Family-enhancing Meditation

The upcoming holidays will be filled with festivities, presents and fun. Children can’t wait for this time to arrive as their parents make special efforts in sharing time and giving attention to them. When the holidays end and parents go back to their daily routine, this may be difficult for children to accept. They cannot understand why there should be a change now, which can cause conflicts and put stress on family relationships.

Often, when he started asking his son about school or trying to give him advise things would turn sour again. He would try to encourage his son, and sometimes comfort him by saying, “It’s going to be okay.” This type of conversation would not work well. I advised him just to be there instead of trying to be a good father or friends with his son. He admitted that the only time they were both comfortable together was when they walked to the local store. During this time they did not talk, they were simply together, bought a few items and then went back home. Even when it took longer, there was no conflict and they were comfortable being with each other. As the man was reflecting on this with me, he confirmed that talking was making matters worse. He now limited his conversation and the rest of the time, he decided to just be there as whom he is, fully.

Being there for yourself and others is meditation. If you pay attention, you will notice that many conversations are just empty chatter with no particular point. Through realizing that you are there for them your children will feel understood and also share meaningful verbal conversations coming from their hearts and minds. Being truly present will deepen your relationship and pre- serve the special feeling of togetherness of the holiday season long beyond.