In The Zone!!!

I've been in the zone before. When I was playing the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, I remember that the shows went by very quickly. It seemed like normal time before each performance, and then once the show started it seemed to end five minutes later. In reality, it was two hours later. I was just so into the character that my whole mind went to a different place.
I have felt that same feeling during certain points of student teaching. There are some lessons that just fly by. When I'm completely in the moment, and focused on the students. When I am teaching something that I feel passionate about. When I am helping a student learn a vital skill. When a student's eyes light up with a realization of learning. There is a drawback to time flying by. There never seems to be enough of it. I always want the students to have the opportunity to explore and find their own passions and skills. I want them to have the time available to discover their strengths in the various intelligences that they have. But, it seems to me that the high-stakes testing gets in the way. My site-teacher likes seeing some of the things I try with the students, but she also reminds me that there are certain things that must be taught because the students will be tested on it later. This tends to take me out of the zone.
I think it's like the rest of my life, I must find the balance. There is a balance out there (until we do away with the high-stakes) between being in the zone and teaching the basics. I know that when I am in the zone, I feel good and I like who I am. I hope that I can provide that opportunity for my students.