I have been meditating on the word "cleanse" and the idea of purification. To purify the body of toxins is of course the goal, but what of other purification? How do I wish to purify mind and spirit this month? What thoughts do I have that are toxic to my being? What is muddying my light and my spirit?
I have spent many a year working on my issues with perfection and learning to combat the tireless inner critic. Parenthood has a way of bringing up all the old issues and pushing all the buttons. Even though I have thrown out most of my preconceived notions and judgements about parenting, the perfectionist has still reared her head. I think it's that all the energy I used to beat her into submission every day has been used up and I don't have the energy to fight her. So how do I cleanse the toxic need to be perfect? The Buddhist concept of loving kindness calls for accepting all the parts of ourselves...whether we love them or hate them. How do I accept and integrate the crazy parts of me? How is that cleansing?
I don't pretend to have the answers to these questions. I am simply sharing the questions that are coming up. If I happen upon any pearls of wisdom I will certainly share them.
As for food, we went into central London today to the National History Museum not realizing that it is school break here and everyone is out with their kid and that there is hurricane -like weather on the way. After returning home soaked to the bone, frazzled, overwhelmed, and feeling defeated by the big city, we let ourselves off the hook and ordered a delicious and nutritious Indian meal with lots of spinach and garlic...yum. Perfection be damned!
I have spent many a year working on my issues with perfection and learning to combat the tireless inner critic. Parenthood has a way of bringing up all the old issues and pushing all the buttons. Even though I have thrown out most of my preconceived notions and judgements about parenting, the perfectionist has still reared her head. I think it's that all the energy I used to beat her into submission every day has been used up and I don't have the energy to fight her. So how do I cleanse the toxic need to be perfect? The Buddhist concept of loving kindness calls for accepting all the parts of ourselves...whether we love them or hate them. How do I accept and integrate the crazy parts of me? How is that cleansing?
I don't pretend to have the answers to these questions. I am simply sharing the questions that are coming up. If I happen upon any pearls of wisdom I will certainly share them.
As for food, we went into central London today to the National History Museum not realizing that it is school break here and everyone is out with their kid and that there is hurricane -like weather on the way. After returning home soaked to the bone, frazzled, overwhelmed, and feeling defeated by the big city, we let ourselves off the hook and ordered a delicious and nutritious Indian meal with lots of spinach and garlic...yum. Perfection be damned!
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