Laughing Mindfulness Session

**THROWBACK POST**

December 7 2015:

Last night before I read to Lillian and Thomas we did a “laughing” mindfulness session together. This one is really easy. Everyone stands ….. and …. just starts laughing. At first the laughs are forced, yet it’s magical how the laughs become genuine belly laughs that you cannot stop once started.

I mentioned something about this activity distracting one from non-stop thoughts. We sat down to read a chapter in “Stillness Speaks” and just so happens to have been about how we spend most of our time “distracted” by our thoughts. After I had read a page, Thomas asked if I had read this before deciding to have the “laughing” session. I told him that I had not and that usually what we need to hear or see comes into our life when we are open to it. As there was also a section on boredom and Thomas had repeated several times during the day that he was bored.

I was moved to share two sections from the chapter we read with you. I just happened to be in need of this wonderful reminder too!

“If you can recognize, even occasionally, the thoughts that go through your mind as simply thoughts, if you can witness your own mental-emotional reactive patterns as they happen, then that dimension is already emerging in you as awareness in which thoughts and emotions happen – the timeless inner space in which the content of your life unfolds. The stream of thinking has enormous momentum that can easily drag you along with it.” and “When you feel bored, you can satisfy that by reading, texting, using a digital device, etc ….. Or you can stay bored and restless and observe what it feels like to be bored and restless. As you bring awareness to the feeling, there is suddenly some space and stillness around it.” – Stillness Speaks

I so love it when this happens for me, and I especially love it when it happens for our whole family. I am so blessed to have chosen the path to learn and practice mindfulness, meditation, and emotional connection … and to share and facilitate this for others. May this be helpful in some way for YOU, too! xoxo

Huge Step for Lillian – Using Mindfulness

December 18 2017:

Huge step for Lillian Monday night!

I did not feel well all weekend and spent as much of Sunday as possible in bed. We needed groceries and I had planned a date day with Thomas on Monday. I woke up Monday feeling great! I did the grocery shopping, then came home to whisk Thomas off for his date.

When he and I got home, it hit me again. I could hardly move! Lillian was doing what she does when she’s not had enough interaction with me … messing with my hair and head. I could not take it as I was aching all over.

I sensed her energy beginning to shift so made sure to stay calm in letting her know I did not feel good and needed her to stop. She got very quiet and sat with her back to me; which, many times in the past meant the switch was about to flip to meltdown mode.

Instead she said she needed to tell me something. She said she needs some attention from me and hasn’t been getting enough. Hallelujah! This is huge when she can lean into the uncomfortable feelings, halt the near immediate switch to meltdown, and put into words what she needs.

I was in the middle of working on something and suggested when I got done that we could color for a few minutes in the mindfulness coloring book we had just received from a friend. So, we did that and before bed, danced to one Christmas song. I was barely moving but knew she needed this.

Must remember to celebrate this when I feel better! So incredibly grateful for our path of mindfulness and allowing and connecting with feelings! Hugs to all who celebrate this with us! xoxo

Lillian in Snow 2013 or 2014 - Fire Poppy

Will You Please Help Lillian Get Back to Herself

**THROWBACK POST**

November 6 2013:

Lillian had a melt down a few mornings ago complete with she’s moving out, she hates it here and calling Thomas and I idiots. Once she calmed down, she asked in a different, quiet, deep and more mellow voice, “Camilla, will you please help Lillian get back to herself”.

I said, “Absolutely!”, and asked how I could help? Then I helped her get dressed. Later I asked who it was that asked me to help get her back to herself. She told me her name, which I forgot, and said that she was a professional ballet dancer. I said that it was very kind of her friend to come along and help her get through that rough moment …

Lillian has these melt downs about 1 to 4 times per week. Usually it’s when we are getting ready to leave for school or anywhere else. She does not like to be rushed and reminded to complete the next step of getting ready. I choose to mostly ignore her unkind comments as I know that’s not the true Lillian.

The more I do not acknowledge the melt down and the more I remain calm the sooner she is able to bring herself back to the true Lillian. I am so truly grateful for all that this beautiful little soul has taught me about myself and life! xoxo

Thoughts on This Parenting Journey

November 13 2017:

The key for me has been the understanding that I have no idea what I’m doing … HA! ….

Improvising like crazy; and, in fact, letting myself BE Crazy! Along with finally understanding if something comes from my heart, it is always to be trusted and the right thing to do.

And as much as possible not giving a hoot what anyone else thinks … xoxo

I Like Your Courage

**THROWBACK POST**

April 23, 2013

This young lady right here, the one holding the Sun ….

In my “Compliment” note tonight she wrote, “I like your courage to not give up.” WOW! Both of these little people in my life are so full of wisdom and are so intuitive …. They are part of my purpose and I part of their purpose … We are a Team indeed.

I’ve been sick with some kinda crud since last Thursday and these two have been awesome … Made my eyes sweat ….

Lillian Holding Sun 4.23.13