Parenting Blog

"Just as the moon is always shining brightly at night and clouds may come in and block our view, so too are the peace and happiness always in our hearts hidden behind clouds of fear, worry, anxiety, doubt, and thoughts of the past and future. The possibilities for peace and happiness are all around us. We just need to make the choice to let ourselves experience them.  Relish the opportunity to sit quietly, soften the mind, and surrender to the passing sensations of life all around you. Let happiness, peace, and joy arise." -- Jan Marie Dore

Did you get a chance to meditate yesterday?  I know, it sounds hard.  Sitting still IS hard, especially given the length of your "to do" list. And if a small child is nearby, it's virtually impossible.

But even five minutes of meditation can make you a happier person and a more inspired parent.  And if that's not motivation enough, it can also roll back the aging process. Really. Stress hastens aging. All those stress hormones racing through your body can be dramatically reduced by sitting quietly for five minutes and breathing. 

So pretend you're handing yourself a glass of water from the fountain of youth.  Sit down to sip it for five minutes, and notice your breathing. To stay focused, on your in-breath, silently say "IN."  On your out-breath, silently say "OUT." 

If thoughts or emotions come up -- positive or negative -- just notice them, breathe through them, and let them arise and pass away, leaving you lighter.  (That's what the new-age folks mean when they talk about raising your vibration.) Anything important your mind has to say will come back to you later. 

If you do this for even five minutes every day, your body will begin to de-stress, your mood will get happier, your chattering mind will be more friendly and loving to you, your children, and others -- and your soul will sing.   What do you have to lose?