It is a lovely day today -- 70 degrees, a light breeze. There are a lot of puddles because of yesterday's rain, but really nice weather.
Of course, tomorrow we have 100% chance of rain...
Michael had to get repairs done on his car yesterday, to the tune of $600. He was very unhappy about it, plus there were some other things that made yesterday an all-around yucko day for him. He didn't handle it well. Refused to eat. Said he hated school.
I remember being 18 and getting stressed out sometimes, but I think by then I had already learned some basic things. For instance, if you don't eat, it makes everything worse. Your body needs fuel. If you don't get enough sleep, you don't feel good.
I think sometimes the process of life is all about figuring out what makes life better and what makes it worse. Once you can identify those, you can be proactive about making life better.
After he came home last night, we had an argument, which I regret. Michael stormed out of the house. I was sitting there upset, and started flipping channels. On PBS, there was Deepak Chopra, talking about meditation and its healing effects on the body. I really needed to hear that message again. I meditated right before going to sleep, and it really helped calm me down.
When he came home for the night, we talked again and I gave him a long hug, and told him how smart he is, what a good boy, how much Granny and I love him. He put up with this with good grace. However resistant a boy may be, they need to hear these things. They need to be reminded of them. He relaxed a good bit after I told him that.
If I can remember to meditate every day, life is better.
I told Michael I want him to meditate with me one day. I am not good at it, yet, but I am trying, and the sense of calm and well-being are evidence enough to me that I am making progress.
If we can teach our children how to handle stress in a positive way, through prayer or meditation, or eating right, or sports - whatever is healthy, that works for them -- what a GIFT.
I am working on it.
photo by Elizabeth Harper
