Transitions, Change and Family
We’ve talked before about transitions and changes in our lives. For the vast majority of people, change is the enemy. Right when we “get in the groove” of routine, there’s a glitch. It always happens. That is life. Life is a series of hiccups, not necessarily a long journey with a few detours. Unless you have somehow escaped the life I happen to life, you can relate.
Summer –> school can be a rough (dare I say “welcomed”) transition. I was speaking with a mom of 7 recently about how taxing this summer was and how I had been hoping it would be filled with whimsical, relaxing moments like the cover of a travel brochure. She assured me that her life is that much more complicated during the summer – granted she juggles quite a bit.
But the school year is filled with driving and homework and practices and games and clubs. Honestly, no matter how you look at it, while our kids are still at home, our lives revolve around them and our year actually runs from Sept.-June.
Pearls For Life;Family Yoga is about family, first. It’s about creating those moments with your kids that effect your family culture as a whole. Life isn’t seamless. It has its snags and moments where the lines and flaws show. But that’s ok. Embrace the moments that bind you closer together. Make family-minded choices this year that centers all of you, even for a few minutes.
Here are a few centering ideas:
1. Family meals: I know, I know. Maybe not 7 days a week or even 5, but make a meal or two a week something that the family looks forward to: Wednesday Family Burger Night or ice cream sundaes on Thursday nights. Something that gives everyone a moment when they know they will meet.
2. Conversation Starters: Give a child the responsibility of coming up with 3-5 questions for these family nights that everyone has to answer. They can be funny or serious, but they nurture openness and conversation.
3. Movie Night/Afternoon: Plan a weekly movie event. Popcorn, candy and smiles
4. Family Yoga: Take a class together that brings everyone together once a week. If you can’t get everyone together, do morning yoga exercises or better yet, in the evening to help the kids relax before bed.
5. Team Games: While your daughter may not want to attend all her brother’s soccer games, give them an incentive – a treat together or plan a beach trip after the game – something, anything to guarantee family time.
6. Meal Planning: Shop together and spend a few hours cooking and freezing meals for a couple weeks.
Make this year’s transition from summer to school as seamless as possible. Be creative, have fun. Use the routine to nurture family time. Welcome change!
photo cutesy of:http://www.corepoweryoga.com/blogs/kathleen-costa-practicing-yoga-loved-ones
