Being mindful matters

Oh, my Belle or Luca would love that toy, Isha would love that jewellery and look gorgeous in that outfit I hear myself saying as I wonder around the shops.

The struggle is real to want to over buy, especially at Christmas time.

Although I know most of the ‘stuff’ that is making me goo and gaa is the very stuff that goes against what I believe will make my kids the best versions of themselves and I know it contributes to making our planet very sick, the pull to buy it all is like a heavy duty magnet that has special powers to erase all common sense, intelligence and my very good intentions.

I think most of us know that consumerism is out of control and causing us big headaches.  I’m sure we’ve all experienced buying fad toys made in China (with little care) that fall apart in 10 seconds or get played with for a few more then forgotten about, left in the bottom of one of way too may toy boxes until we eventually send it to land fill with the rest of the plastic junk.

Don’t even start me on picking up the millions of toys that the kids get out and soon get bored of and leave on the floor from one end of the house to the other.  Why, why, why?   Why do we do this to ourselves is a question I’m sure we’ve all asked many times, that we seem to forget when pulling our credit cards out to get more stuff we really don’t need.

The question I think has helped me improve on my over buying ‘stuff’ is remembering to ask why I do this to my children when I know it’s not good for them?  I know I’m responsible for showing my kids that they are enough, and know they’re better off getting bored sometimes, using their imagination with what they have without instilling in them the belief that they need more, bigger and better to have fun.

When my 4 and 6 year old discovered they could watch others playing with toys on YouTube they would’ve easily sat their watching those clips for hours on end, and would store those ‘I must have those amazing toys’ for the next time we were at the shops, which wasn’t going to happen so you can imagine how the next part of the shopping trip went down.

Another thing I learned, limit the time and content on the IPad, but that’s another story!

I’ve realised buying them all the things is all about me.  A quick fix, a fleeting moment of joy for me to see their faces light up.  Then reality sets in. Racking up the credit card debt putting pressure on the amount of work needed to be done to pay for all the things, the time and frustration to stay on top of cleaning up the mess and the realisation I’d much rather provide them more opportunities to make their own fun with what they have, play music, perform dance concerts on the lawn and make friends with kids in our street.

Around six years ago I stopped filling up Christmas stockings with the junk we know is not far off hitting our land fill, and it felt really good.  However I noticed how tempted I was to fill it with some ‘non-junk’ items instead.  I missed the process of filling their stockings and watching them pulling out more stuff on Christmas morning.  Again all about me. So I now put the couple of gifts they get in their stocking or if it’s a big box I lay the stocking over it.  Incredibly, I have survived.

My consolation prize for my effort is making sure we make some time to play together with what the kids get before heading off to our family gatherings.  Doing this brings me even more joy.  It’s an adjustment, but I know it’s worth doing what I know is best and being true to myself.  Doing my best to live mindfully really challenges me to stay true to my beliefs and I am so grateful.

From the bottom of my heart I want my children to be happy and to grow into well grounded and happy adults, to be the very best versions of themselves which means as a parent it’s my job to show them how to live simply, be creative and to be grateful with what they have in life.  I need to recognise the desire to put the things in my trolley at the time and walk away.

Note to Self:  Buy less, save money, save planet, work less, stress less, free up my time to give more of what matters the most ‘us time’.  Buying less means my husband can get home a bit earlier, less sore, I can get better quality products, buy meaningful things and make it special, encouraging my kids to take better care of what they get. Teaching them to care, sounds good to me.

I’ll end this on one of my favourite quotes “Everything in moderation, including moderation”.  Oscar Wilde

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We are delighted to announce that expressions of interest are now open for the fabulous Being Mindful Matters ‘Mindfulness Series for Kids’, for 5-17 year olds.  This unique series introduces children to mindfulness, meditation and mindful communication in a practical and fun way, supporting them to build and maintain a healthy and happy perspective of themselves and life.

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Cultivating peace and happiness is possible in people of all ages, including young children.

Imagine how happy life could be if you could learn life skills from a young age, that foster a positive, mindful perspective even when life was tough?  Mindfulness practices teaches the power of choice lies in the now, how to be present, avoid dwelling in the past or worrying about what may be in the future.

Gifting children with mindfulness practices empowers them to be able to make good choices, better manage their emotions and build happier relationships, supporting them to be the best, happiest versions of themselves.   ‘A Golden Mind, A Golden Life’ Swami Muktananda.

If you would like to introduce your children to Mindfulness and Meditation simply register your interest by filling in their details under the Kids Programs Menu on the Being Mindful Matters website.  Class dates and times to be confirmed.  Class sizes are limited, register now so you don’t miss out.

#Mindfulness4Kids  #YouAreWorthy  #LifeSkills  #BeingMIndfulMatters

http://www.beingmindfulmatters.com.au/?page_id=520

Today is RU OK? day, which came to be after Gavin Larkin lost his much-loved father Barry Larkin to suicide.  As too many other families and friends have experienced after losing a loved one to suicide,  whilst grieving their loss they are left facing endless questions.

It was in 2009, when Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured.

