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Quote of the Week
"Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent." -- HH Dalai Lama
Five Ways to Leave Your Kids Speechless
"Of all the ways to simplify, tossing out the excess in the form of spoken words is often an overlooked way remove excess from our lives. Since shining a simplicity seeking searchlight on this realm, I found a refreshing contrast between wading in an eddy of tranquil silence and floundering against the tide full of chit chat flotsam and jetsam.
Some of the savory side effects of zipping it more often than not include: time and space for words to sink in and be properly digested, less distractions from the important work of deep play, conservation of precious Mama energy from having to repeat herself the kids listen more and a sense of peace in the house. It's by no means a Vispassana retreat center here, but bringing awareness to this dimension of being human has made a substantial contribution to our quest for simplifying our parenting and our lives." This article from Simple Kids shares five ways that parents can reduce unnecessary talk with kids, which crowds out valuable space for silence and reflection.
Reading Corner
 Title: If the Buddha Had Kids: Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World
By: Charlotte Kasl Stage: Any
"The job of parents, says Charlotte Kasl, is to focus on who their children really are and how they can help them become their best possible selves. As she advises parents to negotiate a path between overloading their young charges with expectations, and not giving them enough guidance, the psychotherapist points to "peace churches" as sources of help: Buddhism, Zen, Society of Friends (Quakers), and others who value simplicity, service, meditation, kindness, and nonviolence. Throughout this book she offers examples of secure bonding, self-mastery, and making the right choices, as well as aspects of intellectual growth. She also provides exercises for parents." -- Amazon Reviewer
Recommended by Sarah Mozelle
Be The Change
Tune into your conversations with the kids this week. Do you notice moments when you're just chatting away for the sake of it? Next time you observe one of those moments, try shifting gears and holding that space with silence, instead of filling the space with noise. Notice how your child responds, whether or not they appreciated that space of silence or if it created opportunities for reflection either for yourself or your kids.
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