Traditions for Self-Inspiration

Lately, with the season of course, I've been thinking a lot about tradition and how in many ways we have lost their importance in both our homes and in our communities. But, in returning to self, the origin of all--How often do we as mothers and women give ourselves the gift of rituals? Wouldn't we certainly be more present for those whom we love when we give to ourselves in ways that hold meaning...

It can be oh-so-hard, especially as a single parent, but in the time that my son is with is father, I'm am trying and searching to create nurturing rituals for myself. I am quite visual in my process, so when I came across this blog entry via a blogger who also liked Veronica Varlow's post, I was quite taken.

{via}

I love to see what I am cultivating. I love dream boards and books. And I love this idea of quite literally surrounding yourself by those who inspire you!

*and for some nerdy information on the significance of 7 calendar days

Choices in Daycare and Preschool

It can be difficult to make empowered decisions when we aren't aware of the expanse of our choices; And there are always always choices outside the ones served to us.

This very much goes for the art of parenting.

In researching early-childhood development and in watching videos such as in the post below or watching how my young son and his peers interact with one another and their environment at Waldorf school, I have found a refreshing and intense contrast to the typical daycare or preschool.

A Waldorf classroom (such as pictured below) is actually very similar from school to school, following specific parameters to both maximize learning and emotional comfort of children.

In contrast the typical American daycare or preschool is quite a scene!

Out of curiosity, I and my 20-month old son toured several local options that came highly recommended.
By the time, we eased ourselves out the door of one of them, based out of a local, church, I looked at him and asked "Sooo, What did you think?" We both shook our heads and said "No".
No need to get on that wait-list.

Here's what was noted:

-The front was door unlocked.
-As I entered several children were in the corridor, unaccompanied by an adult.
-The teachers looked like 20-somethings, unhappy and frazzled, probably taking the job simply because it was available (I prefer the grandmas, with extensive training, and an obvious love of children).
-Bright primary colors, and walls covered in chaos (which one might consider cute or normal).
-One child who was obviously very sick with a runny nose and a horse cough.
*And this is the biggie that concerned me the most; the children seemed to be running around to and fro, hardly engaged in one activity, looking somewhat frazzled.
                                       ---My overall impression--- overstimulating!!---

In contrast to the video below at an RIE-directed preschool and at my son's Waldorf class, the children are fairly quiet and focused on the task or toy at hand. And the primary difference I note is the expressions on their faces--they are safe, comfortable, at ease--which are great states to be in, in receptivity to learning. Why? Because their environment was created to sooth and not to overstimulate them.

There are many factors at hand (tv, diet, environmental toxins, vaccines, distressed homes), but I imagine to some degree this typical first introduction to a school setting has some degree of correlation with the increasing rise in ADHD.

Always remember my fellow parents, there are other ways...

Check out These Calm Toddlers!

I'm really digging the engaged faces, educational self-play... and quiet!
It's a dream of mine to create a peaceful, organized, minimal, all-natural play-room like this for my guy and his friends. This very short video via the MMP School in Mount Pleasant, SC has also peaked my interest in Magda Gerber's method of child education, RIE or Resources for Infant Educarers.

This book looks like a good place to start...

Little Escape Artists

{via}

Today I put my 19-month old son down for his nap and went to sit down at the computer; And before I could open my browser,what to wondering eyes should appear, but my toddler causally pointing to his room mumbling something like "Mumma, I got out of my bed, no biggie. Pretty sweet, huh?" 

I said, "Show me how you did that!!" and we went to his room and show me he did. Skill mastered and imprinted.

Oy!

I thought I remembered some mesh-looking crib tent that was designed just for this to-be-expected milestone, but sigh, they are recalled (a good thing, with their track-record that I was unaware of). 

I'm not really sure what to do???
Here's what one mamma did. Time to get on the phone and figure this out...prontisimo! 

Mumma's in trouble! (;

As sure as the leaves start to fall in October, I get an urge to pick up my knitting needles again. I'm still learning, so I decided to take a go at a small sweater for my little guy (who turned a year and a half today!).

