Family Celebrations

Spiritual Parenting Thought for the Month (SM)

Brought to you by Mimi Doe

March, 2010

V12 #3

FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

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This newsletter is my gift to you in the hopes of empowering children and parents everywhere to live more joyful, connected lives.

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- Welcome From Mimi

- Family Celebrations

- The Biggie: Birthdays

- Prayer of Joy

-Things I Love These Days

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Celebrating with my dear friend Brenna and my darling daughter Whitney!

March greetings to you all!

It is cold and rainy here in Concord, Massachusetts, but I’m cozy and warm in my office with Comet, our 14 year old cocker spaniel at my feet and sweet memories of a great time in Nashville, Tennessee with my daughter Whitney (a senior in college) and my dear friend Brenna McDonough (we’ve been friends for over 30 years).

This newsletter is all about celebrations – both big and small! It’s taking time for these special markers with the people we love that gives our lives meaning and makes beautiful memories for cold days in March!

Take some time to think about celebrations that live in your heart. Why were they so meaningful?

An old friend called me yesterday to share that his daughter had been accepted to the school of her choice. He was proud and oh so happy, but not quite sure how to make it all special. I urged him to go out and buy a bunch of balloons in her new school colors and tie them to the mailbox so she would be greeted with festive celebration energy upon her return home that evening.

What might you celebrate today? Do it! Your family will remember.

Blessings and light from my heart to yours,

Mimi Doe

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To find joy in another's joy

that is the secret of happiness.

----- George Bernanos

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FAMILY CELEBRATIONS

Try to recall the celebrations and rituals you may have had as a child. Are there some you'd like to resurrect with your child, or new ones you'd like to introduce? You don't need a special occasion. Create lots of little celebrations. Celebrate a sunny day, a rainy day, a cold day, baby's first word, a butterfly, a fly ball, a field goal, a part in a play, something found, being with a special person, being with a special animal friend, a new haircut, picture day at school.

It doesn't take much to make an accomplishment or to celebrate an event. You could clap your hands, smile together, light a candle, go out for dinner, put up homemade banners, use special dishes, make up a song, toot the car's horn, call Grandma on the phone, write it down in the family book.

Be spontaneous, too. Spontaneous celebrations are as memorable as those that are planned in advance. God is present whether you're in a car, a coffee shop, or a church. Offer acknowledgements and blessings when the Spirit moves you, rather than waiting for the right setting. ("Thank you, Loving Universe, for providing this parking spot right now!")

An ordinary moment becomes memorable with a little enthusiasm. Remember, in the uncluttered life of a child these are truly noteworthy events. Join in their excitement. A celebration often becomes a tradition.

Here are a few celebration ideas from some Spiritual Parenting families. Try them on for size -- and, of course, develop your own "new" traditions.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Whenever we say the same thing at the same time we hook our pinkie fingers together and one person says, 'Pins,' the other guy says, 'Needles,' then the first person says, 'What goes up the chimney?' and the other guy says, 'Smoke.' Then together we say, 'And may your wish and my wish never be broke.' " (Age 8)

"My grandfather has a special family whistle he does. Now I know it, too. It really helps when you are in a store and want to find each other." (Age 8)

"My sister and I always make a wish if the digital clock has all the same number, like 11:11. We make a wish, clap hands, kiss our palms, then blow on our palms, sending the wish out into the world. It's super special if we ever catch the clock at 4:44 because that's when we know an angel is near." (Age 7)

A NEW CHILD

This minister told us about her church's way of honoring a new child: "The Unitarian ceremony for children is called a Child Dedication. It is a welcoming into community and a pledge to guide and support the child in her or his own spiritual and personal development. I use the water from our annual Gathering of the Waters ceremony (After summer vacations, everyone brings back water from all the places they have been and things they have done, including: water from a new puppy's dish, swimming lessons in the local pool, a bit of an iceberg from Antarctica…). This water has been gathered (and sterilized) for many years." (Mother of one)

