When the Moon Goes Down

As I am leaving the bedroom, Zach will often say "Mommy Mommy!!" to get my attention. And of course I will stay to hear him, and he will say "Mommy, when will the moon go down after the sun comes up?"

Always the same question. And I always respond the same "In the morning, after you sleep". Then, he says "Ok", is content, and rolls over to go to sleep.

It has almost become a ritual at bedtime. I sure would like to know where he came up with the idea to ask that question, and why it is so satisfying to him to have me answer this way. But it is. And I, too, am content with that.

Stillness

Doves

I want
the words to flutter around you and land softly
on your shoulders in peace.
I want you to hear them
tell you of heaven.

Stand still
and they will gather.

William B. Lynch


This is one of my favourite poems, and has been for as long as I can remember. I'm feeling this way tonight. Had a wonderful day, really, with all of my closest loved ones nearby. There is still some friction with one loved one - and maybe this is part of the reason why I am feeling the need to let go of struggling, and just LET. To be still, to allow perfect grace to fall like a soft new snowfall, on my shoulders. And, to say to this loved one, "I want the same for you - for you to feel the stillness that will bring answers".

I also love the last words, "Stand still / and they will gather".
How often do we look outside ourselves for happiness, for solutions to our problems? More money, the perfect relationship, the list could go on..
It isn't always easy to stand still. It is more tempting to run around doing things, or try to run away from our problems.

But the answers ARE within. Standing still in our thoughts, being perfectly still, in oneness with the divine, with all that is pure and good, knowing it so deeply that it infuses our being. This, this brings peace. Brings the words, thoughts, messages, that gently, quietly settle in our consciousness, stilling fear, lack, even pain.


Blessings to you, tonight.
Janine

Turning a new leaf: conscious parenting

Today after an active day, my middle son Benjamin was restless, as children often are right before bedtime. He whiningly said “I want dessert”. “I want ice cream”. When I said “No” the whining became yelling, then it escalated into bumping into me with the chair he was sitting on.

Ok, this wasn’t going well.

He tried climbing on the fridge to open the freezer door, and I had to enlist Daddy to wrestle him off. He didn’t seem to want to listen.

Then, he ran and sat on the couch, and proceeded to yell at me “I want ice cream”, “I want ice cream”.

In the middle of this tantrum, I thought for a moment what to do, then walked over to him, sat down right next to him, touched his shoulder gently, and gazed deeply into his eyes, loving him, ready to really listen. I tousled his hair. After a few moments he calmed down, then said to me “I want ice cream”, looking like he was about to cry. I said gently, “What did I say the last time?” Then asked, before he could answer, “Is there anything else I can get you?” This time, seeing that I was really listening to him, still looking into his eyes, he said “yogurt”. And “apples with cinnamon”. He was calm now.

He went and had his snack, then happily went off for his bath. He was agreeable with me and when I suggested he not throw his clothes on the floor on the way to the bathroom, but please put them in the laundry area right away, he did.

This is a new approach for me, in that I might have known it works, but now have renewed confidence that it does. Mindful parenting, deep, soulful listening – children respond to it. Adults too : )