Presence, Breathing & Calmness
Presence, Breathing & Calmness
It’s been a little over a week since I shared my hot chocolate debacle. When it comes to parenting, I always remind myself of one key thing without fail: BE PRESENT.
I love being present in their moment, whether they are playing harmoniously or starring in the latest episode of "Sibling Smackdown." Listening to them allows me a sneak peek into their little worlds, helping me understand how they navigate new experiences and developmental stages. Sometimes Az would turn to me with questions like,
“Mama, are you worried?”
“No bubba, I’m not,” I’d reply.
“Are you sad?”
“Errr, no, I’m not.”
“Are you upset?”
"Errrrr, I don’t think so," I'd say.
Cue the confused look, as if Az was expecting me to be a walking soap opera. And then I start second-guessing myself. Do I look worried? Sad? Constipated? Now I have to think about my facial expressions and demeanour. You see, the younger a child, the purer they are. Their questions come from a place of innocence, forcing us adults—well, conscious adults—to check ourselves.
Clearly, something about my presentation makes Az think I’m more dramatic than I feel. Sometimes my mind is preoccupied with something else, making me think I'm present while my brain is secretly vacationing in Bermuda. It's often these simple questions that snap me back to reality, reminding me I’ve been holding my breath or practicing rapid breathing drills.
What I love about these moments is realising that children can be our greatest teachers. If we allow ourselves to learn from them, they’ll present lessons through the purest form: LOVE.
So, when it’s meal time and I’m faced with a barrage of questions, it's a wake-up call. “Mama, come back to HERE and NOW. Oh, and make sure my food isn’t too hot!”
It's not that I ignore my own concerns. When they’re in bed, I give myself the time to deal with my emotions. That’s when I practice my breathing: slow, deep breaths that help calm my mind.
The lessons continue at the next meal or the next day. As always, I remain an open student, knowing my little teacher holds no grudges. I want to learn. I want to learn from my child.
So fellow parents, let's remember to be present with our breath and experience calmness. It’s a simple equation: Presence + Breathing = Calmness.