Self Care, Synchronicity and Change

"If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine if it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves." Carl Jung said these words. We hear them whenever we fly. Airline stewards recommend adults put on their oxygen masks first. In other words, to help children, adults must be mindful of taking deep breaths. When I first came across Jung's quote as a young mom, it served to increase my guilt because I knew that there were changes I wanted to make in me. I was trying hard but in a way that involved a heavy dose of self-denial and criticism. The change that was needed involved more self-care and lightness, more balance and equanimity. The pay-off of the change was taking my children's actions less personally and leading in a way that inspired them to follow. Children's brain waves entrain or synchronize with ours. It's a physics principle that: "Two cycles naturally synchronize with one another to work efficiently and successfully." Hence if the adult changes, the child changes and Jung's words are proven true. If you are experiencing anxiety, you will find yourself with an anxious child. Ironically, spring and summertime can induce nervousness about all the things we want to do! Stop first and look for peace. Choose meditation, time in nature, and physical activity as ways to re-create yourself, then see if your child changes as well.