STARTING SCHOOL

"When my oldest son, now 12, started kindergarten it just tore me apart that my baby was going to school. I was working at the time, so I took a long lunch hour, picked him up from school (he only went half-days), and we went to a diner. I let him order anything he wanted and we talked about school. Then on the last day of school we did the same thing and talked about how much he had learned that year. Well, we've done that every year since. He really looks forward to our lunches and we have included my younger son (who is going into 2nd Grade this year). I even tried to change restaurants, but he wouldn't have anything to do with that. 'This is a tradition, Mom, and you can't change traditions!' In two years we will be including my youngest when she goes to kindergarten. I only hope they go to college somewhere close so I can continue it then, too!" (Mother of three)

A NEW DRIVER

A teen taking to the road for the first time is a wonderful occasion for a spiritual marker. Instead of just handing the car keys over to an adolescent with a brand-new driver's license, include a moment of shared prayer. "May you always be safe, know that God travels with you. The light of God surrounds you each time you get behind the wheel. Wherever you are, God is -- and all is well." You might then present your young driver with your family's version of Rules for the Road, and include a sacred icon of protection, a special crystal, or a religious medal.

ENGAGEMENT ANNIVERSARY

A family we know takes their children out of school each year on the day they were engaged to mark the special event. They do something together such as hike up a mountain or go to the beach and give thanks for Mom and Dad's beautiful relationship.

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Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.

----- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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THE BIGGIE: BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are another kind of milestone. At our house, a special tradition honors all birthdays. As we settle at the dinner table, we raise our glasses in a toast to the person whose special day it is. Then, in turn, we each identify one thing we appreciate about that individual and offer wishes for the coming year. The table's centerpiece is a gathering of items that reflect the birthday person's interests as well as photos from their life. It's a wonderful opportunity for sincere words of love and appreciation to flow between our family members, and for each of us to hear how much we matter to those with whom we live. When I was growing up, birthday dinners included much of this same ceremony. This ritual is part of who I am, and a touchstone I'm passing along to my children.

--"We have 5 children, and have specific gifts to honor birthday. For every 6th birthday the children receive their first watch. At 8 they get a camera, and at 10 a beautiful pen. When our children become teenagers, age 13, they receive a weekend away with Mom or Dad. There is a lot of excitement and expectations about these clear age-defining gifts." (Father of five)

-- Birthdays are our own personal New Year. One mother calls her son's birthday his "Earth Day," as it is her celebration of her child's entry to the earth.

-- Letters make a wonderful marker and keepsake. A teenage girl recalls an important birthday letter: "On the morning of my 18th birthday, I woke up to a letter from my mom and a big vase of roses from the garden. I don't remember right now what other gift my parents gave me, but I still have the letter. I had never heard my mom talk about why she wanted a baby or what it meant to her when I was born. I felt so touched by her loving words and incredibly honored."

-- "My dad never sings as he is completely tone deaf. When I turned 13, however, he sang every song he knew the words to, LOUDLY, so I would always remember my 13th birthday, and I always have. Always remember your parents' unconditional love for you. I remember feeling my body would never catch up to my spirit -- it does and then you really inhabit your skin fully and joyfully. I felt like an old, wise spirit in a young unformed vessel. Now I feel like I will be a young spirit in an old vessel! The balance you seek is coming." (Tracy, mother of two)

-- Measure your child's growth on a designated "Family Growth Board." Ask your child to compose 3 wishes, affirmation, or visions for the upcoming year, and say them together as a family. Place candles in more places than just on top of the cake. Light is a symbol of illumination -- fill you home with it to mark your child's spiritual progression. Designate a special birthday candle that is lit only on the child's date of birth. How much has it burned down since last year? Can you make sure it is lit all day if you are home to monitor it?

-- In South America and Mexico, children are given "God's Eyes" on their birthdays. These are sticks fastened into a cross and woven with colored yarn. Each different color of yarn stands for a year of the child's life. Perhaps you and your child can make tiny God's Eyes from toothpicks or bigger ones made with popsicle or craft sticks. This could be a great activity if you have planned a birthday party -- the children can take their God's Eyes home. God's Eyes are symbols of protection, symbols of God's loving presence in our children's lives. What a beautiful memento from your child's birthday celebration! (For easy instructions on how to make a God's Eye, or Ojo de Dios, visit http://crafts.kaboose.com/gods-eyes.html)

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PRAYER OF JOY

From joy I came,

For joy I live,

and in Thy sacred joy

I shall melt again.

