A Meditative Practice: Daily Life


By Tracy Liebmann

I have been considering the whole idea of meditation and how many times I have heard, “I can get about two minutes alone per day, if I’m lucky.” Meditation to a mom is like having a quiet moment in the bathroom. I know the feeling, it’s challenging trying to have a meditation practice that looks anything like what the books or spiritual gurus describe if you’re a busy parent. Many of us just give up on the idea of “achieving” that Zen like state.

Woman practicing yoga at sunriseHere is what I propose; daily life is our practice. We have all heard that the simple tasks of taking care of a family like laundry and dishes can be truly enjoyed and be labeled Zen like if we just center ourselves in the joy of these simple acts. I take it one step further, I choose a sound that I hear at regular intervals around my house. Once it was the toilet flushing, once it was every time I heard my name called. Then when that sound occurs I am reminded to pause, take 3 deep relaxing breaths and say a short mantra like “only good can come to me.” The toilet flushing is actually a pretty good one, because no one is actually needing me, it’s just a reminder to pause and breath. This practice can turn your home into your personal meditation center. At a “real” meditation retreat they may invite the gong to ring through out the day to remind the people visiting the center to stop, breath and be present and at home we can choose one of the everyday sounds that occur naturally around the house. Just imagine… it is possible to meditate everyday even in the middle of the hustle and bustle of family life!

Meditations does not have to be an illusive goal, it can be as simple as being aware of what is going on ~ in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in the world. Please do not think you must be serious in order to meditate. In fact, to meditate well you have to smile a lot! During your day from time to time, remind yourself to smile. At first you may find it difficult to smile on call, so I will offer this short mantra you can recite from time to time, while breathing and smiling.

Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Breathing in, this present moment.
Breathing out, I smile.

Do you meditate? Please share your experiences and tips with the rest of us!

Tracy Liebmann is an experienced educator, Certified Family Life Coach, and Author. She believes deeply that great communication is the key to better connection with your loved ones. She mothers her two teenaged children from the heart, knowing that is where the truth lies when it comes to parenting. Her coaching clients describe her using words like; compassionate, caring, understanding, patient, insightful and intuitive. She lives in Charleston, SC with her husband of 19 years, her 2 children and many interesting pets. She enjoys being with her family, cooking, anything outdoors and being with her horses! You can learn more about her and her coaching practice at www.transformingfamily.com or you can get parenting advice with heart at www.asktracy.wordpress.com Tracy is a regular contributor to this blog, so stay tuned for more great parenting articles from her!

2 comments to A Meditative Practice: Daily Life

  • Kimberly

    I was surprised to learn that you don’t have to be serious all of the time to meditate. I was also glad to find out that you can integrate it into a busy and sometimes chaotic day. Thanks.

  • Kate

    I am so on the go all the time that I have a hard time meditating. This sounds like something to try though!

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