Letting Go with Mandala

Mandala-Jim

On Saturday, I presented on how you can use Mandala’s to let go, gain mindfulness, slow down an impulsive child, restore self, and unlock unconscious thoughts.  This post comes to you with that in mind.

I encourage you to create your own Mandala (see the directions below).    The key to using this approach is to allow yourself to fully experience the process.  Don’t judge your work; let it be a free expression of your unconscious mind.

How to:

1-Print off a mandala from printmandala.com and color it in with your choice of art supplies
OR-Use colorful objects (sand, stone, flowers, etc…) and a large circle to create your own
2-While doing it be silent, listen to calming music, or the nature around you
3-Let it go-brush the objects away or close the coloring page
4-Reflect on your experience, your thoughts, and your feelings.
5-Enjoy a more peaceful start to your day or evening

Some theorists do this every morning to clear their minds for the day.  Some do it every evening to unload the day.  People spend minutes, hours, or even weeks on the same Mandala.  Do what you need there are no rules.  The only key is to let it go when you’re done (in your own time).

Columbus Parent Support Group to Start:

W.P.I.T.B.

(When Parenting Isn’t Textbook)

Jodi J. Schermerhorn, MsEd, PC-CR (facilitator)

Why: To join other parents to share, unload, support, and process the difficulties of parenting a special needs child(ren).

When: Starts Tuesday, October 8^th, 2013 at 6:30 PM

*This is a three part series and continues on November 12^th, 2013 and December 10^th, 2013.  With future series dates to be determined on December 10^th.

Where: Grove City Church of the Nazarene

                   4770 Hoover Road, Grove City Ohio 43123

Cost: $30 for series

To Register:

  Call:    Jodi at 614-442-7650 ext 8; or
  Email: Jodi at Jodi.sopcc@gmail.com.

 Space is limited so register now to reserve a spot!

Back to School Anxiety

This is a tough time of year for many children. This time of year we see that anxiety peeks in school age kids and parents; below are tips to help:



1) Be Receptive-If you keep the lines of communication open it tells child(ren) you are available to them to talk about these anxieties.  For all people simply talking about things out loud helps them process.  If talking isn't helpful let them draw or write about it.   

2) Validate the Anxiety-This is an always!  Don't give them the solution or tell them it will be alright.  Just reflect on the experience the child(ren) tells you they are having.  Help them put a feeling word with the anxiety.  Acknowledge it and let them know you hear them!  If they need to cry it out-let them.  Just sitting with them during the tears is validation.

3) Help your child(ren) identify the positives going on during this time of year.

4) Teach your child(ren) some coping skills for anxiety.  Model coping skills for your child.

5) Find yourself a trusting person to help you during this time.  Being a parent is tough and you need to be validated just as much as your child(ren) do.

LAUGH!

What makes you laugh? Maybe its when you go out for dinner with friends or sit on the paito with your spouse.  Maybe its when you are watching a funny movie.  What is it that lets you enjoy the gift of laughter?

Make a plan to laugh.  Go ahead schedule a date night or look for a movie at the store, just make the plan and commit to it!

Read:http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

You Can Do It!

Today reflect on:
       What is Missing: What is that list of things you have always wanted to try/do/experience... 

Make:
A commitment to your self to do one of them this week/weekend.  It doesn't have to be big (jump out of an airplane) just something (make a model out of clay or plant an herb garden). 
These things that you want to try are holding you back from a stronger sense of self.  Work at accomplishing these and you will notice a stronger belief in yourself. 

Book to check out: "You Can Do It!"

Today reflect on:
            Strengths

Make:

A list of your strengths. 
Ask your self:
Are you practicing them?  If not, ask why? Follow up with a plan to practice these strengths everyday?


Work at making these strengths reflect your everyday actions.  Work at it little by little and if you fall away from it, don't worry, you can always return.