Live, love and forgive...

So, D and I went on our retreat on the weekend; and it was wonderful! The Buddhist institute was so calming, and restful; and very beautiful, basically the perfect place to restore a bit of calm. And the food was amazing....

Much of our lessons revolved around meditation, and living mindfully; something I will definitely need to work on , as an over-thinker, it's hard to see your thoughts, but not focus on them! But I'll keep practicing, and at least appreciate the benefits of focussing on my breathing, and being relaxed.

I was very grateful that D was there to share the experience with me; in many ways I think it was of great benefit- we both learnt things for ourselves, and about each other, and decided on things we want to focus on together; and it was lovely to be able to spend time together without the distraction of our kids.

One of the best lessons for me ( and it was one I'd heard before, but not thought too much about), was the act of living more simply, and the difference between us and animals. Take dogs, they live, love and forgive so readily, and with so much joy; all they need is to feel loved; what a great way to live! No grudges, no pretence, no bullshit! I wish we could be more like this... Maybe one day!

So for now, D and I are focussing on the things we want to do better as parents - to have more patience, more time, and to teach instead of punish. I want the very best for my kids, that's what they deserve, and I know that in the past I have been lax with discipline ( iI'll get into that another day!); so I'm trying to gently change some of the behaviours that are maybe not great! I don't want to smack, I don't want to tell, and I certainly don't want to make my kids feel bad about themselves; I want to teach them better behaviours, better solutions and strong values.