6 ways to demonstrate being present in the moment.

One of the best ways to teach is through demonstration and in practice. Some habits transgress all faiths to benefit us all at a fundamentally human level. One of these is being present in the moment! To be present you need to be relaxed and mentally and physically ( I would add spiritually) in the same place. This is not always possible but it is occasionally possible, and even occasionally makes an impact. These good habits will help you and help your littles be less stressed and lead to more rewarding and fulfilling lives.

1 Be there and on their level

Sit on the floor and be with them. Though you know that you will have to eventually get up, don’t let on. Sit with them and be there to see what they’re doing. Don’t lead the activity, teach or return a text. Observe and enjoy watching their chosen activitiy without judgement or interruption. You are simply there. Avoid heavy conversations of responsibility and let them lead the play. Relax and be inspired to play along, bringing your flavor and your magick at the moment.

2 Ignore a Disruption

I know as adults we ignore things all the time. We do this to help ourselves focus on what’s most important at that moment. In fact, we even call it flow when it becomes automatic and we are in “the zone”. Lots of work gets done and we feel exhilarated instead of drained at the end the day. Allowing or even cultivating this kind of flow between you and your child makes for something truly spectacular. With really young kids it helps to say things like “that’s a phone call I can return later” or, “let’s keep doing this. I am having a very good time”. Older children just need to witness you not be derailed for whatever it is you are doing.

3 Stop doing things you don’t like

Feel free to stop. Stop participating in an activity you don’t enjoy. Stop reading a book you don’t like and stop watching TV that holds no interest. Again, with younger children, it helps to say things like: I don’t like this. I am going to choose something else. I find this makes a really big impact when the TV is involved. This power of choice is almost a super power. Your child knowing that they have the power to choose and choose again increases their safety. It likely to encourage them to be a more active participant in their education and feel more socially secure.

4 At a family gathering or event, use your phone only for pictures

At a family gathering or special event only use your phone for pictures. Have it with you and take it out often, but don’t post until the end of the event. Ignore phone calls or emails. This type of discipline is different than when you leave your phone behind. The choice to do something and not do it is stepping beyond removing the choice. You will likely remember the party better and enjoy yourself more, as well. Be where you are and in time your kids will be with you too. (Or at least that’s my hope)

5 The outside is waiting for you

Go outside and see the things that are missed if you are moving too quickly. A fun activity for this it the Bug the Photography Tour. This can be a time of renewal and togetherness. Nature is always there and yet is always changing. Taking the time to be in that space can only benefit you and your family.

6 Observe a Daily Ritual

Whatever fits for your family, it’s important to observe some type of daily ritual, whether it’s setting intentions at breakfast or lighting incense and expressing gratitude between morning routine and homeschool time. This is a pause in our day where we take a moment to breathe, center and connect. Sometimes we center quickly but on other days, it takes some time. But it takes the time it takes. We give it at that time. When we’re finished, we move on with our day and life’s demands. That moment makes a difference and on the days we skip it because of life was too hectic, I notice.

We are teaching our kids more by what we do and how we engage with the world around us than we are with our words. Intentionally creating these experiences for your child is sure to help them, no matter the path they choose. They will gain the ability to be present in their own lives this will empower them to make choices that reflect their best selves. You will also benefit. Together you will both build a culture of being present in each other’s lives, and what can be better than that?