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Hello beautiful mamas, if you're like me, trying to navigate the world of motherhood while practicing self-care, you understand it's a bit like trying to eat a salad in a bouncy house - messy, uncontrolled, and full of surprises! But, let me introduce you to my secret snack: mindfulness. Just like a pocket full of almonds, mindfulness can be tucked into the corner of our chaotic lives, sustaining us through the wild ride of parenting. It's not a "cure-all", but it can help us muddle through the day with a bit more grace, humor, and presence. So let's unbuckle the car seat and wander around this topic a bit, shall we?
The Nutty Goodness of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the equivalent of the calm in the midst of our daily storms . It's the simple but complex practice of being fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed. Imagine keeping your cool no more how many peas your toddler flings at your face - that’s mindfulness for you!
On a deeper, nuttier layer, it's about tuning into our senses, thoughts, and feelings, and the world around us, without judgement or criticism. Mindfulness ties our thoughts to our bodies and anchors us in the moment. It's an open invitation to cherish the simple joy of our child's giggle or savor the warmth of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It's the ability to exist in the 'here and now' and bask in its beauty, even amid the pandemonium that is motherhood!
Seeds of Mindfulness in the Garden of Motherhood
As we nurture our little sprouts, it’s crucial to water our metaphorical gardens with mindfulness. Our presence profoundly impacts our children, teaching them empathy, kindness, and to enjoy life's simple yet miraculous moments. Imagine being so engaged that our smartphones don't beckon us during playtime. Or taking a deep breath before reacting to a pile of mashed bananas littering the just-cleaned floor.
Mindfulness in motherhood involves appreciating the tantrums and the butterflies, the highs and lows, the peas and the carrots. It cultivates a relationship with our kids that is rich in awareness, understanding, and connection. Mindful motherhood is not about being a "perfect" peace-loving, om-chanting supermom. Instead, it's about being an "aware" mom – aware of our thoughts, reactions, emotions, and most importantly, the beautiful, messy, chaotic cuddle-fest that is our life.
The Research-Backed Fruit Salad of Mindfulness in Motherhood
Ladies, grab your aprons as we dish out a healthy fruit salad, each fruit packed with research-backed benefits of mindfulness. According to studies, mindfulness can reduce our stress and anxiety, catapult our emotional well-being, and shower us with a healthy drench of self-compassion—all essential ingredients for the recipe of resilient motherhood.
Being a mindful mom can significantly influence our children's development and our parenting style (1). It leads to more responsive and sensitive parenting because our awareness helps us tune into our child's needs, ultimately fostering a secure, loving environment for them to blossom.
The Daily Brew of Mindfulness in Motherhood
Being a mindful mom doesn't mean perpetually zenning out amidst the hurricane of endless chores and eternal exhaustion. Trust me, it's far from it; I'd say it's being the eye of the storm, calm, and steady amid the whirlwinds of messy rooms and last-minute school projects. Mindfulness in motherhood is about learning to tune-in to ourselves , understanding our thoughts and emotions, and handling them with compassion and humor.
Out of the haze of diaper changes and feedings, it's essential to snatch a few moments of peace and self-check. These moments maybe when you're folding laundry, sipping your morning coffee, or during the three minutes of silence before the little ones wake up.
Baking Mindfulness Into Your Daily Routine
Want to bake mindfulness into your everyday routine? It's less about creating additional tasks (heaven knows we have enough!) and more about making small tweaks in your existing chores (2). Yes, even doing the dishes can be mindful if you fully engage with it, enjoy the splash of water, the squeaky clean plates, and the smell of the soap. Basic practices like meditation, deep-breathing, and body scans can become your daily dose of mindfulness (3). Daily rituals like brushing your teeth, showering, or preparing breakfast can transform into mindful acts.
Your Village and Mindful Motherhood
We often hear the saying, 'it takes a village to raise a child'. But I say, 'it takes a village to support a mom too'. Hence, it's absolutely okay, nay, essential to seek support. Whether it’s from partners, family, or friends, sharing your experiences and seeking help can lift your burden and open doors to new perspectives.
Mindful motherhood also means knowing when professional help is needed, and being courageous enough to seek it out. This can range from attending parenting classes to seeking therapy or joining a group of like-minded moms.
Weed Out The Stress, Sow the Seed of Mindful Motherhood
Breathe out the stress, breathe in the calm. Sisters, mindful motherhood is not a destination but a journey. It’s about being patient with yourself and giving yourself the grace you deserve. The harmony of motherhood and mindfulness is a symphony that requires practice, patience, time and a whole lot of self-love.
As you learn to swim through the waves of motherhood, mindfulness can be your life jacket , helping you stay afloat. So here's to being present, being patient, and most importantly, being as gloriously imperfect as we are.
Sources :
- Mindfulness for Mothers: How to Be Present in the Moment
- The Benefits of Mindfulness for Moms
- Mindfulness for Mothers: How to Practice Mindfulness in Motherhood
Note: This article provides a general overview of the subject, and is meant to encourage further research and education. We are not healthcare, spiritual, or parenting professionals, so do not use this article as substitution for medical or pediatric advice. Please also remember your experiences may not be the same as ours.