So what is love? and why is so important? The power of love can be describe as the greatest force in the universe. it extends beyond the limitations of opinion, behaviour and superficiality - it is more than a feeling and in most cases often requires a lot of doing for its value to be truly experienced.
When it comes to our homes there are a few characteristics that indicate that the presence of love is strong, however in reading this please do not limit the breath of love to the notes of this author, its important for you to get curious, playful and build your own version of love that creates safety, support, encouragement and most importantly a wonderful light filled home.
Love Characteristic Number 1: Patience - patience is a state of endurance under difficult circumstances. its about moving beyond the heat of the moment and caring for the individual rather than giving in to anger, annoyance and frustration. I want you to think of a time where a family member really pushed your buttons, so much so you lashed out and said something you either didn't really mean, or if you did you said it in a way that could have been delivered a whole lot better. As you think back briefly on that moment I want you to ask two important questions, did the experience get you the result you really wanted? what would love have done in this situation?
If you answered honestly, you may find that if you had of practiced the art of patience a totally different and more rewarding experienced would have occurred, an experience where patience gave room for the growth of love? Next time you feel heat rising during an argument, before speaking ask yourself those two questions
Love Characteristic 2: Kindness - with the barrage of dysfunctional family sitcom trash that flows through the tv, the practice of kindness in the home is almost extinct, but it doesn't have to be. Showing a heart of kindness can transform a home to one of love, laughter and joy. In order for kindness to really be expressed in the home, it must first start with self. Being kind and showing self love is an important aspect of developing the family home, not only does it teach self how to be kind, it also teaches others how to treat you. As parents we have a responsibility to teach our children and partners to be kind and the only way to do this is not through words, but through action and by example
I want you for 21 days to do two acts of random kindness daily without bringing attention to it. One act is for self - How can you be kind to yourself today? and the second is for others, how can I be kind to others? For 21 days follow this principal and see what develops as a result. Also if you feel like inviting family members to walk this journey with you, please feel free, however there are two rules if conducting this exercise with a family member, firstly kindness can be expressed anyway the person wishes and should not be critiqued or bring about opinion and the second is that the act is not dependent upon another and is given as a free unconditional gift. This means that if you do something nice for a family member and they do not respond in a way in which you think 'they should' respond you are not to comment or guilt them into acting within your rules. The act of kindness when done in love has more to do with freedom then a score card like practice.
Love Characteristic 3: gratitude and appreciation. In order to create something new in your family and build relationships of love, we must first be grateful and appreciative of our loved ones as they are right at this very point. Instead of wanting to change our love ones, appreciate what is there now, what is amazing about them as they are and be grateful of this for this very moment. by finding the things that work now you create a space where love can flourish and grow.
For 21 days (you can do this with your act of kindness) everyday write down at least 10 things (minimum) that you appreciate about your partner, your kids and yourself and really appreciate those things, savour and experience the feelings with joy and thanks giving. Simply start the exercise with "im so happy and grateful for my husband because......" or "What I deeply love and appreciate about my children as they are now is ......." or Thank you that I am so wonderful in that I am......". As you focus on what is wonderful you will be surprised at how amazing your family and yourself really are and you will also see that this will bring about amazing change.
I bless you with love and I celebrate you for having the courage and dedication to creating thriving healthy tribes at home. Let me know how you go with your 21 days. I cant wait to hear the amazing breakthroughs love can create.
No comments:
Post a Comment