How to Stay Patient and Present When You’re Always on the Move
In today’s fast-paced world, it sometimes feels like we’re racing against the clock. With our endless to-do lists and the constant buzz of notifications, finding time to simply be present can seem like an impossible task. Yet, taking that time is essential, not just for personal peace of mind, but for maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships with our children.
Consider the lessons from Arianna Huffington. In her journey, chronicled in her book “Thrive,” Huffington shares how her relentless pursuit of success led to exhaustion and a wake-up call in the form of a breakdown. This shift in perspective taught her the importance of mindfulness and balance, concepts we can all embrace, especially when raising children.
As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily activities. But in doing so, we might miss out on what truly matters: meaningful connection with our loved ones. The Positiveness Club, a mindfulness app, seeks to provide tools that help you achieve balance and focus, empowering you to be among the top 1% of those who live satisfying, connected lives.
One vital technique for staying patient and present is cultivating mindfulness. A compelling theory is the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise, which helps bring attention back to the present moment—notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise is not only a calming presence in the life of a hectic traveler, for example, but also in scenarios when dealing with an upset child.
Instead of reacting with flustered impatience at your child’s outburst, take a deep breath. Author Daniel Goleman, in his seminal book “Emotional Intelligence,” argues that self-awareness and regulation are critical for emotional health. Applying these principles can transform how we interact with our children, encouraging a deeper, more empathetic understanding and fostering trust.
It’s crucial to remember that clear communication with your child is more than just speaking clearly. It involves listening actively—much like a great conductor who feels each part of the orchestra. Studies repeatedly show that children who feel heard and understood are more likely to excel academically and socially.
The story of Maya Angelou and her mother provides a textbook example. Angelou recounts in her autobiography how her mother’s unwavering presence and listening ability gave her the confidence to express herself fully. This serves as a poignant reminder that every moment we are present and attentive is a gift.
Moreover, it’s about structuring your day to include dedicated time for these interactions, even when you’re on the move. Finding balance has layers; it involves scheduling but also knowing when to let go of the rigid itinerary to simply enjoy an unplanned walk or a spontaneous stop at the park. Such breaks not only provide mental rest but can lead to important conversations or experiences that might otherwise be missed.
It’s tempting to be a perfectionist in wanting to tick every box, but as the saying goes, “done is better than perfect.” Sheryl Sandberg’s words, often cited for encouraging women in leadership, ring true in parenting as well. It’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the connections made along the way.
Remember that patience is a skill to be fostered, much like any other. Incorporating mindfulness practices through resources like Positiveness Club can help busy parents tune into the present, maintain a composed demeanor, and cherish the chaos that inevitably comes with raising children.
In embarking on this journey of balance, let us practice patience with ourselves and others. It is in these quiet moments of presence that the deepest connections with our children are formed, laying the foundation for resilient, happy individuals who feel the support and love of their families even in the simple act of being heard.
