Content on this page and website is not medical advice or psychotherapy. For psychotherapy or medical advice contact your physician. This content is intended for a Canadian audience.

MINDFUL PARENTING THEMES

From Mindful Parenting Group
for Canadian Physicians

NON-DOING

Why is it so difficult to "do nothing"? We are in a culture of busyness, restlessness and even "fear-of-missing-out". Our habitual and compulsive "doing" can contribute to exhaustion, burnout and a quick fuse with our children and those we love. It can be difficult to carve out time to do nothing. Sitting silently can bring its own challenges. We can bring ourselves compassion as we recognize that our difficulty sitting still, meditating, or "being with" our emotions is a common experience. Sometimes we are avoiding pain, the past, or other difficulties that may require professional support. Starting a daily habit of mindfulness or meditation can be the first step to gaining greater ability to pause and respond in a calmer, wiser, and more deliberate way to life's stressors. Meditations and mindfulness resources are available on this page and website. Why not start today. Even one minute of focused breathing, done regularly, will help. Joining a mindfulness group or class can provide much needed support, and guided practices may help focus your attention. -Aug 14, 2020 

"YOU CAN'T STOP THE WAVES,
BUT YOU CAN LEARN TO SURF"

Life will inevitably bring stressors. The more we resist these "waves" the more we suffer. And yet, we resist because sometimes it just feels like too much! Learning to accept the reality of the stressors in our life helps us move into a place of growth, learning, understanding and "radical acceptance". This doesn't mean we like what is happening or even that we agree with it, it just means that we accept the reality that it is happening. Accepting reality as it is may bring the possibility for greater wisdom, and the ability to make important choices and decisions about the things we can control. It is difficult to accept things we cannot change, and if emotions are overwhelming, it could be time to get professional individual support. We are all in this together, it is a challenging time that is difficult for parents and families. Connecting with peers can bring some much needed kindness, encouragement and recognition of our common humanity.  -Aug 11, 2020

"KEEP IT SIMPLE"

The theme today was "keeping it simple" and finding ways to reduce and simplify where possible, in order to be more present with our child(ren), even if for short periods of time. We also addressed that if feelings of guilt arise, we can acknowledge how very difficult it is to feel pulled in different directions. We can be kind to ourselves, we are doing our best in a difficult time. Are there small ways you can slow down, say no, do less, simplify in some aspects of your life? How would it feel to have even brief moments of full presence with your child? Can you be kind to yourself when guilt or self-judgment arise? -July 30, 2020