Shortly after reading about her I felt a sense that she hung herself, or was seriously considering it. Whenever I feel a stagnant, pressure-like feeling in my throat the first thing that pops to mind is the throat chakra… the energy center of divine vs. personal will.

Every life issue runs through this chakra – Everything. In each breathing moment we are presented the opportunity to align our will, our choices with that of Life – the Creator – What Is. While we have different ideas about how things should be, arguing with reality never works. They are as they are in the moment AND we can work to change our experience.

It is not always easy.

Life can feel complex, like it’s running us down – like we are both deeply alone and being attacked by everyone and everything.

Many years ago I read a poem about change that I held onto…

Start With Yourself

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me. But alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: if I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

-Anonymous

I have wanted to change the world to a peaceful one since I was a very little child. I realized many years ago I must start with myself, but the desire to help others never left. As my husband says, world peace through inner peace.

Do we think that peace is a mere luxury that we get to experience based on circumstances? Money, possessions, friends, well behaved kids, a relationship, the love of another, or something else. We don’t need to pretend that we are “above” the false idea that circumstances bring peace. We do benefit from being very aware of it, though, so we can cultivate true inner peace – that leads to outer peace in all of our thoughts, words, and actions… the world.

“The peace within becomes the harmony without.” -Joel S. Goldsmith

Whether we realize it or not, it is peace that we want. Good friends and lovers can support us along the path – that’s for sure. The fact that Summer felt comfortable enough sharing her pained life experience with so many real and virtual friends demonstrates the need for true, compassionate community. Parents need each other. We weren’t meant to do this alone.

Inner peace comes when we decide that it isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. We shift our focus from the pain to what we want, even if for only an instant. We catch a glimpse of what it feels like and we allow it to pull us along (instead of following the down trodden, heavy thoughts that lead to depression and suicide)… inspiring practices such as meditation or centering prayer, reaching out to receive help in developing awareness so we can make changes, healing our wounds, participating in activities to promote inner and outer peace, and exercising our own power in each moment to fully recognize true peace inside of ourselves.

It’s not always easy, but it is possible. And it’s worth making every effort to experience.

It is a fundamental right.

As Richard Moss says…

“There is a work to be done, a teaching to be lived, and no one is exempt.”

That work is your work, our work – to heal the planet by starting with ourselves.

If you are a parent or someone who is considering suicide, facing depression, just want to talk, or know someone who is experiencing lows in life, please feel free to contact me or read this. You are not alone.

© amychristine for Innate Wholeness, 2011. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: mothering, parent to parent support, parenting, self help, start with yourself, suicide, suicide help, summer minor

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Enjoy…

In the beginning as I set the intention to receive I felt guided to flow a light of forgiveness session for all of us.

An initial insight was about taking moments to center, ground, focus, heal in the midst of our lives… a visual of sitting in the center of the room, hands in peaceful prayer position, eyes closed with family coming to value these moments we go within…much like physical nourishment, this being nourishment for the soul and us taking the time to do it whenever we’re “hungry.”

Truly we are the example and the more we do this whenever we feel moved in whatever context we are in the more we give them permission to do the same, instead of worrying about what others are thinking of us… tuning in, tuning in, tuning in…

Take whatever moments you need today to simply tune into you for the harmony of the entire family

Love,
Amy

© amychristine for Innate Wholeness, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: centering, healing, love, mothering, nourishment, parenting

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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.

© amychristine for Innate Wholeness, 2010. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: centering, children, focus, love, mothering, parenting, prevent child problems, simple ways to honor child and yourself

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