On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Page 19
supports it, most children are able to
find a state of flow effortlessly because
play is their natural inclination. They are
mindful creatures where their thoughts
are in the moment. As they engage with
blocks, cars, craft, books, sand or watch
a bug for an hour, they are not concerned
about anything other than that. Their
innocence allows their thoughts to remain
untainted by worries or concerns. These
young children are truly the masters of
mindfulness, being present and in flow.
Reducing the busy-ness in a young child’s
life can do wonders for creating the time,
boredom, freedom and opportunity to
experience flow. As the world becomes
more influential, the child’s ability to
engage, to play and to access a beneficial
state of flow can reduce…just like it has for
adults. We must strive against this.
As adults we unquestionably have
responsibilities and tasks which would
be plain irresponsible to ignore. This
does not mean it is impossible to bring
periods of flow into our lives. When
working with mothers who are beginning
to stretch and serve themselves, to bring
greater happiness, purpose, challenge
and alignment into their world, I suggest
elc
LUNCH
‘leaning’ into the new idea they are
contemplating. This could be eating better,
drinking more water, going to be earlier,
reducing time on social media and so on.
Applying this principle to ‘flow’, I encourage
you to consider the following and see
where you can begin to incorporate
periods of flow into your week:
what did you, or do you enjoy doing,
just for the sake of it? This could include
gardening, drawing, singing, being in
nature or cooking. The options are truly
endless. Maybe these days it is merely
sitting!
what are everyday tasks which would
allow you to become more present?
Suggestions could include feeling the
warmness and bubbles as you wash the
dishes, sweeping as you move easily
throughout your home, music playing in
the background, hanging the washing as
the sun kisses your skin, pushing your
child on a swing (yes, for the 100th time)
or stroking their hair as they rest in your
arms. And finally,
remember why you are taking the time
to consciously control your focus? (Hint
– to improve your quality of life)
These strategies may appear foreign
specials
“A happy man is
too satisfied in the
present to dwell too
much on the future” ~
Albert Einstein
at first, but with daily practice, the
multitude of benefits you will receive will
be immeasurable. As significantly, they will
be of benefit for your child also. Commit
to playing again, to reading to your child
because you appreciate this will not last
forever, or to being with them with your
mind present. The cleaning and the tasks
will wait. Time will not. Time is passing as is
your time to share yourself with your loved
ones and the world. Create and in doing so