Hello,
And welcome to this meditation.
My name is Cassidy from Inner Soul Counseling and Wellness.
This meditation is specifically designed for parents that could benefit from engaging in a break.
As a mother and a counselor,
I know that parenting can sometimes feel like a pull in all directions.
You're always being needed or wanted,
Which isn't a bad thing.
But I think what goes unnoticed sometimes is that parents are constantly responsible for the well-being of not only themselves,
But another person or people.
And that can take a lot out of you.
It means that there is not a second where at least some of your energy,
If not all of your energy,
Is being used to protect,
To nurture,
To love,
To support,
And to care for this person.
When you think about it,
Parents are truly incredible,
Constantly putting somebody else before themselves.
It's important that we're refilling our cups,
Because being a parent is magical,
But it can also feel draining.
And when we are feeling drained and overwhelmed,
We're not bringing our best selves to the table for our children.
These are the times when you might find yourself not being the parent you want to be.
And it's okay.
We've all been there.
I think sometimes all you need in those moments is to take a step back and breathe.
Reconnect with yourself and your nervous system,
So that when you go back to re-engage,
You are coming from a place of love,
Clarity,
And calm.
I first want you to take a moment just to pay attention to your current breath.
Simply notice it without trying to change anything about it.
You can notice if it's deep or shallow,
Long or short.
Just stay here for a moment,
Noticing,
Observing.
If you find yourself getting distracted by thoughts,
Simply notice the thought coming in and release it.
And bring yourself back to your breath each time.
Gently pulling your awareness back to the present moment.
I'd like to try to do a simple breathing technique with you called 5-5-7,
Where I'm going to count,
And you are going to inhale for 5 seconds,
Hold your breath for 5 seconds,
And then exhale for 7 seconds.
If at any time it becomes uncomfortable for you,
Feel free to stop and just bring yourself back to the natural breathing.
And stay there for the remainder.
If it feels safe for you,
I want you to inhale for 5 seconds,
Starting now.
1,
2,
3,
4,
5.
And hold for 5,
2,
3,
4,
5.
And exhale for 7,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7.
Amazing.
Now one more time,
I want you to inhale,
2,
3,
4,
5.
Hold,
2,
3,
4,
5.
And exhale,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7.
Alright,
Now you can go back to breathing naturally,
Noticing your natural breath.
Notice if it is more shallow or deeper than before,
Or the same.
Continue to stay with the breath for a moment,
Leaving all your attention on each inhale and exhale.
If it helps you stay focused,
You can even repeat the words inhale and exhale in your mind as you are breathing.
I'm going to let the music play for a couple minutes.
And I hope when it pauses,
When it ends,
I hope you're feeling a bit more relaxed and refreshed.
And ready to return back to your little ones,
Or big ones.
I'm so proud of you for taking this space for yourself and for your kids.
I think our little ones deserve it.
And I encourage you to engage in meditation,
This one or another one,
Each time you are feeling overwhelmed with parenting.
I also want to remind you that you are a wonderful parent just for being here today and trying your best.
And remember,
Aside from being a parent,
You are also a human being.
And you have to take care of yourself to take care of another.
Namaste.
Enjoy the music and have a good day.
