I am sustained by the Big Love

Too many times, as parents, we leave ourselves out of the equation (I have learnt this the hard way and what I offer in this blog is a realization I have come to after years of leaving myself out). We don’t take time to do what really nurtures us and we end up burnt out, exhausted and, often as a result, being our worst selves rather than our best selves. And of course this sets up a vicious circle because then we give ourselves a hard time about it. And on it goes...

As I reflect on this, I realize that what I really want to offer others is very simple: it is the fact that, as we parent, we are also being parented all the time by the Big Love. All we need to do is connect with that. And the Big Love that holds us all sees us as perfect, loveable and worthy of every good thing. We can rely on the Big Love for guidance, support and battery recharging on all levels.

On a practical level, this means finding ways to remind ourselves of how loved and held we are at regular intervals during the day - of reminding ourselves over and over again that we are sustained by the Big Love. To do this for myself, I wear a bracelet dedicated to the connection I feel when I am centred and feeling loved and ‘full up’ rather than running on empty and trying to do it all myself without support.

I also chant during the day to maintain my connection and remind myself of the bigger context that contains us all (this helps a lot with remaining present during the NEVERENDING talk of washing up). The great thing is that Bo & Christopher now know the chants off by heart and often sing them these days, which reminds me to sing!

You really can meditate anywhere - even on the way 

down a slide (as Bo is demonstrating here!)

What do you need to do to connect with the ever-present Big Love that holds us? It could be spending a few moments in nature, breathing, doing a short yoga session, listening to music you love, doing something creative, chanting, wearing something that reminds you at frequent intervals of your true self… Whatever it is, start doing it! You will be happier, kinder and more present to your children and to everyone in your life.

It has to start with you – it is the only thing you have any say in and any control over (especially as parents when we spend so much time in the unpredictable world of little people!).

I'd love to hear your ideas or thoughts - please leave a comment if you have any inspiration to share.

Love from Hollie 

Peace, Love & Playdough

Often, our most peaceful moments as a family occur when there is playdough involved. Bo makes pizzas, cupcakes and, more recently, Christmas crackers (I found a keyring buried inside a long lump of playdough this morning) and Christopher makes irregular-looking lumps that he claims to be steamrollers and tractors. He then sprinkles blobs around the house, always making sure he gets at least a few lumps in my shoes.

And I get to drink a cup of tea on the sofa while the café staff are kept occupied. It works for everyone.

Our playdough is also one of our favourite gifts to give Bo and Christopher’s friends. We can put all our love into it, create imaginative wrapping and we know it will bring them as much happiness as it brings us.

So, here is the best-ever playdough recipe. It is so easy – takes about 5 minutes in all – and, once you get a stock of the supplies you need, can be whipped up at a moment’s notice whenever you need it! It is also fun for older children to help with preparing it.

What you will need:

For the playdough:

1 cup plain flour 

½ cup salt 

2 tbsp cream of tartar

2 tbsp olive oil

1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir together as it heats up – it should take only a couple of minutes at medium to high heat to stiffen and turn into dough. Once it is ready, remove from saucepan and divide into sections to decorate.

To decorate:

Food colouring

Glitter

Lavender essential oil (if you want it to smell lovely)

Add colour, glitter and lavender oil to each section of the playdough and kneed together in your hands until the colour has evened out in each one.

Store in an airtight container or bag and combine with blunt knives, spoons, cookie cutters and rolling pins for maximum fun! For wrapping, greaseproof paper tied up with wool looks good and keeps the playdough fresh. 

The simple beauty of playdough!