Knit Picks, btw, is an awesome source for patterns and affordable organic yarns.

"The key to reaching your goals lies

in Soundness. You must eat, exercise,

and think Soundly. You can't separate

those elements. Soundness is what creates 

radiance."

                                                                         --David Kirsch, author "Sound Mind, Sound Body"

Yesterday I was talking to my friend Sara over tea and she mirrored the same sentiment, reminding me that "what strengthens the body, strengthens the mind" and vice versa of course. That weight-training was immensely powerful for her and was I lifting as well?

 Errr, does toting around a 30 lb tot count?...

I had been thinking about returning to weight-training a lot lately, so this last little nudge was all I needed to get going. This morning I picked up some weights at the used sports-goods store and then Lady Gaga and I got to it! Feels good.

--An additional benefit of interval weight-training are the effects upon the brain--a modulation of the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, such that all types of stress--be they physical or emotional in nature--are tempered. A nice explanation here. 

"All children are artists.
The problem is how to

remain an artist once he grows up."
                                      --Pablo Picasso

 

non-toxic eco chalk via urban infant

birthday truffle

my spicy mole negro birthday truffle

Yesterday, September 9th, was my birthday. It was simple day spent with family and enjoying the weather--the first truly Fall feeling day of blue skies and crisp air, my favorite!

In astrology our personal new year begins on our birth month, and I am so looking forward to a year that tastes a little sweeter, for the pendulum always swings and I'm long due for a good one.  (;

september energy forcast via lee harris



 

A Slow Return // A New Moon

Many a moon has passed since I have found myself drawn to connect here on this space.

Where to start?...

This weekend, perhaps...

Saturday the 21st was a New Moon, reminding us like Spring that there are always cyclical and expected times to start over, anew, carrying the wisdom of our past and yet unburdened by it. Like the fertile green life and seedlings popping up in my garden, there is a new life that awaits and an old one that is slipping away. Here in North Carolina, there are still signs of winter, still a few barren brown trees...but not many. The signs of my own inner winter, they still remain as well.

There is the grief of a marriage lost, for over these months my husband and I have been separated, in therapy, out of therapy, and out of love. There are divorce papers to sign and lawyers to settle with. There is  my body, so clearly connected to my mind, that has also shed too many tears in the form of dramatic weight-loss and now an autoimmune hyperthyroid. (The thyroid represents the manner in which we metabolize the world, and for me, it has all been too much.) Yet here I am, ready. Like the New Moon.

A blank page.

White Space.

Beginner's Mind.

Open Mind.

Open Heart.

There is a scene in the second chapter of Eat, Pray, Love where Elizabeth Gilbert is sobbing and praying in a pool of tears...on her bathroom floor. I have been there. Feeling "weary in the way that only a couple whose marriage is collapsing can be weary. We had the eyes of refugees." I have been there. She described her marriage and husband as "my lighthouse and my albatross in equal measure. The only thing more unthinkable that leaving was staying; the only thing more impossible than staying was leaving." I have been there.

It is certainly not the script I would have written for myself. Or my son. I was raised in a nuclear family, and I intended the same for him. I INTEND the same for him. For I have not lost faith in love or the institution of marriage. The statistics are out there and they are certainly grim for second marriages, but it is because many do not take the time to learn and own the lessons of the first union. This I am doing--in therapy, intuitive & shamanic counseling, reading, journaling, and most importantly in meditation, pray, trust & intention. I will resurrect and I will be more available for a pure sweet love. This I know, as clearly as I knew the young boy coming to me years before he was conceived. He is one now. And a true gift. A living Buddha, living Christ reminding me that what matters is compassion, kindness, and surrender to the tides of life. There is something bigger at hand than my small wishes, expectations, judgements, Ego or will.

I surrender & accept, with the hope of the season and the wisdom of this beautiful Chinese proverb:

My barn having burned to the ground, 

I can now see the moon.