how to be a mindful mother
I feel like I'm constantly breaking down the stigma that support groups ‘just aren't for me’.
You wouldn’t believe how many times a week I hear this statement. I say: don't discount it ‘til you try it.
The groups offered here are not "traditional" support groups. These groups are small, intimate, and focused. And while I'm on the topic, most groups welcome a well-timed f-bomb, a laugh out loud poop story, and a good cry.
We are HONEST, supportive, and raise each other UP instead of tearing each other down.
I recently did a poll on social media about what being a mindful mother means to my followers. Here are the incredible responses:
being a mindful mother is...
being present and living within that moment
being aware that my feelings/needs/wants are just as important as those of my kids!
taking time for self-care
being patient, but also knowing when to take a break!
slowing down in each moment and being in tune with my child's needs – and my own
about being gentle with myself while working towards my personal emotional goals and knowing what I need that day to move forward with that
a balance of being present for my son when I’m with him and prioritizing my own self-care when I’m not
paying attention to what is happening inside my body, and recognizing when I need a snack before I start getting angry at my kids
taking time for myself: well-intentioned, meaningful time
is learning from other like-minded moms
slowing down, being present, taking time for myself, taking time for my husband and our relationship. Happy parents = happy baby
not giving a shit what others say about how I parent my children
finding your tribe and loving their children like your own
prioritizing - what's more important: an all-day cleaning day, or a day at the beach? Doing the dishes right after supper or a family bike ride? No answer is right, and it changes all the time. But being mindful of which option I am prioritizing and why in that moment
all about awareness and being present in the moment, which I can only imagine will be beneficial to me as a new mother as I learn to adjust to this major life change!
knowing when to ask for help!
taking the advice or ideas that you want to try or that work for you, and leaving the rest
accepting that expectation and reality are two VERY different things
finding support
tips and tricks on how to integrate mindfulness into your real life (from local Regina, SK moms)
SCHEDULE IN THE TIME
It takes time and practice, but scheduling in real, true quiet time helps (no screens).
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HAVING A MEDITATION PRACTICE
Whether it is 5 minutes a day of sitting in meditation or simply just being in the NOW (in your body and mind) will help.
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AWARENESS OF TIME SPENT
Being conscious and aware of my time alone. What you do isn’t as important as the acknowledgement of doing it for me. Like going to pick up the groceries, for example. Take your time, Play your favourite tunes. Treat yourself at the end. Take the long way home. That kind of thing!
(How many times have you heard that this isn't self-care...? It isn't, but it also can be just what you need)
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TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER
It’s hard. It’s always a work in progress. Try and not stress about the state of the house and take time to check in with your partner after the kid(s) have gone to bed.
Until next time,
