The feeling makes the moment

By Kate Walton’ Co-founder of Same Page Co.

2 minute read

Who was your favourite teacher? What do you remember about them? Why do they stand out from the other teachers you had?

If I try to recall my days at university, I fail to find the details. I don’t remember what was said in my lectures or the activities that ran in my tutorials. I cannot recall the people I sat with or did a group assignment with.

But I do remember one lecturer. My epidemiology class. The details are fuzzy but what I do remember is the feeling of being in that class. The teacher was bright and entertaining, spent time getting to know us, and worked with us. I remember that teacher barely ever standing behind a podium, -instead they were always squatting next to a group, discussing ideas and giving us more to think about.

It was my favourite class and I could actually tell you very little about what I learnt. But I remember that teacher. 

This is the value in meaningful relationships. Connection created through engagement, personability, warmth, compassion and relatability. And so here I am, many years later, left with these positive feelings.

If we think of any of lifes ‘big moments’, often the only memory that we have years later is the feeling of the moment. Whether it was good or bad. Maybe you had the leading role in the school musical. I did once. It was for the Pirates of Penzance. I can’t recall a single line, I only just remember the name of the character I played (Frederick!) I can barely hum one of the songs, and thanks to never having watched or seen a running of the musical since then, I have forgotten the entire plot BUT I remember the feeling of anticipation, littered with excitement and nerves, the feeling that sat deep in my stomach. The sensation of pride for having achieved such a special moment and for being chosen. I remember the teacher who picked me, who taught me my songs and practised lines with me. I remember how supported she made me feel - like I could do this. 

We are also left with those ‘big moment’ feelings that we would rather forget. Maybe it's an innate fear of heights you have because of the one time, when you were little, that someone pushed you at the top of the play equipment and you panicked? You felt scared and unsafe and you carry those feelings with you.

You might be the most important person in the room, and be delivering content that is profound, but without a meaningful relationship where does that content land? How much attention is paid to it? Will it be remembered?

Prioritise the establishment of positive, respectful and meaningful relationships. Whether you are a teacher doing this with students or colleagues, or a parent, in the workforce or at home, strengthening bonds is vital.  It has impact. Strong relationships encourage higher levels of wellbeing, promote learning and make us happier.