“Little children, little worry. Big Children, big worry.”Bridget Morgan
Whether you are a mother, or have one, I am sure you can relate to these words. My mother-in-law first shared these words of wisdom with me when our children were very young. At that time I thought, “Are you crazy? You mean, this worry is going to get worse?”
When you first become a parent, there are plenty of things to hyper-focus on, in regards to your child’s safety and well-being.
Are they eating enough, sleeping enough, walking on time, talking on time, making friends…The list goes on.
If I asked you what your biggest worries are as a parent, I am sure you would be able to jot until your hand was sore.
When our children get older, such as in their teens, the worries regarding their safety and happiness grow immensely. Our girls are 16, 19 and 23. Here goes my top list of worries:
Where is she at 1 am? Is she driving safely? Is she texting when she drives? Are her friends as good to her as she is to them? Is she paying her bills on time? Is she developing good habits to sustain an independent life? Will she meet someone that loves her as much as we do?
OK, I am stopping there. I think you get the idea.
Even if you do not have your own children, but you are witnessing your parent(s) age, there is worry there as well, for their safety and well-being.
The point is, we are wired to worry. It is a protective safety mechanism hardwired into our neurology. YUCK!!!!!
Unfortunately, worry leads to suffering and does no one any good.
One of the many things I love and rely on to help me on a daily basis is my meditation practice. Although we are wired to protect and look out for danger, this behavior is not required in order to be a good parent. THANK GOODNESS.
Along with changing the neural pathways within our brain, meditation offers us a way to reduce our own suffering while also creating a higher intention for those we love. Watch this video to learn how you can use this very simple meditation to ease your worry and open yourself up to see the power within your child and/or aging parent.
Enjoy.
Allison
