we need that p-a-u-s-e now more than ever

Dear Parents/Caretakers,
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I am going to keep this simple. I am WITH you on the challenges of working from home and being with your beloved kiddos all day, every day. There are so many moments to cherish during this unprecedented time together, but there are many moments where you might just lose it. To help maintain the sanity that you do have left, it's time to add some time for YOU into the day. 3-5 minutes minimum. Give yourself time to just BE. Just sit and focus on your breathing, listen to the birds, watch the rain. Just do one thing and do it well. That will support the brains response system to develop more control. That way the oh-so-powerful PAUSE between a stimulus and response will shine more often!

How the Mindful PAUSE works…

Stimulus - (NO PAUSE) - Response (No/Limited Mindfulness Support) 

Stimulus: "Ellie, please turn off your Kindle," says mom. 

Response: Ellie doesn't hear mom’s request.

Stimulus: Ellie doesn't hear mom's request. (Of which research supports, isn't her fault since her dopamine is flowing at a high level.)

Response: "Ellie! Are you f***ing kidding me? I said get off that Kindle right now!!" 

And then the two are in a heightened level of stress as a battle ensues. 

Stimulus - PAUSE - Response (Mindfulness Support)

Stimulus: "Ellie, please turn off your Kindle," says mom. 

Response: Ellie doesn't hear mom’s request.

Stimulus: Ellie doesn't hear mom's request. (Of which research supports, isn't her fault since her dopamine is flowing at a high level.)

PAUSSSSSSSSE (options are contemplated with clarity)

Response: Mom approaches Ellie and makes physical contact to gain her attention. Ellie makes eye contact with Mom to listen. Mom offers a one minute warning for shut down. Ellie shuts the technology down.

This PAUSE is a key benefit that comes from regular, intentional mindfulness practice. Research has shown that mindfulness practice can reduce the amount of gray matter in the amygdala, which plays a major role in our levels of stress. It has also been proven to reduce the levels of cortisol, also associated with decreased stress levels. So when a mindfulness practitioner is stimulated by something challenging, the brain is more likely to naturally pause to consider response options. This pause can ultimately lead to a more controlled, positive outcome for all. 

To learn more about the power of mindfulness and the importance of starting with YOU, check out the online course, Mindful Parenting: Keeping it Simple or Launching a Mindful Classroom: It Starts with YOU. Use the code: FAMILY to receive 50% now through May 15th in response to the Global Pandemic. We are in this together. 
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