Race to Nowhere Trailer

What are we doing to our children?

Watching the above film trailer brought up a host of emotions for me. A lump formed in my throat and I felt like I was going to cry...

As I listened to the articulate and thoughtful voices of the young people, I saw myself. I was that stressed out, over achieving child. Twenty years ago I was fully engaged in the "race to nowhere".  I believed in the insanity...

Buying into the whole notion that I always had to strive and focus on competition and the future was hugely unhealthy; I didn't eat or sleep properly; I was depressed, stressed and generally lacked in joy...

I really wouldn't recommend it. Thankfully, I made it through the illusion and have chosen to approach things differently with my own kids. 

Recognizing the inherent, foundational flaws in the system we made a choice.

We're forfeiting the race this time around.

 We un-school.

Though unschooling isn't for everyone and it definitely isn't a "perfect" solution,  it allows for the the individuality and the essence of our children to shine and blossom. They are learning to listen to their hearts in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment...

At the moment, this looks and feels better than what these poor kids are going through....   

Namaste,

Shannon

A dear friend passed this along yesterday and I just had to share.....

It touches me in a very deep way. We have countless opportunities to experience beauty, love and joy every day.... We simply need to tune in and allow ourselves to see the magic in the "crumbs".....

GATHERING UP CRUMBS  

Be careful with the crumbs.
Do not overlook them.  
Be careful with the crumbs;
the little chances to love,  
the tiny gestures,
the morsels that feed,
the minims.  
Take care of the crumbs;
a look, a laugh, a smile,  
a teardrop, an open hand.
Take care of the crumbs.
They are food also.  
Do not let them fall.
Gather them.
Cherish them.                                   

-Gunilla Norris 

 

"Relationship is the ultimate spiritual path, because it constantly presents us with the challenge to love and embrace in the very situations in which we're most prone to shun and reject. For that reason, above all, relationship is the place where our spirituality most visibly comes to light." ~ Gay Hendricks, The Big Leap

Isn't that so true? I love it...

I was struck by something as I read Dr. Hendricks' great book, though. It is one thing to consider our relationships with our partners and other adults as "spiritual paths", but what about our relationships with our kids. Have you ever considered parenting to be a spiritual practice?  (This is not a trick question! Please don`t feel `bad` if you haven`t!)

For all the mountains of expert parenting advice out there, this isn't something that many people talk about it. (Although a couple lovely books do spring to mind ~ Motherhood as a Spiritual Practice by Patti Sinclair and Everyday Blessings by Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn.) Intuitively, I feel that this is something in need of change. The time has come...  

I know I`ve said it before, but becoming a mom and making the commitment to approach my role in an intentional and open way really kick-started my spiritual evolution. From the first moment I held my wee daughter, I have felt, deep within my heart, that motherhood is a sacred profession. 

As mamas, we have the awesome ability to shape the future through the way we relate to our children. I don`t mean this in terms of simply bestowing knowledge or values upon our children. Rather, parenting can become a co-creative process where both parents and children are engaged in learning and evolving in love. When we can admit that we haven`t got all the answers and commit to working on our own stuff (healing the past, addressing limiting beliefs, not repeating unhealthy patterns etc...), we take the first step.

Kids give us the opportunity to embody the spiritual teachings of all wisdom traditions. Regardless of personal spiritual beliefs, as mamas we have the chance to practice: patience, forgiveness, unconditional love, trust, compassion, faith, charity, beginner mind, creativity, right speech etc...etc... 24/7.  When you really let that sink in, it is pretty darn cool. 

So, the next time your 2 year old is melting down in the grocery line rather than shunning the experience, embrace it as a spiritual `gift`.  Or whenever you are tempted to blurt out a less than compassionate phrase breathe and think, ``right speech``. And, whenever you are not being your `best parent` be gentle to yourself and consider the art of self-love and compassion.... It is all spiritual practice.

Namaste.

Shannon

I seem to have taken the fall season far too literally... About 3 weeks ago, I "fell" and broke my ankle! EEKS!  I had literally asked for a "break" and I got one. The universe has a wacky sense of humor...LOL :)

 

Like so many people here, I tend toward the " there are no accidents" way of looking at things and, after my initial, "why me?" response, I found myself laughing and feeling grateful for the experience.  Already, my "fall" has  provided me with countless "gifts". The gift of "slowing down". The gift of "letting go". The gift of "self care". The gift of "healing". The gift of "allowing and receiving".

 

 Although I recognize all of these "gifts", I must admit that this experience hasn't  been easy. Healing hurts. And, I have to say that on many levels some of these gifts are things that I have been deeply afraid of doing.

 

What are you afraid of doing? Just for today, rather that letting fear get the best of you,  consider looking it in the eye and doing what you are afraid of. Maybe that means starting a new business or healing a relationship. Perhaps it means taking responsibility for actions or approaching your children in a more open and compassionate manner. Whatever it is, there is no time like the present to just do it. 

 

As a wise philosopher once said,  "Always do the thing you are afraid to do." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson  

 

Wishing you love, courage and boundless blessings on your journey. 

 

Namaste.

Shannon

 

Here are a couple of favs...;)

Loved this video. Very powerful and filled with hope....

To  view the 25 minute film go to: www.globalonenessproject.org

My son has always told me that he would love to fly....
Not in a plane....But by his own "power"....

He is absolutely fascinated with the following and I must say, so am I!!!

Talk about surrender.....

Wishing all you beautiful, amazing mamas a most glorious week-end!!!

Part of my "mama's day" gift was an afternoon sans kids yesterday. It was a gorgeous day here and, with journal in hand, I wandered down to the beach and soaked up the peace and sunshine.....Ahhhhh......

As I sat on a log watching the waves and listening to the gulls, what came up for me was how grateful I am for the incredible gift of motherhood. More than all the education in the world, they have opened my heart to realms of possibility.....

My kids are my greatest teachers. I often feel like I am living with 3 little zen masters 24/7. That said, they serve as constant inspiration to keep evolving and growing. They remind me to breathe, let go and have fun. (As I write this I am sitting in the middle of a "staw" house...the boys are paddling around the kitchen in laundry baskets....and, yah, it's all good!!! LOL :) They also remind me (on a minute by minute basis) to remain compassionate, flexible and patient...... Now that they are getting older, they also mirror back to me qualities that I really do want/need to work on.... Letting go of "perfectionism", being more organized, being in the moment....etc...etc.....:)

With all this in mind, I intend to be present with my kids (and get off the computer -- LOL :)) and just enjoy their beutiful spirits, the sunshine and garden this mama's day!!!

May you all have a blessed day!!!!
Namaste,
S:)

PS: Here's a great song for you....:)

 

I always pay close attention to the animals that show up in both my waking and dreaming life.....

Crows have been ever present in both lately.....

Here is a little about crows. Maybe you have crow medicine, too???

Some dance wildly around the living room music for you...:)