The Daily Sip: Slowing
Down
With Your Child's Help
More often than we like, we find
ourselves moving fast -- both on the inside and outside. Mindfulness
slows us down so that we become more present in the here and
now. The practice of mindful parenting expands our connection
to our child and helps bring us into a more mindful place.
Today
when you detect that you are moving too fast -- recite the
following verse and visualize your child (or children) a few feet
behind you, firmly holding on to ropes that are attached
to your back, helping you to slow you down.
My beautiful child(ren)
I see you behind me
Thank you for helping me
Slow down
As you imagine each of your children tugging on
a rope, open to the sensation of the rope pulling against their
fingers and of the ground underneath their feet. Allow these
sensation to ground you further in the moment.
As you recite
the verse, feel the pull of the rope against your back. Lean
ever so slightly backward as if the pulling were effective. Breathe
deeply and slow down the momentum moving your legs, arms,
eyes, fingers, and your mind. Come to rest and stop moving for
a few moments. Empty your mind of any lingering thoughts.
Take another deep breath. Visualize your children, wherever
they may be, and smile.