We often pay attention to the food we consume because we want to stay fit, strong and healthy. We take pains to ensure that our food is fresh and, for as long as we can afford it, we choose organic even if it means having to pay more.
 
Our health is our greatest wealth. Not to mention that it is also our most important investment. So, there’s no scrimping on our health, right?
 
The other diet that we need to pay attention to is our mental diet. These are the thoughts we entertain, the impressions that we allow into our mind.
 
Our mind digests thoughts and impressions similar to the way our digestive system does with food. The mental diet that we feed ourselves creates an impact on the physical body. If our mental diet consists mainly of unhealthy or negative thoughts, this will affect our physical body negatively. It may manifest as lack of vitality or as disease.  
 
Our mind is so powerful that even when we are eating what is regarded as healthy food, if the mind is not in a harmonious state, we are still not nourishing the body adequately.

When your child is on a special diet, it is best to focus on what the child is gaining from the diet as opposed to what the child is missing because of the diet.
 
If we feel sorry for the child because he or she can’t have certain types of food, we create an atmosphere of deprivation for the child. 
 
It would help to be more proactive when altering a child’s diet. Although the child’s health care provider may initiate a diet change, it is best for the parent or family to read up on special diets and the principles they are based upon. 

​Once you become a parent, to not think about the future would seem nonsensical and irresponsible, even.
 
Naturally, we need to plan out the future for the sake of our children.

What parent does not do that?
 
If a child has special needs, we are advised to plan out his or her transition to adulthood long before the teenage years arrive. To forego this would be to the child’s detriment.
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Now more than ever, we witness the heroism of parents--mothers, in many cases, who juggle working from home and family life.
 
Quarantine protocols spawned by the Covid-19 pandemic may be gifting families with ample togetherness. The reality, however, is that things at home aren’t always fine and dandy.

The demands of work-from-home, child care, homeschooling, and household chores have many parents bursting at the seams.
 
Families caring for a member with a disability are in a unique situation. The standards of care are even more exacting.
 
For the overwhelmed parent, it is most important to practice self-compassion before things begin to take a toll on one’s physical body. It is important to learn to let go. It's a fact that we are not always able to control things. 

Know that you are not alone.
 
With our new reality comes a whole range of challenges.

If this new normal isn’t getting to you, you are probably living a balanced life or you’re too busy to even feel it.
 
You can stop for a moment. Take a few minutes. And. Breathe.
 
Breathing consciously can drastically change your psychological state. Slowing down your breath can help you relax.
 
Try this simple breath control exercise. It consists of controlled inhaling and controlled exhaling while holding the breath in between.
 
Please note that when you inhale, inflate your stomach gently like a balloon. When you exhale, release the air slowly and empty your stomach.
 
You may need to lengthen or shorten the inhales, exhales and holds based on what is right for you. Listen to your body. Be guided by your inner wisdom.
 
The main purpose of this exercise is to learn to explore the power of your breath. We do this without causing harm to oneself.
 
When you are familiar with this simple technique, create your own practice.
 
This is great for busy people who, for now, only have a couple of minutes for relaxation.
 
I hope this helps you. Let me know how it goes.
 
May you be well always,
Elizabeth
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Background music: Deep Meditation by Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com
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​This guided meditation created by Ms. Jill Hopkins, MA, is found in the book “Welcoming the Soul of a Child”.
 
I hope it affords you some relief from any stress or discomfort that you might be experiencing.
 
As we find ourselves under new circumstances, may we all derive life-changing lessons that will benefit ourselves and our communities.
 
Love and light,
Elizabeth

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​Background music: Deep Meditation by Fesliyan Studios www.fesliyanstudios.com
Photo by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash