Friday, August 21, 2009
Making Ripples
......Making Ripples......
Although I see great value in reaching out to the adults out there, I feel that it is sooooooo paramount to introduce and educate children about the great goodness of green smoothies in their diets. They offer unparalleled immune system strength and nutritious benefits to a child's growing body. Not only are green smoothies highly refreshing and filling, they literally infuse their bodies with much needed enzymes, phyto-nutrients and amino acids. If I feel as youthful, vibrant and healthy as I do now, I can only imagine how I would feel if I started consuming green smoothies in my childhood!
So, in celebration of the green smoothie challenge I participated in, I thought it would be a fabulous idea to invite some neighbourhood kids and their parents over to my house and make green smoothies for them. I know that several of these kids live on pop, chips and candy and I was so excited to share with them and their parents these super yummy, packed full of greatness, green concoctions.......
The event exceded my expectations. Comments such as, "Mmmmmm, super yummy!", "Can I have more?", "Yummers"! and "I can't wait to tell my Mom about this!" were music to my ears and made my heart smile. In fact, it is still smiling! The first batch I made was such a huge hit that I had to make a second batch. Soooooo exciting!
......Making Ripples......
In honor of all the organizers and participants of The Green Smoothie Challenge and the ripple makers out there, I raise my green smoothie glass to you! Cheers! Here's to changing the health of the world one green smoothie at a time!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My 3 Sons
Saturday, July 5, 2008
My Three Daughters
Fairy Princesses, Queens and Ballerinas oh my! These 3 lovely little daughters of mine are deliciously creative and imaginative. Always the first ones up in the household, their mornings are perpetually greeted with giggles and excited chatter of the day's plans. Soon after, I'm awoken by soft chubby hands stroking my face, butterfly kisses and snuggles under the covers. By the time I persuade myself out of bed and pry my eyes open with a cup of coffee, the girls are well into making wonderfully magical creations and discoveries. They know that life is good, living is wonderful and intrinsically follow their inner guidance from one joyful discovery to another. Dress up, crafts, painting, drawing, puzzles, games, exploring and adventuring are often accomplished well before lunch. These girls are busy! I have learned a lot from them. They embrace each day's potentiality with a delighted hug and live life to it's fullest. A lot of adults I know and children for that matter, make their way through life in a foggy, unaware fashion. I feel so blessed to have these 3 little angels around, reminding me just how delightfully joyous life is when you set out to explore and discover all life has to offer.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Surrendering
~Myla Kabat-Zinn
Lately this has been my mantra. I have the above picture and wonderfully inspiring quote printed off and taped to my fridge. Having 6 kids, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and this provides an excellent opportunity to frequently be reminded of this powerful message. It has helped me fully realize that things already are perfect, perfectly what they are. Meditating on this quote is synonymous with my practice of mindful parenting.
By holding the present moment in its fullness and without imposing anything on it, I am blessed to perceive each pure and fresh moment give rise to the next pure and fresh moment. Like a flower in bloom, each day also unfolds and opens with an effortless flow. Gratefully, I am learning to give up coercing, resisting, struggling and imposing for allowing, letting go, surrendering and appreciating. It is a powerful and wholesome exchange. I believe this will be a lifetime practice and that is perfectly fine for me. My children are my constant and patient teachers. Whenever I need gentle reminders, I simply need to witness the emergence of pure beauty and flow which comes over their days. They intrinsically know how to enjoy life and I am fully committed to follow their lead.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Spontaneity
"You're kidding right." I questioned.
"No, I'm not. Let's be spontaneous and go!" Nigel enthusiastically answered.
My mind protested. What about my sprouts? I have to rinse them twice a day. Where would we sleep? Do the kids have any clean clothes left over after a week of playing in the sun and playing hooky from the laundry? Do we have any travelling snacks to pack?.......Etc.........
I must have spoken my thoughts out loud as Nigel's response was simple and clear. "Stop thinking and be spontaneous. Come on, let's go and have fun."
Spontaneity is a tough one for me. I am learning to be more and more spontaneous all the time. My children are definitely my teachers. Impulsive outings for the day are more and more frequent around here thanks to their enthusiasm for exploring and adventuring.
But a nine hour, round trip, unplanned road trip with 6 kids aged 11 and under! I felt a little out of my comfort zone. I tried hard but just couldn't see the beauty inherent in the chaos of that spontaneous outing!
Truth be told, I am devoted to planning and preparation. It helps me maintain physical and mental health. Structure lends me security. The focus gives me sanity. For me, the anticipation and thought out preparation prior to a trip is an integral part of the experience.
I went inside to pour us another cup of coffee and happened to glance over at the message for the day on the page a day calender. It ironically said, "Try giving up some of your structure for a short time and see if the world really falls apart like you thought it would."
I returned outside with our coffee and announced to everyone that they better start packing their backpacks because we were going on a road trip to the Okanagan.
An hour later with spirits high, we were on the road. It was a great trip! Everyone got along, things just flowed, and despite the busyness of such a short trip, we all came home refreshed and energized. I guess there is beauty inherent in the chaos of spontaneity after all!