Keeping your Ship Afloat
"Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors"
Greetings…
I've been thinking about this entry for days and trying to figure out the best way to weave it together. First, there is the storm analogy that I ran across and the reminder that not everyone's experience during this time is the same. There is hearing Howard's voice around NHA through his clear, short principles. And there is this week's CHALLENGE that I hope your family joins me in. Ultimately, I can tie these three seemingly unconnected ideas together.
So I guess the best way is to just begin....
Whether your boat is calmly floating or being thrashed by the waves, I honor your persistence that you are still steering the ship and am POSITIVE that Nurtured Heart can be that calm in any storm.
Although not a replacement for a NHA workshop, Howard’s principle videos provide a nice overview of the main components of the practice. This week’s videos aim to help you to continue to shift where you intentionally place your energy to promote your child’s inner wealth and set the stage for NHA consequences.
Principle 6 - Flip the Switch (4:36 minutes)
Instead of giving discussions, lectures, admonishments, warnings, threats, etc. when a rule is being broken, give the energized lectures and appreciation many times a day when rules are NOT being broken. Be willing to flip the switch on your energy 180 degrees. ~ Howard Glasser
Principle 7 - See the Greatness (6:06 minutes)
Make these moments super-energized by feeling the gratefulness and emotion that is authentically there. After all, if you have a child who is very disrespectful, then the truth is that when the disrespect ISN’T happening, it is glorious and wonderful. ~ Howard Glasser
Since beginning my NHA journey, I’ve come to realize that the practice is more about teaching children self regulation than a tool for behavior management. As Howard shares information on a true consequence in the next couple of weeks, I hope you are able to see how a simple reset is the foundation for regulating emotions and behavior and learning self agency.
To that end, I started a CHALLENGE 18 days ago that I would LOVE for you (and your family) to join me in. I stumbled across “Yoga with Adriene” and I LOVE IT!
Full disclosure: I have never done yoga before, actually never had the desire, but when I found this, I thought “why not give it a try”. Especially since my flexible and balance could really use some work. Along with those wins, I also found that yoga is a practice of using breath to focus the body and mind. The 30 day challenge (Day 1) has been non threatening (no contortions), attainable (free on youtube), short (20-25 minutes), and retainable (I find myself using the techniques throughout my day).
We’ve all heard the importance of taking care of ourselves during this time and this is just one more strategy that has an added bonus of teaching your child(ren) HOW to self regulate. Win. Win.
When we are regulated, we are able to steer our ships more clearly. Even when the hull is being battered by the waves.
As we near the end of the school year, I hope that your ship is safe in a harbor, that you are thriving, and that you are able to carve out 30 minutes in your day to take care of yourself whether through the yoga challenge with me or another outlet. As always, if you are struggling to keep your ship afloat reach out to your building principal for some support!
To YOUR (and your child’s) Greatness, Humanity and Significance!
Amy and Karla