“Happiness is our nature… We have done so much to move away from our natural state that we now need to walk back to that place, slowly and steady, with utter gentleness and compassion.” ~ Aarathi Selvan
A friend told me about this e-course, Happiness is Your Nature: 30 Days to a Joyful Motherhood. (You’d think she would know about my addiction!) Anyway, it is a wonderful exploration for mamas who are looking for mindful awareness (Hello?! My middle name!) to live intentionally, overcome guilt and our inner critic, and purposely embracing the happiness that’s always inside. It’s about really being with our children, embracing what is, and finding joy in their delicious chaos.
As part of a pre-course contemplation, Aarathi asked us to answer these questions in a journal. What is a blog but an online journal right? I had recently answered a survey with these answers:
When I read that this course is for moms who are seekers, who love to be introspective, who want to “take a chance and leap into a world of inner work to receive honest answers and discover the voice of happiness within them,” who love challenges to open to new perspectives, and for those who truly believe there is more to life than running from one goal to another… I knew it was for me.
My intentions: find the calm in each moment, remember to take care of myself and know I don’t have to do it all, appreciate the now. I would like to infuse more joy into the time I’m with my daughter because I want to marvel at her instead of be exhausted by her. I want to allow her to make messes and be loud and crazy (sometimes). I think I try to contain her because of my own need for quiet. And I desperately want to be ok with not having everything crossed off my to-do list at the end of the day.
I wonder if one class can do all that???
* * * * *
You know that feeling of accomplishment you get when you have completed a goal? You feel good… you are happy. Apparently, we can feel that way all the time! It’s a matter of allowing ourselves to.
When I feel that, I feel like I’m almost floating, like I am limitless. It’s when I’ve been truly seen and loved. That feeling causes me to want to give anything and everything, to do a Gene Kelly routine down the driveway, to smile and hug and lift up everyone else. I am breathing deep breaths, looking for the good in people, and feeling like I could take on any challenge.
Well, we can choose some of those characteristics and behave as if. Smile at people, take deep breaths, think positive thoughts. See what happens.
* * * * *
One challenge thus far in the course has been to say YES no matter what, two days in a row. The first day, I really just fought it. Everything was a struggle for me and I didn’t feel like much of anything. But the second day… I had fun with it. I said yes to spending my time playing guitar and doing other fun projects, yes to going with my daughter to paint pottery, yes to pizza for dinner and more silly games, and yes to me going to bed early so I could do it again the next day. It was awesome. My favorite part was just enjoying my daughter without being preoccupied with other to-dos. I think part of my willingness came from a good night’s sleep and from being nicer in how I treat myself. An excellent lesson!
You perfectly describe the challenges that seemed to slay me at times
when my littles were growing up around my feet
and the clamor would sometimes drain me dry.
Standing up inside cheering you on for the amazing inner work
you’re doing….it’s such a gift to your daughter as well.
Bravo, mamabear:)
-Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson recently posted…again with the hope….
Love your online class adventures! I love that at the heart of this class is happiness on the motherhood journey – perfect read tonight after a chaotic work and parenting day. Trying the “yes” formula tomorrow (perfect fit for a Saturday).
debbie recently posted…Wishy Washi: DIY Washi Tape Projects
I think we don’t say yes enough! There’s such pressure to be more of an authority and less playful… why can’t we be both?
Ha! Although you worded much more philosophically, “fake it ’til you make it” has been one of my mantras for a long time, and it OFTEN works. So glad you found a class that seems to fit you so well. I’ll watch and learn!
janet forrest recently posted…It’s Official – I’ve Lost My Mind
Janet, this comment made my day. I honestly don’t know why! I think it’s that you understand me so well.
Oh Naomi! It almost feels like the intentions for the course (that you put down in the online survey) almost manifested the course for you!
The inner critic really has her way with things many times. Interesting how you forgot about the exercise the first day of the prompt 😉 Love that you are journeying alongside me mama!
Bowing in deep gratitude to you for your presence!
<3
How very true! I hadn’t noticed that, Aarathi, but many of my needs are being met by your wonderful and thought-provoking course.
This sounds like a great course, not least because it helps you notice all those little tricks we use to bring ourselves down. I realized that I was feeling guilty this morning because I didn’t fit my usual guitar practice in before work, and I hadn’t found the time to respond to a friend online. What a silly excuse to feel bad! I am the one who wants to practice, because I love it, but sometimes I want to do something else (like read) and sometimes there are chores that must be taken care of. I think getting enough sleep is key. Taking care of your physical self is the foundation of everything else. I think your daughter is awfully lucky to have you as her mom.
Amen on not feeling guilty or bad because we can’t do it all! And thank you so much for your compliment… I feel equally as fortunate that she chose me to be her mom. She is such a delight (most of the time).