June Mama Message
“The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes,
but in having new eyes."
- Marcel Proust
This month I feel as if I am seeking new landscapes AND having new eyes, and I am enjoying new summer experiences! I am discovering a new pace of life in Montana… The Gallatin Valley summer has burst forth with an opulence that is almost overwhelming in its speed and intensity. It’s gone from a very hesitant spring to full-blown warmth, humidity, and lush landscapes in a matter of two weeks. Everywhere there are new plants, new wildflowers, and new cloud formations to ponder. I feel as if I am seeing everything with new eyes, and I am marveling at the wonder of it all!
This is mirrored in the ways that my grandsons explore and and take everything in. From a six year old learning new skills and testing new boundaries, to a two year old touching, tasting, and smelling every object in his path, to the newborn who is just starting to focus on light and shapes… they are all in constant exploration mode. The child’s natural curiosity leads him here and there, and everything is exciting and inspiring. Much of our time is spent outdoors, and we are allowing nature to guide us in our activities. Dirt, plants, water, and rocks are the favorites right now, and a simple dandelion can provide hours of fun…
It is important for us to continue to foster this child-like view of life. Changing certain aspects of our life, trying new activities, and exploring new territories can inspire us, and can help to keep us in sync with our children’s pace and innocent curiosity. Yet even when nothing else changes, we can look at a situation or moment in time with new eyes. When we look at an issue through our child’s perspective, we can have greater understanding and compassion for their emotions and desires. We can try new patterns and explore new responses to our children, and listen in deeper ways than ever before.
As grandparents now, my husband and I are enjoying experiences with our grandsons from the perspective of having a bit more wisdom, a lot more sleep, and the freedom to treasure every moment. It is fascinating to watch the generational give and take, the support that we can offer, and the insights that come with the years. We certainly still don’t have all the answers, and new joys and challenges arise, but being able to be a part of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives is a blessing that we cherish. We see the beauty of inter-generational living, and appreciate how it can be a big part of a healthy family culture.
About a year ago I discovered Red Mandarin essential oil which is the oil that can emotionally support a childlike perspective. “It invites individuals to see life through childlike eyes, appreciating the sweetness, wonder, and innocence of life.” * I love to diffuse this oil to benefit the whole family! I invite you to savor this childlike perspective in your own family life this month, and to enjoy all that this summer season has to offer!
Have a wonderful month…
*from Emotions and Essential Oils, A Reference Guide for Emotional Healing, 2018