There is nothing like back to back family gatherings to highlight the “fun” in dysfunctional.

I did not fall back on my new training, but rather my old conditioning.

I fell back on an old rhythm to “rise” for my humans.  

As Gabor Mate explains: “Without knowing it, we often relive the past. What we take for present-day reality represents, in many situations, reactivated early memories stored in the IMPLICIT MEMORY SYSTEM- a vast and infallibly accurate record of past experiences.  

I dropped into survival mode and disconnected from myself and the humans who matter most to me.

“To create safety for their children, parents need to devote energy and commitment to processing their own “unfinished business”.

The consistent daily practice of slowing down to listen, of writing, doing yoga, walking the dogs, boundary setting, of daring myself to do new things and (sporadic) strength training has had the most significant impact not only in my ability to manage my emotions better but in my ability to be present, open, loving, curious and patient with my kids.  And they feel it too.

Creating ease demands more of us. It ain't easy.

But it’s definitely much easier and more fulfilling doing it together.

xxo