Month: June 2025

Body, mind, and speech must be in perfect oneness and stillness, in order to reap full benefits of the body. The American Heart Association and the American Pediatric Association have affirmed the benefits of meditation and mindfulness-based practices, not only to patients with health conditions but also to children and healthy adults. It is therefore important to understand the effects of mindfulness and yoga, in nurturing yourself as well as your child’s well-being and mental health. This eastern contemplative practice and exercise regimen “are supported by contemporary science”, says Dr. Jonathan Fisher in his book” Just One Heart”. He says make it a habit to promote positive emotions like gratitude, joy, compassion, kindness, awe, and self-esteem as part of everyday life.” In his book, Authentic Happiness,” Seligman suggests three parts to well-being and a happy life.

1. The pleasant life.
2. The good life.
3. The meaningful life.

By practicing mindfulness and yoga daily, you can achieve positivity. The famous Psychologist, Abraham Maslow, in his famous “hierarchy of human needs”, talks about 5 levels of such needs the physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness, self-esteem needs and self actualization, he says these are a prerequisite to a flourishing life. There are many books which guide each pose step by step. Also if you or your child feel stress and anxiety there are so many therapeutic ways to manage like EMDR, CBT etc. Harness the science of mindfulness and yoga to foster the positive emotions of gratitude, kindness, joy, compassion and love into your family life.

This is a much debated topic. Discipline does not mean punishment. It is not an extraction in punitive ways to get your child to behave the way you want . There is a better way to discipline, it is called guidance . In my opinion, the home environment is the key to behaviors. Children thrive in predictable and flexible routines , when your children know what’s coming they are likely to behave better because the brain responds best when things are organized.It is a fact that young children are pleasers and you can use this to your benefit. Be mindful, choose words well and be fully present when interacting with your children you will get much more than you can ever expect! Your job is to encourage intrinsic versus extrinsic behavior. It is good to remember that children are true creatures of the here and now , this can make your work a little bit easy and enjoyable. Parenting is a 24/7 job and therefore it is important to create the energy fields where you are not in a constant battle with your child. As an expert said , I work with you, you work with me is a good mantra, in other words give and take and striking a balance is a great step to guide your child toward good behaviors. We all know that the one-way street leads to nowhere and when a brain is stressed out, it is hard to conform. Choose your battles well.

Self-esteem or self-worth is one of the greatest assets that a human being must have, the way we show up really counts. This is a gift which you, as a parent can give to your child starting early on so that your child does not feel less than anyone. Skin color ,birthplace , birth family, schooling , the community we live in or what profession we choose in our lives whether we are short or tall, thin or fat should never determine how worthy or unworthy we feel about ourselves. Parents play a big role in boosting self esteem.

What I’m trying to say is that how you raise and interact with your child is how you lay a firm foundation of this asset called self-esteem. You must be mindful in planting and watering the good seeds of self esteem.

In the podcast The Way Out Is In
Episode # 71 Ancient Path For Modern Times: Feeling Safe
Sister TD speaks to this. She says
“To have a deep, compassionate quality of presence with your family,” which includes your child too, is the key. She explains how we perceive ourselves shifts the energy field.
In my posts I have included the steps on how to nourish self-esteem and self-worth in your child. The screening called “Home Inventory” mentions positive
words your child needs to hear from you on a daily basis. For example “I am so happy to be your mom/dad.” your child needs to know that he or she does not have to be perfect to be loved , that love is unconditional. Your child needs to know from you that they are enough as they are and no matter what, you are always there for them. Loving words, always stick. Your positive words will shape your child’s self esteem. I have met many adults in my life who feel so unworthy no matter how talented they may be because they were made to feel insignificant. By building, strong connections and being attuned to your child and recognizing their strengths and weaknesses you will boost their self-esteem. Life is a learning process , your child learns to see himself through your eyes.