Mara Linaberger

02/04/2026

Often, The Knowing arrives when a part of you already understands what’s true, even if your conscious mind hasn’t caught up yet.
Your body has been speaking. This card asks: have you been listening?

Please click to read the full post about today’s card:

The Body Says What Words Cannot

10/11/2024

Today I’m starting to bake for my sister Anne’s memorial service which is next Saturday (see my previous posts for info. I struck on the idea of doing a Pittsburgh cookie table (usually seen at weddings) for her reception, as she loved to (and was well known to) bake for family and friends.

In our family there was a “secret” gingersnap recipe that was loved by us all. So many memories of making them with our maternal grandmother growing up. Of her making them while we were away for the weekend at Chautauqua, and our mother complaining of sugar everywhere in her kitchen when we got back Sunday night.

I remembered hearing a story of Grandmother and Grandfather (who died when our mom was 15) Held taking vacations on “Lake Restovle” and being gifted the chef’s secret recipe as they were pulling out to leave in the car. One summer. I decided to some research and found out that it’s actually Lake Restoule in Canada (v and u look about alike when it’s your grandma’s cursive handwriting on the recipe card).

I think that Betsy and I might just have to take an adventure to that lake sometime soon to learn more about our ancestors.

Here’s the famous, but no longer secret, gingersnap recipe (see the picture) for your collection if you bake. I’m sure Grandma, mom and Anne would approve of me sharing it! And if you are able to contribute some cookies for next Saturday’s memorial, let me know.

11/10/2024

WHAT BETTER GIFT CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELF THIS FALL, THAN PEACE OF MIND???

I'll be offering my 3-credit grad course, "The Mindful Classroom" again. Registration ends on October 17th, and the course starts on October 21st. I'd love to have you along for the journey - the course isn't just about sharing mindfulness with your students - it's also designed to help take better care of yourself as an educator. You can register here: https://www.eduspire.org/course-registration/the-mindful-classroom/2972

Here's what a few of my recent students had to say about the course:

"I am incredibly grateful for this course, which has allowed me to have a better handle on situations and maintain my mental health, even in the face of chaos."

"My work life was/is negatively effecting my personal home life and health. I believe this course has forced me to use the tools that I have had within me the whole time but did not use on a consistent basis."

"I have some very challenging students this year and I find myself using mindful breathing when I am dealing with the behavior issues these students have. The mindful practices have helped me remain calm at all times whereas before I might have let my anger at the situation creep into my body language and tone of voice. I think my calmness has been noticed by these students and behavior problems are not escalating as much as they were in the past."

"I am eating my lunch slower - thinking about every bite, stopping to soak in the little things, telling myself to breathe in stressful situations, etc. I love where my mind is going, and I hope I can continue to grow!"

"I am amazed that by spending only 20 to 30 minutes a day; only a small investment of time devoted totally to myself and well-being, I have felt less anxious, more positive, refreshed, less critical of myself and others, and more at peace."

Hope to see you in class in soon!

06/05/2024

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Its time to remember teachers, and all that they do for us as learners - no matter what their age! So to all the amazing teachers I've had over the years - thank you!

And if you are a friend on social media, who is still in the classroom, I invite you to join me in my grad class "The Mindful Classroom" which begins next Monday, June 13th. We'll spend a powerful 6-weeks together, defining mindfulness, and making the practices part of your personal toolkit, as well as thinking deeply about how to bring mindfulness into your teaching.

Register for the 3-credit masters level graduate course here: https://www.eduspire.org/course/the-mindful-classroom/57/101

Any questions about the course I can answer for you?

30/03/2024

Consider one of the most crucial "whys" for an aspiring microschool founder...⁠
⁠..reflect on the absence of their unique contribution through a microschool in the world!⁠
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Ready to take the plunge?⁠
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29/03/2024

What prompts many adults to believe that the education they received suffices for their child?⁠
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Children today have unique needs, demanding a more effective approach to learning. Let's explore new possibilities!⁠
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What innovative strategies can you propose?⁠
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28/03/2024

Achieving something you've never attempted requires stepping out of your comfort zone.⁠
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27/03/2024

What do you think?⁠
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26/03/2024

Does this resonate with your experience as an educator as well? Have you ever compromised your personal agency in exchange for a salary and benefits?⁠
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25/03/2024

What impedes children's learning progress? Frequently, it's the sensation of being unnoticed, disregarded, and undervalued. Providing students with unconditional love and respect is essential for fostering connections that result in heightened engagement.⁠
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24/03/2024

Individuals selecting microschools frequently desire community involvement in addition to their child's education. How can I extend an invitation to the community to participate in my microschool?⁠
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Let us know if you're interested in learning more about marketing your microschool by commenting with the word "marketing"!⁠
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