This week, a student posted this question in a discussion this for their peers to consider and answer: Since we are talking about [student] engagement, what do you do when you don’t feel engaged?

Great question (that also demonstrates nice engagement in the class) that got me thinking about this for myself. What do I do? Sometimes I push on through and get the task done as that’s just necessary and a part of life. However, if it’s a creative task or one that deserves my focus, my full attention–being present, I’ve learned to listen to my self-talk in my head. Not the little voice that whispers “you’re a piece of shit.” I try and shut that pesky asshole down.

When I hear thoughts creeping in about other things, or my voice simply telling me that I’m not present anymore on this task, I’ve learned to listen to him and quit just pushing through and I’ll shift gears to something else. Hopefully something that has some playfulness, joy, and even space for curiosity in it.

It doesn’t take long for this to reset myself and then I can get back to the task at hand with some renewed focus and energy. It might be playing or listening to some music, reading some fiction, writing something (like this), playing with the dog for a few minutes (she ALWAYS wants to play), or taking short walk. I’ll acknowledge my privilege I’m afforded by my current work life. Even when that work pisses me off.

So, where is playfulness, joy, and curiosity in your life?

I will also acknowledge that I often struggle with this myself. More so lately. I’m a pretty serious guy. I need to bring more playfulness, joy, and curiosity to my teaching, my creative endeavors, especially my interactions with family and friends, maybe even my interactions with strangers, people in the service industry, and so on. But not spiders. I draw the line there.