Creative Spirit, Playful Discipline

Parenting is the world's hardest job. Sometimes, you need a little help.

In this episode, which I recorded after a particularly emotional interaction with my 13-year-old son, I share what I'm learning about how to show up for and empower a child when you've been triggered.

Do you play every day? What does it look like?

I always talk about the Mrs Frizzle quote: take chances, make mistakes, get messy.

But, I'll be honest, I struggle with embracing my own mistakes. This is when my inner critic comes by and starts pounding on the door. 

Then, the other day, I heard a quote during a guided meditation and it was light a lightning bolt of realization. A new way to define mistakes. And, it's changing my perspective already!

We all have an inner critic, negative self-talk that, oftentimes, gets louder when we least expect and require it.

This is a simple tool that was shared with me and has really helped me quiet that inner critic. By the way, naming your inner critic is also a great way to dissociate from her. Mine is named Marsha. I wrote more about her - and this exercise - here: https://marisaraymond.com/2016/03/14/sct-parenting-yourself/

When I started teaching yoga and mindfulness to children in schools here in France, I learned quite quickly that it really helped them to move to stay focused and calm. And, it turns out, it helps me a lot too.

As parents, sometimes your kids ask you hard questions. 

What do you say when you don't have the answer?

Be where you are.

It's my mantra, my manifesto, my purpose. To show up in this world as a creative spirit. To create structure and discipline with a playful foundation. Because, let's face it, life is messy and hard. But, as Mary Poppins says, "in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun." 

Seeking out the fun has allowed me to show up in this world in a way that feels, unapologetically, wonderful. It makes me feel more connected to the innocence and joy of childhood while still getting my adult stuff done. 

That's why I named this series Creative Spirit, Playful Discipline. To remind me that life's a series of contradictions and we get to enjoy it!

As Spring starts to spring, the planting seeds metaphor really resonates. What seeds are you planting in your own garden of personal development growth? And what seeds are you tending to that were planted by others? That aren't yours to care for?