Tennessee Byways: Lessons from the Little Pigeon
Educators have a tall order– much like rafting the Little Pigeon, we cope with unforeseen currents, debris that pops out of nowhere, and the occasional spinning raft.
Last week on a gorgeous river in eastern Tennessee, our family barreled through class three and four rapids entrusting our voyage to the skill of our young guide, Megan. I trusted her even though she did not spell it with an H. Her confidence in telling me her spelling was “correct,” solidified my first impression.
It was not her age or her years on the water that ensured our safe passage; it was her demeanor.
As other guides screamed out commands to their boats filled with wayward paddlers, Megan calmly reminded us to “paddle forward” and “relax.” Those were her only two commands, and we did remarkably well if I do say so myself. When I asked Megan how many of her passengers had taken an inadvertent swim in the Little Pigeon that summer, she promptly replied, “I see myself as a skilled guide, so I have only lost three.”
Not bad odds for early August considering she brings out six people a trip, three trips a day since mid-May.
When I reflect on our paddling adventure with Megan, there are some takeaways that are applicable to our everyday lives:
- When we all paddle in sync, we are swift and safe.
- When we listen closely, we careen through the white water.
- When we paddle then rest, we prepare for the next challenge, allowing ourselves to meander through the calm pools.
As I prepare for another school year, these three lessons are vital. Leaning into my colleagues and making sure we are on the same page will allow for swift passage. Similarly, when we listen to one another– not to respond, but to hear one another’s thoughts and opinions, we will undoubtedly move through surging waters. Finally, when we appropriately balance stress and work flow with moments of pause and reflection, we will find satisfaction in the clear pools life has to offer.
Educators have a tall order– much like rafting the Little Pigeon, we cope with unforeseen currents, debris that pops out of nowhere, and the occasional spinning raft. However, a strong, silent leader who knows that less is more and a team who works in unison, makes all of it manageable. Dare I say they allow for a “simple” paddle downstream through churning waters.
