On the Coast – Families Issue 97 I December/January 2019 | Page 37

Our souls embraced health conditions, what would be the this opportunity to once more, support and extend the benefit for the remainder of the friendship we began as nine population? Can I suggest year olds, this time one we take at least seeking healing, the one learning from other offering the strength of my friend? May we hope Mindfulness. Being present. This was the first chapter in the Clinic’s workbook as a strategy for supporting and treating those living with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Leading psychologists are using mindfulness as a significant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy strategy. As I returned to my childhood bedroom that night, I pondered the evening with my friend. I didn’t just ponder it, I could not erase it from my mind and was unable to deny the need to share this story with you. In my role, I am witness to varying levels of anxiety, in a range of ages and an array of people. This includes children. With my friends’ blessing, I urge each of you to understand the enormity of this practice. If research demonstrates the benefit of practising mindfulness when living with diagnosed mental embrace the practice of presence for the purpose of rewiring our brains, reconnecting with ourselves and rewriting our consciousness? Who will benefit if the mother-collective is able to make this shift? Can you imagine the impact of this movement on the young children standing by our sides or leaning in for support? If we are present and mindful in their moment of emotional need, would this energetic space be all they required to feel, process and positively transition through the emotions life will inevitably provide them? Could this reduce the alarmingly high and increasing rate of childhood anxiety? As I send a silent wish for my friend, I send it also to you, the mother who has lost her identity, feels isolated, overwhelmed, scared and fatigued. This is my wish for you: ƒ ƒ May you know your strength. ƒ ƒ May you find gratitude for your worries and appreciation for your busy mind, understanding these have both protected and supported you thus far in your life. ƒ ƒ May you now transition trust into your world and peace in your heart, believing in a far greater purpose than our meagre minds could ever conceive. ƒ ƒ May you find wellness again, so you can shine your light on the world. With all sincerity and utmost gratitude, Catherine Catherine is a mother, life coach, early childhood teacher and is co-founder of Developing Dreams, a locally owned company which provides an Early Learning Centre and Coaching Services for mothers. Please email [email protected] or call 4358 3155 for more information. Velma’s INDOOR LASER-TAG CENTRE Family Friendly Entertainment Birthday parties Maryanne Sayers Baby Sleep & Routine Consultant Babies and Toddlers Individual Consultations Mothers Group sessions CPR / First Aid in-home sessions Online Program 0417 068 545 [email protected] www.dreamstartbaby.com.au Laserblast offers 4 great Party Packages to suit your needs CALL US TO MAKE A BOOKING Also available for Families, Find me on Groups & Vacation Cares, Large or Small. Rain, Hail or Shine. 4392 5278 Prevent-A-Bite Parties Using fun interactive learning to teach serious issues to families, children + adults, groups and schools Velma’s Pets As Therapy www.laserblast.com.au Ph 0432 578 210 Unit 6, 132 Chelmsford Rd, Charmhaven [email protected] DECEMBER/JANUARY – ISSUE 97 37