The Lion King is a Disney classic that is easily paired with Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The structure of the protagonist (young male who should be King) and the antagonist (older male usurper of the crown) are just two obvious comparisons. The conflict also centers around avenging the murder of a King but it is all set in the large expanse of the African plains. What’s not to like?
This morning is my first day back to school. It is a day filled with virtual meetings and conversations interrupted by internet lag time, and the only thing in my head as I woke up was Timon saying, “And it starts.” Yes, it does indeed. I’m not exactly sure any longer what Timon was referencing, but I do know why my dream state was interrupted by the words this morning.
So many things begin today. Today is the first day of a time I have been dreading since I found out we were going to be virtual until the end of September. This the first time in twenty years of teaching that my school year will begin from my couch. I will not be entering the brightly lit halls to the auditorium. I will not be able to sit with my friends/coworkers and ask about their summer and say in a half happy/half grumpy way “Welcome Back.” I will not be able to lovingly arrange my classroom and items for when my students arrive. I am not thinking about what the lesson will look like or how I will rearrange the desks. No, I am trying to build lessons in an unfamiliar platform for students I have yet to meet.
I know this is not ideal for anyone at this time. As a teacher and a parent, I know we would all rather our children be in our schools as opposed to trying to learn in our homes. So many of our homes are ill equipped to handle such a monumental task. There is too little space and too many distractions and not nearly enough time to prepare. But prepare we must. Soldier on we must as well.
And this brings to mind another quote from The Lion King as I prepare this morning:
I love this quote because it is so true, and it is a classic theme in so many pieces of literature. Perhaps it is never really our place to understand why something is happening. Maybe life has never been about having it all figured out. We won’t ever be privy to the bigger picture, but it is what we do in each moment given that matters.
Maybe if I spend less time worrying about the things I cannot change, I can move forward today with an open heart and mind as opposed to dread and fear. I can acknowledge that this is the start of an unprecedented time and know that no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
At the end of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet revenges his father’s death and everybody dies except Horatio. At the end of The Lion King, Simba is also able to revenge his father’s death and everyone comes together to celebrate good overcoming evil.
Who knows what the “end” of this story will be, but I am going to choose to look at favorably because this is the only thing I can control.
Love and Light!
The Wandering Empath 
Thank you for sharing!!.. well, a part your home is your classroom for however long, do in your home what you do in the classroom..I am sure with technology, you can still communicate with fellow teachers, etc.. want to get personal there is always Skype, etc… the most important thing is you are still able to help the children find a path to their dreams!.. 🙂
“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” Frederick Buechner
Absolutely. Thank you so much for your kind insights and comments. Yes, my students are the most important part. 💕😊
These are times of change and within them are lessons. It’s easier to shift when there are fewer attachments, younger people have a greater lock on this. You my dear are mourning loss on a few fronts and I can relate. Since thebegiof this year I have changed careers and relocated, including being separated from my partner of 7 years. I’ve noticed that throughout this process, times where I’m white knuckling it, holding on so tightly yet not allowing myself to lean into the pain of it. The thing with change and life that is constant is that it’s neverending. Life itself is always changing and cyclical. Whenever we think we have something figured out, it shifts. No one will ever have the answers we seek. There’s always some level of unknown to everything. I share these thoughts to say that the more we can become resigned to change by embracing whatever is happening as it is, despite the outcome, the better. It’s a mindset and although simply put isn’t always easy to execute. You are such a brave leader, a role model for your students and your children.
These recent changes in how we interact have the potential to make us more creative, resilent and hopeful. I applaud you and admire the determination that you bring to your students Kelly. Keep doing what you’re doing with the care you so fearlessly display. It’s beautiful ❤
As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback as I fumble through these days. I know and feel all of what you say on such a fundamental level, and the reiteration of those things are fuel for my soul. I also appreciate the level of empathy and connection you feel for my feelings and my struggle. I am longing for the days when I feel as if I have come out of the entirety of these events more creative, hopeful and resilient. I believe what you are saying to the core of me, but I still struggle. Yes, you are so correct, it is in the execution of the belief that I often stumble. I am going to take your advice because it is so true and so important to remember every step of the way: I will keep doing what I am doing (with your continued assistance) 🥰😘
You got it sister, it’s my pleasure. My role as a healer to to impart what my own lessons have taught me and continue to. If I can shed light upon this situation for you, it warms my 💗
I feel our session Saturday will help infuse this energy as well. Intention setting is so incredibly powerful and is the conduit for my work🌌
Just know, you are never alone my dear, that is an illusion our minds create. Sending you loving strength💜💜💜
Feeling for you and what you’re going through as the school year starts. We can’t control a lot these days, but we can keep trying to relax into it all. What grade(s) do you teach?
Thanks so much for your kind words. I teach High school English. ❤️