Silent Appreciation

Wellness Quick tips for Teachers
Written By Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Gratitude is often rushed, written quickly, spoken quickly, and sent quickly.
But appreciation has power when it is felt first.

Silent Appreciation is a wellness practice that invites educators to slow down and notice how gratitude lives in the body.

How to Use This Activity

  • Think of a colleague you appreciate.

  • Write a short note of gratitude, but do not deliver it yet.

  • Pause and notice how it feels to hold appreciation without action.

  • Breathe and sit with the feeling for a moment.

You may choose to share the note later, or not at all.

Why This Matters

This practice shifts gratitude from performance to presence.
It supports emotional awareness, calm, and authentic connection.

Closing Reflection

Sometimes appreciation is most powerful when it is first allowed to settle.

Cynthia Skyers-Gordon

Dr. Cynthia Skyers-Gordon, Ed.D. is the founder of SILWELL-C (Staff-Inspired Leadership for Wellness and Calm), a wellness initiative created to empower educators, leaders, and teams to thrive from within. With more than 33 years of experience in early childhood education, from assistant teacher to director to Education Coordinator, Dr. Skyers-Gordon understands the challenges and opportunities staff face each day.

SILWELL-C was born from her belief that true wellness in schools starts with the staff themselves. By providing calm leadership strategies, practical tools, affirmations, and inspiration, SILWELL-C equips educators and leaders to create supportive, balanced environments where both staff and children can flourish.

Through workshops, consultations, and creative resources, Dr. Skyers-Gordon combines her in-depth expertise with a passion for cultivating resilience, connection, and calm in every space. Whether it’s through her upcoming Wellness Toolkit, the JamBel Storybook, or the Free Wellness Hub, she continues to design practical ways for educators and leaders to sustain their own wellness while inspiring others.

At its core, SILWELL-C is more than a program; it’s a movement: a reminder that when staff lead with wellness, schools grow with strength, calm, and confidence.

https://www.silwellc.com
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