As a parent I want to raise children that are happy, confident, spiritually conscious people. I want to model self-love, gratitude, and authenticity to my children. This is my life task, what it means to me to be a parent. But it isn't always easy and the path isn't always clear. So, when I come across something that helps light the way, I am anxious to share it with all the parents journeying alongside me. I am excited to be able to share this book, Soul to Soul Parenting by Annie Burnside, that has become such an important tool in my family.
Soul to Soul Parenting is a book about connecting as a family and inviting spiritual awareness into your home. It is a book filled with activities, themes, and thoughts to help parents and their children connect on a soul to soul level. I have been so inspired by this book!
For the past two months I have been reading Soul to Soul Parenting every day, soaking in its messages, and putting the activities into practice with my own family. Often, the activities fit in perfectly with our weekly family night and have opened up soul expanding discussions that even my three-year-old can respond to and understand. I particularly love all the resources Annie offers to accompany each spiritual theme - perfectly chosen books, songs, and movies to reinforce and explain ideas for all ages.
Some activities from the book that we have enjoyed:
- (To help your family start viewing people as Souls rather than Roles) As a family, create a list of individuals who you know may need assistance or a word of encouragement. Commit to contacting one per week or one per month. Make a conscious decision to recognize not only why the person may be in need of a soul to soul interaction, but also identify that person's soul attributes. Discuss the reasons for choosing this particular individual and how to best make a soul to soul contact. (paraphrased from page 82)
- (To help your family identify what brings them joy and when they feel most authentic) Create personal love lists of activities, choices, experiences, people, and places that bring you joy and express your authenticity. The list becomes your toolbox for raising your energy throughout your day. Young children can create a "ME Bag" or a small trinket sack that holds small representations of what they love, which they can carry around with them. This activity reminds us of what brings peace and joy in our own unique way. (page 152)
- (To facilitate self-love) List five negative beliefs that you hold about yourself. Flip a coin over and turn each negative perception into a positive. For example: I am lazy ... flip coin ... My ability to sometimes do nothing allows for much needed quiet time. This exercise teaches children that there are always two sides to every coin. (page 197)
Follow her on Facebook for regular doses of inspiration (like this fantastic article on the Chicago Beating)
What is something your family loves to do together?
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