Nurturing mindfulness in parenting : 3 steps when you are spiraling and triggered as a parent
It's been a long day, and you're running on empty. You haven't had a moment to yourself, you had a quick shower and barely a sip of coffee. From the moment you woke up, it's been a whirlwind of rushing to get the kids ready for school, tackling deadlines and meetings, and fielding non-stop requests from all directions. Finally, you pick up the kids from school, hoping for a moment of calm, but as soon as you walk through the door, chaos ensues.
One of your children launches into a full-blown after-school meltdown, and you can feel yourself teetering on the edge. The sound of their crying feels like a knife twisting in your heart, and before you know it, you snap. You say something in the fit of anger. The guilt and shame wash over you like a tidal wave, and you find yourself spiraling into self-doubt and despair.
We've all been there. Parenting is HARD and comes with its fair share of challenges. It's even harder when you're on a journey of doing the inner work, reparenting yourself and learning to parent a different way with your own children. There are days when it feels like our cup is empty, and we're simply struggling to keep up. During these times, it's crucial to have tools that can help us navigate through the stormy seas of emotions and uncertainties. One such tool that has gained widespread recognition for its effectiveness is mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It allows us to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity even in the midst of chaos. So, how can we harness the power of mindfulness when we find ourselves spiraling or triggered as parents? Here are three simple steps to guide you through:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in any mindfulness practice is to acknowledge what you're feeling. Instead of suppressing or ignoring your emotions, allow yourself to fully experience them. Embrace them with kindness and compassion, knowing that it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling. Notice the physical sensations that accompany your emotions, whether it's a tightness in your chest or a knot in your stomach. By shining a light on your feelings, you can begin to understand them better and respond to them with greater wisdom.
Focus on the Present Moment: When our minds are consumed by worries about the future or regrets about the past, it's easy to lose touch with the present moment. Mindfulness teaches us to anchor ourselves in the here and now, where life unfolds in all its richness and beauty. One way to do this is by focusing on a chosen sensation, such as the rhythm of your breath, the feeling of your feet on the ground, or the sights and sounds of your surroundings. By immersing yourself fully in the present moment, you can find a sense of peace and stability amidst the storm.
Practice Self-Compassion: Parenting is hard, and it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. During moments of struggle, it's important to be kind and gentle with yourself. Offer yourself words of comfort and understanding, just as you would to a dear friend in need. Remember that you're doing the best you can with the resources you have, and that's worthy of celebration. By cultivating self-compassion, you can soften the harsh edges of self-criticism and cultivate a more loving and nurturing relationship with yourself.
In the journey of parenting, we're not alone. There's a vast community of caregivers out there, each facing their own unique challenges and triumphs. By coming together and supporting one another, we can create a space of empathy, understanding, and mutual growth. That's why we're excited to invite you to join us to cultivate and practice mindfulness in our Compassionate Circle Parenting Group led by our mindfulness teacher, Lie Ying.
This rejuvenating session will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to cultivate mindfulness and compassion in your parenting journey. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, there's something for everyone in this nurturing space.
So, mark your calendars for Tuesday, 19th March, and reserve your spot today. The sessions are once a month. Sessions are priced at $30 each, or you can sign up for a full term of four sessions at a discounted rate of $25 per session. We can't wait to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth with you.
Ready to take the first step towards a more mindful and compassionate approach to parenting? Click here to register : Compassionate Circle Parenting Group. We can't wait to see you there!
P.S Whether you’re a believer in affirmations or simply seeking moments of mindfulness, We're also including a FREE Printable of our SELF- AFFIRMATIONS FOR THE MINDFUL PARENT here for you to download!
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