mindfulness - mindfulness of the senses

​Dear UU Parents and Guardians, 

It would be lovely if you could join us for our weekly gatherings! 

Here is what is currently being offered: 

*Sunday School *
Approximately: 30 minute program geared towards K-5 but open to all ages
Sundays at 11am
Email me for the link
Drag Queen Story Hour this week!!! Mrs. Yuka will be doing an amazing lesson and story and I hope you will join us!

This summer you will find: Drag Queen Story Hour, Yoga with Maggie, and the
Pioneers Park Nature Center as well as guests from our very own UU
volunteer pool of caring adults. Each week is something different!

*Middle and HS Zoom *
We are now combining with Omaha youth groups and this will be
offered *Wednesday* nights 7-8:30pm
Come meet some other cool UUs!
Email me for the link

*Parent and Guardian Chat: *
The chance for parents and guardians to just get together and
Every other Thursday 8pm and every other Wednesday noon

 Wednesday July 29th at noon
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/474526337     Password: lovemykids    
Thursday August 6th at 8pm
      Link: https://zoom.us/j/866583131     Password: lovemykids 
 
*New Youtube links for this week!*

Music with Miss Molly:    https://youtu.be/pCXtZKL7fy4  
Story with Miss Heather: https://youtu.be/rSfP1tkuWXI

Chelsea's Meditation Video: https://youtu.be/PBP0b1rBFB4

Theme this week: Mindfulness of the Senses (Apple and Raisin Meditations)

Words from Sumi Loundon Kim:

Because we are so busy as parents, we usually just give our kids half of our attention - and when we're using the computer, even less. Our kids know when we're not truly present with them: haven't we all heard them ask a question over and over again until they got a real answer? This can make children feel ignored or that their needs aren't important. What would it be like to turn off our automatic 'uh-huh' and 'mmm' responses and take a more decisive approach to responding to requests for attention? As soon as I ihear one of my children ask a question, I will either stop what I'm doing to give my child my full attention or I will say, "As soon as I'm done with this, I will hear what you have to say." Consciously directing our attention, which is strengthened in formal meditation practice, helps others feel more fully acknowledged while also giving ourselves space to focus on what's at hand. 

Reflection:  

Okay, so I love these meditations, and the discussion questions and reflections from Sumi Loundon Kim. However, this last one totally made me feel guilty. I know I am often dismissive while on the computer. I am often multi-tasking. It's pretty often my children are pulling at my leg for a snack while I am finishing an email. I know that I need to be better about wrapping up work after my children get home from school. Admittedly, I also know that I will sometimes 'check out' and zone into Facebook or a news article when I could/should be playing with my children. Many of us may be in this position even more as we explore work from home and juggling children and remote learning. Progress, not perfection, right? The hope and intent to be more mindful of what happens, and when, and the hope to make a change for the better DOES matter. I try to make up for it later with trips to the lake where I keep my phone in my pocket except to take photos, or when we go to the zoo and I focus entirely on the little people in my life instead of the animals. Please know that I am here for you if you want to talk. Small changes. This is a hard time that we're in. Please reach out if you want another parent to relate with during this time.

Discussion Questions

1. What ways can you envision extending mindfulness through your senses in your home? 
2. Which of your senses do you think you are most attuned to in regard to your children and family life? Least attuned to?
3. What are some common moments at home in which you have automatic responses to requests for your attention.