Inspiration for mothers...

My "spirited" child, who occasionally drives me crazy!!!

Today was a day that seemed to fly by at a frantic pace.  There is a garden that is begging for weeding, planting and mushroom compost...there is a little person who is teething and when she is not busy being a scientist of the world around her, she is crying copious, painful little tears, (and her cries have been known to sound like sirens wailing in our yard).  Then there is the slightly bigger child, who is full of energy...boundless excited 6 yr old energy, (that somedays, like today, I am too tired and slightly impatient for).   Add to this the packing of all the things we'll need for a city escape tomorrow, and I am up to my eyeballs in stress!!  Most of our days of late have been brimming with goodness, creativity, order...but, there are always "those days"...the one's that leave you feeling exhausted and guilty.  I think though, that it is in these moments that we have the most to learn.  I know for myself, when I have a bad moment as a mother, when I yell, swear,  or just can't slow down for the sake of my children, it is a lesson in self awareness...learning what my triggers are, or what I need in oder for myself to feel better, (am I getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, taking time out to be creative).  And sometimes, my behaviour can be so irrational that I just have to laugh at myself, and how absurd I must sound and look.  In times of anger I try to remember this, from the book "Buddhism for Mothers" by Sarah Napthali

"As encouragement for us to abandon the mind of anger and all angry actions the Buddha said this:

The one who offends another

after being offended by him,

harms himself and harms the other.

When you feel hurt

but do not hurt the other,

you are truly victorious.

Your practice and your victory benefit both of you.

When you understand the roots of anger in yourself

and in the other,

your mind will enjoy true peace, joy and lightness.

You become the doctor who heals himself and heals the other.

If you don't understand,

you will think not getting angry to be the act of a fool."

There is much to learn in times of anger...

 

I want to share some of the marvelous, inspiring things that keep me afloat on these not so good days...

My favourite parenting books 
Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali
Buddhism for Mothers of Young Children by Sarah Napthali
Buddha Mom by Jacqueline Kramer
What Do You Really Want for Your Children by Wayne Dyer

and my favourite sites...that offer gentle tidbits of parenting inspiration
Mama-Om
Mama Zen-cheerio road
Steady Mom

We are all perfectly and divinely human!!!  Let's continue to inspire and learn from each other...in our good times and the not so good one's too!

With lovingkindness to all mothers everywhere!!!
Maureen