----- Paramahamsa Yogananda

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THINGS I LOVE THESE DAYS

1. YouBars

I love foods that give me energy and power to move through my day. I also love knowing exactly what's in those foods if I didn't make them myself. Enter YouBars. I'm obsessed with this comany owned by a mother and son duo. You can create your own, custom bar as well as trail mix and smoothie mix. The bars are my current delight (I haven't yet tried their other produts). You also get to NAME your bar, no kidding. So, if you want to create a box of custom made bars with just the right natural ingredients for your middle schooler who loves almonds you can name it after her...or her sports team and then bring them to practice -- you'll be a hit!

AND, as you add ingredients the web page calculates calories, fiber, protein, etc right there on the screen!

I spoke with Anthony Flynn, the owner, and he has given us a discount code for 5% off anything they make!!! How cool is that. Just type in "HealthyEating" when you check out and you will automatically get the discount.

2. Online Learning

I love all the opportunities for free learing online from some of the world's greatest professors and thinkers. From MIT OpenCourse ware to Ted Talks, click above for a portal to knowledge you'll never believe. Whisk away to a classroom and learn about quantum physics, all before the kids wake up from their naps or your have to take yours.

3. Dream Manifestation Wizard

I'll let the developer of these transformational products tell you about them in his own words as mine don't do justice:

Manifest any goal, desire or life dream with this new award winning audio and software program. A simple and highly efficient process, using the power of your intention combined with images and your own voice, to reprogram your mind for instant and lasting success.

This is an amazing gift of empowerment and will uplift you this month or anytime. If you have a dream, this will help manifest that dream. I spend time each week editing my Dream Manifestor images and lists as my dreams come true almost as fast as I can articulate and put them up!!

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~*~WHAT'S NEW~*~

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO THESE DAYS

Lately I've been listening to Steve Halperns OM Zone on my laptop as I work. It transports me to ease and calm. Check out this instrumental CD and I promise you will find a new serenity. What soothing music do you love? I need some new songs.

MIMI BLOGS

Click HERE to visit my Blog. You can bookmark it on Google to receive updates of new posts. Do leave comments and suggestions so we can have a virtual conversation. My daughter is traveling in Africa matching schools out in the bush with schools in the U.S. She's a college junior and devoted to Ghana, where she taught for four months at age 18.

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CREATE A YEAR OF DREAMS

Make ALL your dreams come true with the Dream Manifesto!

For YEARS I have been creating vision boards or treasure maps using poster boards and images of what

I would like to manifest in my life...Literally for about 24 years...

Up until now...

Now, since I'm on my computer so much of the time...I've installed this easy to use software, literally I had it up and running in less than 5 minutes, and my images are scheduled to appear with sound...that I've created...every few hours...reminding me of what I wish to focus upon...

It's crazy cool! In fact, I have had to delete most of the images I first put up as they HAVE COME TRUE. Time for new dreams!

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TREAT YOUR TEENAGERS TO STRESS FREE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS!

If your children are in high school, pick up a copy of my book: Don't Worry You'll Get In: 100 Tips for Stress Free College Admission. I believe that knowledge is power and have created various ways to help make the application and admissions process less stressful.

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CREATE A LIFE LIVED ON PURPOSE IN 2010

Busy but Balanced

Begin RIGHT NOW to craft a more balanced life!

This book takes you through the year, week by week...Full of tips, tools, ideas and inspiration for crafting a family life that is calm, centered, and full of joy!

Start 2010 with a committment and intention to craft a life of calm and ease. Dive into this weekly, inspirational guide for living a more meaningful life.

Your own new semester of sorts.

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Spiritual Parenting Thought for the Month (SM) is written and produced by Mimi Doe and Karen Adolphson. If you have any stories to share, questions or comments, please send them to: Editor@SpiritualParenting.com. We'd love to hear from you!

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Mimi Doe, Author of:
"Nurturing Your Teenager's Soul"
"Busy But Balanced"
"10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting"
"Drawing Angels Near"

http://www.SpiritualParenting.com