If Not Now, Then When? Wellbeing and Wholeheartedness in Education

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and political and social movements have required each of us to pause. Collectively they signal a unique moment in our history, and we argue that they provide us with an opportunity to consider what matters most as we move forward. Using poetic representation and Brené Brown’s guideposts for wholehearted living as a framework, we offer a series of provocation for readers to consider the role of wholeheartedness and wellbeing in education.

Keywords:

• wellbeing
• wholeheartedness
• teaching
• poetic representation
• COVID-19

Acknowledgements

Narelle wrote this paper in Beech Forest, on the lands of The Eastern Maar People, and in Melbourne on the lands of Wurundjeri People. She wishes to acknowledge both as Traditional Owners. She would also like to pay her respects to their Elders, past and present, and Aboriginal Elders of other communities. Sharon wrote this paper on Wadawurrung country. She wishes to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which she lives and works. She pays her respects to Elders and members of Indigenous communities and she acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be.