Peaceful Moments…. While the Microwave is on
As I turn my calendar to Dec 1st I notice the conflict of wanting to start checking off my holiday to-do list and wanting to slow down. Is it okay to slow down? Even if you answer that it is indeed okay to slow down, even good to do so- when do we find the time?
I work with many parents that agree that it is a nice idea to take time for themselves, to cultivate that inner voice, to rest (and not just at 11 pm when the kids are down, the homework checked, the dishes done). Cognitively, we understand the regenerative effects of slowing down. Realistically, we don’t all have time, space, or even desire to sit on a meditation pillow.
The good news is that there are several moments in the day that we can make our own. The title gave my trick away. Next time you heat up a cup of tea or some leftovers- don’t get busy tidying up the kitchen. Multitask by taking that 30 seconds or 2 minutes to breathe deeply, notice your body, and clear your mind. If you can take that peacefulness into your meal or let it linger with your steeping tea- great. But if not, if you must attend to the kids, the shopping list, the holiday planning- go ahead. I promise you that these little moments add up and make a positive difference.
Another of my favorites is to sit in the car once I’m home for just two breaths. Where might your hidden moments be? I have one family that now takes one commercial break out of their program to just sit. You get to model and teach many things to your kids- how about how to slow down. A favorite adrenaline sports motto of mine is “Go Slow to Go Fast.” It simply means that if we go too fast through preparation, we may miss something vital. The kids that I work with go fast every day. They have also learned that they must slow down, just a tad, to make sure that the homework is in the backpack or the milk is put back in the refrigerator. What if just pausing a moment or two a day changed the pace of our culture?
As I turn my calendar to Dec 1st I notice the conflict of wanting to start checking off my holiday to-do list and wanting to slow down. Is it okay to slow down? Even if you answer that it is indeed okay to slow down, even good to do so- when do we find the time?
I work with many parents that agree that it is a nice idea to take time for themselves, to cultivate that inner voice, to rest (and not just at 11 pm when the kids are down, the homework checked, the dishes done). Cognitively, we understand the regenerative effects of slowing down. Realistically, we don’t all have time, space, or even desire to sit on a meditation pillow.
The good news is that there are several moments in the day that we can make our own. The title gave my trick away. Next time you heat up a cup of tea or some leftovers- don’t get busy tidying up the kitchen. Multitask by taking that 30 seconds or 2 minutes to breathe deeply, notice your body, and clear your mind. If you can take that peacefulness into your meal or let it linger with your steeping tea- great. But if not, if you must attend to the kids, the shopping list, the holiday planning- go ahead. I promise you that these little moments add up and make a positive difference.
Another of my favorites is to sit in the car once I’m home for just two breaths. Where might your hidden moments be? I have one family that now takes one commercial break out of their program to just sit. You get to model and teach many things to your kids- how about how to slow down. A favorite adrenaline sports motto of mine is “Go Slow to Go Fast.” It simply means that if we go too fast through preparation, we may miss something vital. The kids that I work with go fast every day. They have also learned that they must slow down, just a tad, to make sure that the homework is in the backpack or the milk is put back in the refrigerator. What if just pausing a moment or two a day changed the pace of our culture?
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