126: When the Rest is the Work

After spending a few days at a retreat with fellow piano teachers, I came home with a completely different perspective on what it means to rest. In this episode, I'm reflecting on why rest isn't just about slowing down, but about making space for creativity, meaningful connection, and the kind of balance that helps us become better teachers and healthier people.

• Rachel shared how a recent teacher retreat reshaped her understanding of rest.
• She explained why rest is essential for preventing burnout and sustaining a teaching career.
• Rachel highlighted how creative projects can restore energy instead of draining it.
• Why meaningful connections with fellow teachers provide a different kind of rest.
• How supportive communities help teachers navigate common challenges.
• She encouraged teachers to identify the people who genuinely recharge and encourage them.
• The importance of setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilty.
• How making intentional changes can create more balance in both work and life.
• Why giving yourself permission to pause leads to better teaching and greater wellbeing.

Links Mentioned

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About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: @dreamlavendermusic6694
• Visit her Etsy shop at Dream Lavender Music

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