Just Thinking....

If you watched the news this week the headlines were filled with the news of Tiger Woods' fall from grace. This story was the lead on every news program that I watched. It was ahead of President Obama's decision on Afghanistan, the economy and all the wacky winter weather around the country. Seems like it was all people could talk about on the talk shows, cable news programs and entertainment shows.

Personally, I couldn't care less about Tiger Woods' personal life. And I am not sure why the rest of the country does.
We elevate sports and entertainment personalities to hero status and then we are surprised when they turn out to be human just like the rest of us.

One of my heroes is the Dalai Lama. He doesn't like it when people try to elevate him to hero status. He remains humble and tries to explain that he is a "simple Buddhist monk- no more, no less". I have watched several documentaries about the Dalai Lama and I am touched by his spiritual strength, his non-violent approach to life, and his infectious humor.

I have been thinking about the Dalai Lama a lot today because I am a bit discouraged by some things that have happened at school this week. All week the kids have been out of control, and I had to send a couple of kids home before their behavior escalated and they got suspended. Several other kids had to be taken to the office to be disciplined because they were disrupting class and being disrespectful. Other kids were just roaming the halls aimlessly avoiding class and responsibility.
The week culminated with a huge fight at the dance Friday afternoon. Several girls were involved and a teacher was punched in the face, seriously hurt. I was not there, but I was affected by this incident nonetheless.

I have lived in this city for 25 years, my kids grew up here and went through these schools. I myself have worked in this school for 12 years. I know that there have always been problems in this school, yet in the last couple of years things have become significantly worse.

I think that there has been a drastic shift in attitudes.....and I don't know what to do to help change it. This bring to mind this quote from the Dalai Lama:

“In the present circumstances, no one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems. Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged.”

I want to be actively engaged, and I believe that on a small scale (one on one) I am trying to do just that. I want to believe that my small actions can have an impact, yet sometimes I feel I am bailing the ocean with a teacup..... especially after weeks like this.....