Exploring graphic novels this year in senior high ELA led to a reading of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. Reading this text could not be done without presenting the idea of looking inwards ⎯for both teachers and students alike⎯partly in response to two years worth of experience of pandemic living, and likely pandemic fatigue. To appreciate Santiago's search for treasure, we all had to examine what we are in search of as well. As a lifelong learner, I have come to realize that this search for treasure too is lifelong. 

Students learned about a mandala (Sanskrit, meaning 'circle'). A mandala is a geometric design consisting of symbols which is used in many eastern faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism to help focus attention in meditative practice and be used as a spiritual guidance tool. It is purposed to help transform ordinary minds into enlightened ones and to assist with healing. Each symbol/shape/colour represents an aspect of wisdom or experience reminding the meditator of a guiding principle that is valued in living. 

While reading The Alchemist, students were invited to think about the qualities of their own personality and consciousness that will bring them the 'treasure' they seek in the future. I also turned my attention inwards for some reflection on where I am currently in my personal growth; what skills and traits and experiences have I noted that are of value to me to create the life I aim to live. My mandala was inspired by interests that I have committed to in the last few years of middle age such as gardening and creativity; while others are passions I have been known to have since early childhood like reading and observant curiosity. The colour scheme also combined bright and bold with soft and muted colours; to look on this, I wonder if this is a reflection of the way I view my own personality and character. I can be confident and willing to lead when comfortable in a setting, while also feeling secure and content being quiet, and listening in the background. I have my teacher persona, a character that has been formed through a reputation established in a decades-long presence at the same school. But I also have a reserved and shy persona that follows me everywhere else; the one that has not changed a great deal over my lifetime and the one family and old friends will likely recognize as 'more like me'. 

Creating a design like this was enlightening by its thought and creative process, having to think of what mattered to me (what mattered to my students). It was enlightening also by its simple repetitive pattern.