Face-to-face again. Is it ok to have mixed emotions?

Working in Education has been topsy turvy this past year, to say the least. Emotions are all over the place. I’ve struggled with distance, questioned much, been hard on myself and done the Covid space dance with all my colleagues.  But Monday is a whole new scenario.  Learners.

Depending where we work, face-to-face has been disjointed. They’re there, then they’re not. We’re online, now we’re disconnected! It’s taken many directions and numerous forms.

But in prison we’ve followed national guidelines.  And our learners are amongst us again.  It will be a test for sure.

• Is it OK to question ourselves and our space?
• Is it still OK to be a bit apprehensive after months of separation?
• Am I right to question my ability to be ‘on it’ again, and resume my usual responsibilities without a hiccup?

I tell myself it’s normal. They might be anxious too.  Everything will be arranged as it should be – space and sanitisation will be respected. We will all respect one another.  You’d hope so wouldn’t you!

Imagine things from their end (as I am). No teaching for a year – though they’ve had in-cell learning via packs. I know how I would yearn for the chance to learn from others after so long a separation.

Of course we’ll all have to ‘see how it goes’. There will be meetings, reviews, discussion and change to make the process as best as possible for all concerned.

And here’s my Mindful approach to Monday. The ‘for the good of all concerned’ may well be different for different sections of our community.  Here we’re mindful of safety, security and sanity. All 3 must be good companions in our slow unlock.  Lockdown has especial meaning at HMP.  We understand it so well.

So let’s pause and consider ALL levels of our society today and how each is coming to terms with the months of separation and the anticipation of togetherness.

What can we each do individually and collectively (in our own environments) to support those we work with today to make a smooth transition back to life and learning?

If you’d like to sign up to receive my blog posts sign up here