Innate Wholeness

Cameras have come a long way since the parents of today were children. The new digital cameras snap shots with ease and instantly show the image on a tiny screen so you can retake, enjoy, and take some more! What happens if you don’t have your camera though? Surely there’s a time you’ve forgotten it…

Bring out the Whole Body Camera – one that you always have with you.

As a parent one of your greatest tools in the plethora you may have in your tool box is certainly the Whole Body Camera. And you’re using it already so it’s worth using in a way that actually serves you and your child.

You might have noticed that you can recall the moments your child does not act the way you would prefer – all too well. You probably even remember the feeling that accompanies the not so desirable situation. Is it as easy to recall the moments where they are playing happily, sharing, feeling confident, respecting themselves and others and cooperating?

Start by setting the intention to bring your awareness to the times your child is simply playing quietly, happy with him or herself, doing what pleases him and you, cooperating, and sharing. Depending on your child’s age you may have additional ideas to insert here. Start taking notice when this happens. Then stop what you are doing and take a picture, but don’t take just a mental/visual picture.

This picture is a bit more elaborate than the standard photo a digital camera would take. Choose to soak up every detail of your child’s in-the-moment well being. How does she look? What is she wearing? How does she hold her body when she feels that way? How do you feel as you watch him? What things does he say or do? Any particular scent in the air? What do you hear – giggles or silence? Hold onto the feeling you have as you observe your child. Take it in with all of your senses – the Whole Body Camera.

Practice this exercise and access it when times don’t feel so peaceful and happy. When you choose to recall experiences that feel better you will be able to influence the not so much fun situation with more calm and ease – which helps your child do the same!

This is an excerpt from Tune In Exercises for Parents.

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Determining a focus is important to big and little businesses alike.

Everything is built on relationship and it’s all interwoven in a way that is greatly influenced by what standards are at the center of the business: the vision or mission statement.

How does that apply to parenting?  The parent-child relationship is the most unique human combination on the planet and while it doesn’t come with a manual per se, honing your focus is an essential ingredient for a harmonious result.

Similar to childbirth and the idea that if one has focal point or sense of center it is easier to move through contractions; it is also easier to move through parenthood when you have a clear focus.

To create your own vision/mission statement for your parent-child relationship you can ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why did I become a parent?
2. How do I want to experience the act of parenting my child(ren)?
3. What do I want my child to get out of our relationship?
4. How do I want my child to experience me as a parent?
5. What strengths do I bring to the parenting role?

As you answer the questions allow yourself to dream big and really allow yourself to answer the questions honestly.  Write as much as you need to. Include actions steps you know you an take to fulfill your mission. Trust that new and affirming steps will present themselves along the way.

When you’ve completed the exercise craft a focus for yourself.  Your focus is unique to you and your family and the purpose is to have a central theme that you operate within and from.  You might not know how you’ll accomplish your mission in all moments, but simply having it to access and draw upon gives you a valuable resource in your parenting toolbox.

An example of a family focus can be as simple as the one my children and I came up with:  Stop. Think of Love.  That simple phrase reminds us to be loving to one another, even when conflict arises.

A slightly more elaborate example of a parenting focus could be:

Through my own strength, sensitivity, and desire to be the best parent I can be, I commit to continually develop acceptance and encouragement of myself and my children and to be open to unlimited possibilities while I make the most of parenting now, in every moment.

Whatever you come up with, whether it is one word or 100, allow it to support you as a parent and know that by honing your focus you are creating a powerful intention for your parenting experience.  Simply take action towards that intention in ways that feel in line with it.  )

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