Summer is Here and So Are My Kids...

Summer is the perfect time to practice new exercises so they are in place for the busy upcoming Fall. Exercises for the mind are no exception! 

Living thoughtfully can help you and your family have an even better summer this year. No matter how excited you are to be out of the stressful routine of the regular school year and no matter how much you adore and love your children (because we all know how much you do)-- admit it:

It can be really challenging spending so much time with one another every day. Your intentions to have a fun filled day together are real and present but somehow they get lost in the chaos.

The simplest outings can turn into pure nightmares. Siblings are having to be together more than they are used to and add in the extreme hot days and exhaustion {or on less busy days} boredom

...tension sets in!

Boom!  What happened to my happy little family? What to do??

This is where Thoughtful Living can really help. By taking the time to be thoughtful every day, especially when things are calm and going right, you will build a bridge to getting to a calm and peaceful place that is much easier to cross.

Often times we are unaware of how obsessed we may be on a subject, how our anxiety or negative energy manifests in our body, or how we get stuck in a judgmental approach to life. Take the time to be thoughtful each and every day and soon you will find a shift in your attitude and approach to life. You will strengthen and build neuro-pathways that will tell your brain to choose the gentler and accepting way. You will find a positive change in yourself and those around you.

- - a thoughtful way to peaceful days - -

1. Have a family meeting and talk to them about trying something new that could help the family get a long better.

2. Reassure them that it will take no more than 10 minutes but don't be surprised if they want to spend more time because it feels so good.

3. Find a quiet place in your home with the least distractions.

4. Whether you sit in a comfy chair or sit cross legged on the floor, be mindful of your posture and sit straight up but in a comfortable manner.

5. Uncross your legs and arms if you are sitting in a chair and keep your hands free on your lap or to the side of you.

6. Take 3 intentional slow breaths in and out and with each exhalation, focus on the word “CALM”.

7. When you feel everyone has been able to get into a calm place, say the word “THOUGHTS”. Everyone should be aware of their mind: notice how fast your thoughts are going and what they are about.

Now use this quiet time to slow them down by being aware of them.

8. After about a minute, say “BODY”.  Everyone should now be aware of their body: notice any parts that are moving tingling or tapping, swaying- any type of movement at all.

Now use this quiet time to try to stop any movement by gently being aware of it.

9. Lastly, after another minute or so, say the word “HEART”.  Awareness should now be on your intention for the day- What kind of energy do I want to out into the world today? What kind of student, son, daughter, mother, friend...do I intend to be today? Now during this quiet time, is the time to focus on positive energy and kindness and compassion.

10. With 3 more intentional breaths inhaling and exhaling on the word “CALM” imagine you are breathing in all things good and blowing out any negative energy you might have. By simply being aware of your thoughts, body and intention you can put yourself in a better place than you were in before. The more often you practice thoughtfulness, the less prompting needs to take place and the process will become more and more organic and natural.

When things get a little difficult during the day, gently remind yourself and your young ones to reconnect with their thoughts, body and intention and get back on track to peace and harmony. 

Enjoy your peaceful day!

written by Jo Pessin, C.Ht., Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Therapeutic Imagery Facilitator

For more info on Thoughtful Living go to: www.athoughtfulway.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/athoughtfulway

Through acceptance and compassion, Jo Pessin works with adults, teens and children individually and in group settings.