WHAT'S YOUR POV?

My Dearest Daughter, 

I've started reading books on philosophy again. And it hits different this time, having a new POV as a mother and also having had a lot more experiences. I've notice that about books, movies, tv shows and even the news. They all affect me differently, pre-baby vs post-baby. There hasn't been anything more impactful to my POV (and it continues to be impactful) than when I became a mom. 

So how has it changed my view on things? First off, the obvious. Whenever I hear about stories that have different characters, whether truth or fiction, I used to typically connect more with the kid characters. Not kids, as in adolescents, but the kids in the relationship of kids and parents. Take Parenthood, for example. Watching it pre-baby, I loved watching the different life experiences of various parents and their parenting styles, but post-baby, I connect with the parents and I actually feel what they're emoting and experiencing. I think that's just natural part of being a human being, huh. To connect more with and better understand people who share the same life experiences. 

Another way momhood has changed my POV is that when I observe or experience things now, I not only think about how I feel or think about it, but now I also think about how you would feel or think about it if you experienced the same thing. Also, whenever I find things that make life better and allow me to be stronger, happier, smarter, and more giving, I automatically think about how I could and would share it with you. 

Circling it back to philosophy. Philosophy is such a wild ride. How do I teach you the wonders of being introspective? All the exciting things that happen below the surface. Is it a hunger that can be taught? 

I'm going to leave you with my favorite quote as of late:

"Existence precedes essence" Jean-Paul Sartre

I love you,

Mama

WHEN IN DOUBT

My Dearest Daughter, 

There will be a lot of times in life when you feel low, contemplative or confused. Here are the tried and true actions I take that energize, ground me and fill me back up. 

When in doubt:

1) spend time in nature

Nature stills my soul. The peaceful yet resilient nature around us reminds me of what is. This does not have to be an extended trip into the thick of wilderness, though that sounds pretty rad to me. For me, spending time in nature means taking the time to water and prune our garden, taking a walk around our neighborhood park, sitting under my favorite tree, watching the waves roll in at the beach, taking an overnight camping trip, hiking, there's so many possibilities.

2) spend time with family

There's something about being around family that is so comforting. Nothing else really makes me feel this level of comfort than just being around family, and I hope that I, too, can provide you this feeling whenever you spend time with me. 

3) journal and self reflect

Journaling allows me to take jumbled thoughts and feelings and identify what they are. Just by identifying what is happening to me helps me take a step back from being in the thoughts and feelings and be an observer of them. Journaling provides clarity, assurance, and confidence about myself and whatever situation I am in. 

4)  practice yoga or something meditative

I found out during my yoga studies that the act of meditating does not always have to take place in a seated position nor does it require a guru to guide you. Meditation is being. No thoughts of the past, no thoughts of the future, just being. And you can find this in dance, in bouldering, in laying down in the comfort of your own bed...do what works for you. 

I want you to know, it took me some time and trial and error to identify and put together my toolkit for coping with trying times. So if these don't work for you, it's okay. I know you'll find yours. 

I love you,

Mama