance. We resolutely uphold justice for all. We are compassionate stewards of our community, of humankind, and of our world ecology.?
What impact have I made on our world ecology this year? How can I do better next year? ?
What does integrity mean to me? ?
How do I define balance? Are there changes I need to make to be more balanced in 2024? ?
What responsibility will I more courageously commit to in 2024? ?
Li?礼 Respect?
We value the norms and expectations for social behavior in our community and beyond. We base our interactions and relationships on respect, reverence, equality and a desire to serve and better understand each other. We possess a sense of duty and compassion towards family, community and our ever-changing world.?
How have I demonstrated curiosity about other people in 2023? What have I learned about the experiences of people different from me? ?
Who in our community can I get to know more about in 2024 and what are my first steps in making that happen? ?
Zhi?智 Wisdom?
We accept the wisdom of others while diligently pursuing personal enrichment and knowledge. Wisdom guides us to make the right decisions in life. We use intuition, intelligence and reflection to seek higher meaning and we employ our introspective abilities to understand the human heart and condition. We carry forth our knowledge to lead and serve in ways that benefit the common good.?
In what areas have I diligently pursued enrichment and knowledge? Do I want to make any changes in my strategies for this in 2024? If so, how? ?
How did I invest in understanding the human heart and condition in 2023? Who is one person who supported my learning in this area? Have I thanked them? (If not, do it now!) ?
How might I use 2024 to further benefit the common good? ?
Xin?信 Honesty?
Honesty and trust are the building blocks of every community. We rely on good intentions, the honoring of commitments and authenticity in each and every interaction. Our community members tell the truth, act with integrity and live up to the highest of expectations. We will be self-governing, accept responsibility for our actions and lead by example.?
Are there moments when it was hard for me to tell the truth in 2023? Why did I fall short? How can I ensure that I do better in 2024? ?
How will I lead honestly and by example in my peer group and spheres of influence in 2024??
What does authenticity mean to me? How do I want to feel in December of 2024 about my authenticity and what actions do I need to take now to achieve that? ?
If you are so inclined, feel free to reach out to me via Teams or Email to share a reflection about one of these questions, or a commitment for 2024. I am so grateful for this beautiful learning community. ?
With gratitude and admiration to each of you, ?
Emily
