At 84, after almost 60 years of being the most caring and care-full mom she knew how to be, it has become clear that my mom now needs more care herself. She is choosing to make a transition from independent to assisted living. While helping her pack the other day, a framed photo of Mom and her second husband Sam surfaced.
Mom has a determination to be true to herself, faithful in the face of challenge and in charge of her life that I so admire. When she chose to be true to her heart, marry Sam, and face whatever prejudice she might encounter, my sweet Mama inspired my courage to make choices that are right for me even when those choices are difficult. Along with role modeling, all my life she been determined to love and believe in me, no matter what. She encouraged me to love myself and be true to my heart.
Are you a Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or just have friends with kids? YOU have a powerful, potent opportunity to impact the children you so deeply care for and spend time with. You don’t have to be perfect, just be present…and listen to, see and love children for who they are.
Children know when we are paying attention to them and they know when we are not. They flourish in the conscious and validating presence of others. Being seen and heard means so much to their developing sense of connection with Self, self-esteem and confidence.
When we create space in ourselves to consciously shift from a distracted mind and back into the present moment, we have a firmer grasp of all our options and resources, including authentic feelings and soulful Inner Guidance. We can be present to our children. Next time you find yourself preoccupied and desire to return to presence with your child try the acronym, S.T.O.P.
• S – Stop what you are doing, put things down for a minute.
• T – Take a breath. Breathe normally and naturally and follow your breath coming in and of your nose.
• O – Observe your self and your child, just take note of what is present.
• P – Practice conscious connection with ‘I see you’ statements that show your precious one that you are fully aware of them and desire to connect. For example, you could say, ”I’m so happy to be with you, I see you are wearing your favorite pants today” Or, “I see you are feeling frustrated with that toy”.
(This Presence Practice is an adaption of an article By ELISHA GOLDSTEIN, PH.D.)
Because of my Mom’s intention, determination, and best efforts to be present for me throughout this lifetime, I gained access to what I call the Great Mother, a universal Cosmic Parent Principle who inspired the heart prayer of gratitude, Cosmic Mother Love, I am sharing in this article.
It truly is in each tiny act of day-to-day presence and role modeling that you most powerfully contribute to an inner well of spiritual empowerment and encouragement that your children will later draw from when facing the challenges and choices of their lives. YOU ARE A S/HERO in the most essential way.
