I have fallen off the horse in the past few weeks and I haven't felt like getting back on until today. Perhaps it's more that I'd been so caught up in all the milieu on the ground that I didn't even turn my attention back to what was truly important.
Thankfully I have my Simplicity Parenting coaches group and I get called back to what feeds my heart and mind and that supports me in feeding my sons' hearts and minds in the best way I know.
The simple gifts.
After the weeks of preparation and then the trip to Orlando - where it was a far cry from simple, I feel almost as if I am detoxing from the frenzy.
It quickly becomes an addiction if one is not careful. I even found myself putting legos in a basket to buy and I do not value legos in any way shape or form - yet I spent my hard earned money on these pieces of plastic I quite frankly barely tolerate. I did feel the swoosh of energy that comes with the purchase power of misplaced feelings, hopes and joys through the marketing messages all around.
Not what I hoped to raise my children in or foster as a parent. Yet, I found myself doing just that. And now I tell myself I can fix it. I do hope I can. Nine year old Ryder is more sensitive and understanding. He gets the energy shifts and feels the "gimmies" more so than Dax at 6.
Unfortunately I was reasonable with myself and my parenting. I hope that I can get my footing back soon and get back on the horse. I miss the deep connection of my own soul to their's as we share creating and beauty and nurturing.
I forget that Dax is still young and so many things have been a challenge for us in our family since before he was born. I can't help but wonder how much this has negatively impacted my hopes and dreams for a wonderful childhood for both my sons.
I recall this profound lesson from a beautiful teacher in Austin. I think her name was Laura, from a beautiful Blossom Waldorf Family Center. I had committed to memory on nights when I nursed and rocked my beautiful second son to sleep.
The question: What does my young child need most to thrive both now and in the future?
Beauty and Grace: in all that he hears, sees, feels and touches
Gentle Surroundings: from his clothing o his bedroom to his interaction with the world
Imagination: less form in toys and talking with ample time and space to imagine
Media Free Lifestyle: with as little exposure as possible
Movement: space and time to move, struggle and develop at his own pace
Music and Rhyme: Woven into every day of life singing, humming from a human voice
Nature: time outdoors each and every day no matter the weather
Nurturing Touch: holding, hugging, rocking, bathing, massaging
Play: uninhibited, uninterrupted, unstructured exploration and time to do, to dream to be in open curiosity
Quiet Imitation: exposure to adults and activities that are filled with joyful intention and purpose.
Repetition: in all aspects of daily routine building security and confidence
Respect: for who he is already
Rhythm: A flow of in breath and out breath each and every day - with seasons and festivals
Sleep: Plenty of rest to renew and restore, body, mind, heart and spirit
Warmth: protective layers to guard the new still forming forces and body of baby
Whole Food: We are what we eat