“Our mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.” Source ruok.org.au

As the Founder of Being Mindful Matters, I share the passion of the late Gavin Larkin and Janina Nearn (who helped to establish RUOK?) to inspire and empower people to connect to others.  I believe RU OK? day matters as it reminds us all of the importance of being mindful to check if our friends and family are okay.

My experience has taught me, for people to enjoy meaningful lives, they need to be able to make meaningful connections and relationships with others, which begins with learning to love, accept and connect to the Self.  I believe supporting people to realise and live as ‘I am worthy’, worthy of peace and happiness, is the key.

The same key that unlocks the dark empty space of loneliness and disconnection to the world and fills it with the light of the truth.  You are never alone, we are all connected, and we all belong.  When we come to realise this truth, differences that used to separate and isolate us begin to dissolve, and our love of self and others grows.

Asking someone the simple question of RU OK? is a way of letting someone know they are not alone, they are connected, and they do belong.

There is some great information on the website ruok.org.au that supports people to check in if they’re prepared to ask and how to ask someone ‘R U OK?.

Why not check it out for yourself?  And if you or someone you know are not okay, please seek help.

Can you remember the last time you had a ‘Melt your heart moment?’

I enjoyed a ‘melt your heart moment’ yesterday when I was out enjoying the sunshine with my youngest daughter Belle.

After playing pirates and swinging around like monkeys in a local park we practiced some yoga in the sun.  Just as I thought life couldn’t get any sweeter, I asked Belle (as I often do) what she was most grateful for right now, to which she replied “To share your love”.

‘Straight from the mouths of babes’.

To hear her words completely melted my heart and I’m sure I felt my heart double in size.  We can all encourage our children to grow up with a grateful attitude by example and by remembering to ask them regularly what they are grateful for.  Other mindfulness practices, such as being present in the moment, that adults often struggle with, is something young children usually do naturally, and is wonderful to watch.

There are Mindfulness practices that support young children to keep their mindful perspective and nurture their innate qualities of goodness, kindness, empathy and emotional intelligence.

If you would like to find out more about Mindfulness practices for yourself or your children, expressions of interest are now open for the Mindfulness Series for Kids via the KIDS PROGRAM menu and people are already booking in to the upcoming MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION WORKSHOP Part One for adults on http://www.beingmindfulmatters.com.au website.

It’s so simple to register your interest for the Children’s Programs.  Once you’ve registered someone will contact you to fill you in on the amazing Mindfulness Series for Kids..

Being Mindful Matters ‘Mindfulness Programs’ provide teachings and practical life skills that support people of all ages to deal with life’s ups and downs.  #DoIt  #YouAreWorthy  #MindfulnessRocks   #MeltYourHeartMoments

Possibly the most important question to ask yourself when you’re feeling down or to stay in a positive state is “What am I grateful for?”

Something you may not know about gratitude is even thinking about what you are grateful for increases the serotonin production in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).   The ACC lies in a unique position in the brain, with connections to both the “emotional” limbic system and the “cognitive” prefrontal cortex.  Sounds too good to be true, but like most things in life, the best things are usually simple.

How do you cultivate gratitude?

I have found having a ‘gratitude ritual’ helps to support a grateful state of mind even during difficult times.  Each night at bedtime before I go to sleep.  I think about all I am grateful for.  As I am very practiced in giving my attention to all I am grateful for, I now have a very long list, and unlike Arya Stark from Game of Thrones, I often fall asleep before I’ve finished it.  I happily continue my list of what I am grateful for when I wake up, which is a fabulous way to start each day.

The Being Mindful Matters MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION WORKSHOP expands on this worthy topic of ‘Cultivating Gratitude’, and gives you knowledge and practical ways for gratitude to be abundant in your life. Gift yourself this day to be immersed in the ancient practices of Mindfulness and Meditation and experience the benefits for yourself.

Click on the WORKSHOPS tab to find out the details of the upcoming Mindfulness & Meditation Workshop, and book in.

I’d love to hear from you, if you would like to leave a comment and share how you cultivate gratitude in your life. #ShareTheLove #GratitudeRocks #YouAreWorthy

Imagine yourself deeply relaxed, having thoroughly enjoyed a guided relaxation, gentle stretches, and a guided meditation, where you were able to let go of the worries, stresses and anything else that no longer serves you.

Is it your time to experience the benefits for yourself?

Welcome to the new Being Mindful Matters Friday night classes in Wallan ‘Experience the Benefits of Relaxation & Meditation’.  Once you’ve experienced the benefits for yourself you will look forward to Friday nights where you can refresh, restore and rejuvenate the tired mind and body.

Guided relaxations, gentle stretches, restorative yoga poses (optional), chanting and guided meditations are suited for people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels.

Some of the many benefits can include:

• Better sleep
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Reduced feelings of melancholy
• Reduced emotional reactivity
• Greater connection and love of Self
• Greater clarity and self-awareness
• Increases joy

Call Jai on 0417 339 281 to book your place in Wallan starting July 14th 2017.

If you are interested in these classes at your workplace or club please contact Jai to discuss on 0417 339 281.

Another awesome day in Wallan with more awesome people.  Here are some of the happy participants from the Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop in Wallan. All participants are looking forward to their next Workshop at Being Mindful Matters.