Parenting Blog

"Keep in mind that everything true we discover about ourselves enlarges our relationship with life." -- Guy Finley

I've heard from some readers that when they finally get the kids busy with something and sit down to meditate -- or just reflect -- tears come up.

Life is full of emotions that we don't have time to process in the moment.  And if we have kids, we probably have more emotions and less time. Parenting is the hardest job there is. It gives us constant reminders of the places in us that need healing. So it's not surprising that sometimes we just need a good cry.

Just let the tears come. Breathe. Acknowledge the tears, and the feeling. You can name it, or not. Sometimes emotions are too complicated to name. Breathe. Sit with the feelings for a few minutes. 

Those feelings are a gift to you, as bad as they might feel. Any experience that causes tears is offering you wisdom, compassion, or insight.  Ask the tears what their message is. Listen. Breathe. Say thank you for the lesson. Breathe.

Once you reap that lesson, you can let the emotions go if you want.  How? 
First sit with them, breathing, for a few minutes.  Don't think.  Just feel.  Breathe.

Then, ask yourself: 
"Could I let this go?"
"Would I let this go?"
If you can, ask yourself "When?"
Answer aloud.
Why not "NOW."?

If you can't let it go, that's ok.  You will, when you're ready.  Maybe there's another lesson waiting for you?