Zen & the Art of Living S.L.O.W.
Zen & the Art of Living Slow is a podcast for educators who want to stay in the work without losing themselves along the way. Hosted by Cheryl-Marie Manson, founder of Zen & the Art of School Administration and a former school administrator, and Lauren Kazee, a licensed school social worker and founder of Living S.L.O.W., the show offers practical conversations about regulating stress, leading with intention, and sustaining meaningful work in schools.
Zen & the Art of Living S.L.O.W.
Unboxing What We Carry
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What do you do when life doesn’t slow down—but your emotions demand your attention?
In this very first episode, Cheryl-Marie Manson and Lauren Kazee introduce Zen & the Art of Living S.L.O.W. and the heart behind their conversations: helping leaders find clarity in the midst of constant noise, pressure, and decision-making.
Together, they explore a powerful and honest reality—sometimes, the only way to keep moving forward is to “put it in a box.”
From navigating grief and personal loss to managing everyday emotional stress, Cheryl-Marie and Lauren unpack:
- When it’s necessary to compartmentalize your emotions
- Why “putting it in a box” can be both helpful and harmful
- What happens when we never come back to unpack what we’ve stored away
- How our bodies signal when it’s time to slow down and process
This episode is a reminder that while leaders often feel the need to carry everything, they are still human—and modeling self-awareness and care matters.
You’ll walk away with a simple but powerful takeaway:
Sometimes it’s okay to set things aside… as long as you remember to come back.
Whether you’re an educator, leader, or simply someone navigating a full and fast life, this conversation offers a grounded perspective and a gentle invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
Take a breath. Put one thing in your pocket. And come back when you’re ready to open the box.