Sunday, October 5, 2014

practicing peace

Sometimes bed time with four little wilds is, well, wild. There is SO much to be done, and then of course, they want to be read to, sung to, danced with, prayed over and smooched on. The whole process can end up taking all evening, and just when you finally have gotten them tucked in and you've blown your final kisses and whispered your I love yous and ever, ever so gently tip-toed your way out the door and breathed an exhausted releasing sigh- out pops a bug, needing a drink of water.

On one such occasion, I was at my near breaking point. Totally weary and desperately on the verge of tears. I needed a deep breath, a break, a reminder. I slowly walked to the iPad, turned on some worship music, lit a candle, and asked the kids to gather around. . .  and then I proceeded to lead them in a mini yoga class. 

Hilarious, as I don't know any yoga, I'm horribly inflexible, and have absolutely no patience for any kind of meditation. Desperate times and all that.





I used my best calming yogi voice as we traveled thru mountain pose, into downward dog, I threw in a warrior to appease the boys, before heading down into a chattarunga, only to finish lying on our backs on the floor, arms outstretched, soaking in our silence as the words of the songs washed over us.




Finally, we slowly rolled ourselves to a sitting position, where we went around the room listing things and people we were thankful for, along with anything we wanted to pray about.

I couldn't believe how much they enjoyed it, and how surprisingly well they did. To top it all off, we had pretty much covered our entire nighttime routine in one 15 minute yoga class. They calmly climbed into bed and I left the room breathing easy.

It always amazes me how in a time of desperation something beautiful is born, like our love you song and now these yoga evenings. You try and plan for things, to build these lasting family traditions, but sometimes the best ones are the surprises. 

I really must take some kind of yoga class to learn some new moves, but regardless, it's become a sweet time for our little crew- a break from the chaos, to remind us to be still and be grateful.




namaste.

20 comments :

  1. This is an amazing bed time idea and beautiful post! I'm going to give yoga bedtime routine a try and see how it goes with my tot.
    Dresses & Denim

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  2. This is absolutely a beautiful post!! So cute!

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  3. I've been at breaking point many a time at bed time - I usually work after the littles have gone to bed, so any delay in them getting to sleep means that my work's delayed, which means 'tired Mama' the next day (never good!)....we've been meditating at bedtime for the last few weeks, all of us together. The littles have loved it - really taken to it - and they've been getting to bed themselves, going to sleep much easier...it's been such a relief. Added bonuses? My son is generally much calmer (he is always calm and peaceful but has his moments of frustrations) and they themselves started a similar 'gratitude' tradition: after the meditation one night, my son said, "Let's all say something we're thankful for"....we do that every night now. It's been wonderful....

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    1. It's amazing to see how much they enjoy it, but also how much they benefit from some quiet time together. Such a sweet tradition you've started and I'm sure your kiddos will always remember it!

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  4. Loving this post.You guys are beautiful.I love yoga, always cheer my up and help me with my headaches.
    http://www.fabuloustorture.blogspot.com

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  5. The second to last picture should be printed, matted, and framed for display! I adore the looks of pure love and admiration your children are giving you :)

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    1. Thanks! I'll make sure to give my hubby the compliment, may be one of the few to only good pictures he's ever taken;)

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  6. What a great idea! And your family is adorable too :) Off to check out the rest of your blog.

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  7. This such a great idea! I love it, so cute and calming.

    http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com

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  8. oh sweet sigh, these pictures are absolutely precious. what a gorgeous & loving family you have!!

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  9. sweet thing

    http://fleuryina.blogspot.de

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  10. Such cute photos - I love the ones of the kids looking at you. What a beautiful family. x E

    Elizabeth Victoria Clark

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  11. What a marvellous idea! Yoga really is a powerful tool and although I tried it and found I don't have the patience for it, I'm hoping one day I will and it becomes a routine way of calming down. The kids seemed to have enjoyed it too! Must keep in mind for when I have kids. xo

    www.chasing-peonies.blogspot.com

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  12. Beautiful day of piece! The most inspirational post I ever read! You look so happy! I'm obsessed of yoga and really love these pictures, made my day! Have a wonderful day for you too!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com
    Bloglovin
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  13. Look at all you little blonde beauties! This is so fun and a great fam activity! You should totally take a class, when I was living in LA yoga was my sanity!

    xo

    Michaela

    http://michaelajeanblog.com

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  14. Oh, I love this! What a wonderful idea for a better night time routine! So glad this went so well!

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  15. I LOVE this! Cute little yogis :)

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  16. great post :) it's very important to learn how to keep calm :)

    kate&bee
    kate&bee on bloglovin’
    kate&bee on fb

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  17. I love this!! Such a nice activity to do with your little lovelies.

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  18. This is beautiful! I love that it came out of a tough moment, as well, that you were able to find peace. I can only imagine how it could have gone, but you turned it into a wonderful new tradition. I hope to share moments like this with my future family of little ones and it's nice to know it's possible and kids love it!

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