Everyday Blessings

This life of an artist and a parent is work when you want to do it with care and mindfulness. (It's work regardless.)  Lately, I have been finding it more and more difficult to be present and not be carried away by my negative and self-depreciating thoughts about how I have been approaching both mothering my child and my craft. At times I have been impatient with my son and myself and imposing unrealistic expectations on myself; scolding myself for "missing the mark."  I believe in accountability, but accountability can not come from blame, shame or guilt. 

I find that when I am in this space and allow myself to get centered, I am led to something that holds just the words that I need to hear or read in order to assist me in pulling myself up, dusting off and starting anew. One of those serendipitous sources is "Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting" by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.

This book  has been very helpful in me recognizing that,  being a parent or an artist in NOT to be done from a space of reaction and blame, but an every unfolding awareness that I can do better next time.

(Next Posting: a snippet of my song for the week)

In Greatness/Grace,

GaBrilla