Roots. Foundation. Grounding. Connection. Creative Energy within Eternity. Active Principle. Will. Endurance. Perseverence. Day-to-Day. Long-Haul.
I am sad tonight. My daughter slid into a vortex of self-loathing that I can only guess was brought on by exhaustion and the volcanic emotional activity related to the welcoming our new canine family member, who joins us on Sunday. Having seen the spiral of this type of vortex enough times in my life, it really hit me hard. But not as hard as it hit her.
In moments like this I am grateful for all the spiritual tools I can get my hands on, and I am reminded why I stay up too late night after night writing this blog. The mindfulness practice of these seven weeks never fails me when I need it (which is all the time). Tonight I am very aware of the need to Connect with all of my Roots and Foundations in the Long-Haul Endurance venture of parenting. First of all, my Grounding must be with G-d, my Higher Power, the Source of All that Is. When I remember the Eternal, I am brought into the awareness of all the parents who have ever ushered a girl into her pubertal years. I know I gave my beloved parents a run for their money, and they don’t know the half of it!
As a parent, I must be Grounded in Active participation, leaning in through the really hard moments AND the really great moments. I need all the Creativity I can get as our Day-to-Day unfolds. I truly never know what each day will bring. I figured out pretty early on that every time I had it figured out (whatever IT was with her) it changed. So, I need to keep my Roots deep, Persevere, and tap into the infinite Creative Energy that is mine for the taking if I remember to keep my Connections Active.
What Grounds you in your Long-Haul? How do your Foundations support you as you Persevere? How do you keep your Connections to the Eternal Active?
Take a moment to notice and enjoy how these supports play out in your life.