The Space Between Doing and Being: Reclaiming Your Inner Connection

Educating Mindfully Members: Please continue this conversation in our Member Online Community for the opportunity to earn PD/CEU hours. Learn More.Episode Overview: The episode is focused on the framework component of Mindful Self-Connection within Educating Mindfully's Mindfulness-Based Learning Framework.Matt and Lindsey distinguished how mindful self-connection is different from self-awareness by emphasizing embodiment. They highlighted that this process is not linear but a continuous cycle. Matt emphasized that mindful self-connection requires flexibility and understanding that transformation can occur at any stage.They explored strategies and how educators' internal states and emotional literacy influence school climates, the importance of self-connection for fostering safety in educational settings, barriers to mindful self-connection, and the importance of mindful self-connection in the face of technological and societal changes.Episode Resources: Educating Mindfully WebsiteMindfulness-Based Learning FrameworkEducating Mindfully's Book (Chapters 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 40)Educator and Leader Embodiment Cards (Mindful Self-Connection Card Practices)How We Feel AppFeelings Wheel ExampleRestorative Practices ResourceNonviolent Communication ToolTethered & Whole Podcast and Newsletter (MatthewWeld.com)Books: Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human ExperienceSet Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming YourselfPermission to Feel How Emotions are MadeMindfulness in Plain EnglishFull Catastrophe LivingGuest Bio: Matthew Weld is the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach for Illinois’ SEL Hub #5, where he leads regional and statewide initiatives to strengthen educator well-being, mindfulness, and emotional resilience. Through workshops, coaching, and his weekly Jumpstart SEL newsletter, he empowers educators to integrate self-awareness and regulation into their classrooms and lives. Matt also directs TeachIllinois.org, chairs the New Directions in Education Conference, and hosts the Tethered & Whole podcast. A Registered Yoga Instructor, Google Certified Trainer, and former Educating Mindfully Board Member, Matt helps build healthier school cultures by modeling calm leadership, compassionate communication, and mindful professional practice.Become a Mindful Partner