Island Parent Magazine Oct-Nov 2021

Think about the feeling you experience surrounded by darkness.
Darkness in this sense can help turn down the volume on
distractions, worries and even gently nudge people to speak
openly and share or think more clearly. Authors Harper, Rose
and Segal of Nature-Based Therapy: A practitioner’s guide to
working outdoors with children, youth, and families say “...
your ability to think lucidly and share without pretense is
heightened.”
4. Start a gratitude journal.
Gratitude is a social emotion. It points to what’s already
there. Gratitude also solidifies our relationship with living
mystery and enhances our resilience (the ability to bounce
back). Grab a journal and jot down three things before bed
(when the mind is most suggestive) and see if it helps you
build your capacity to face hard info. Express gratitude for
things big and small—the moon, stars, friendship, safety or
time to enjoy a cup of good coffee.
5. Embrace Vajra pride.
In the Buddhist tradition, pride is equal to poison. Pride’s
friends are desire, jealousy, anger and ignorance. The problem
with ordinary pride is it focuses on self-importance. You
might fixate on proving your status and value. This leaves
zero room for humour and lightness!
Instead, try vajra pride:
• Based on trust in one’s inherent worth and value
• Takes courage!
• “Primordial self-esteem”
Stop constantly trying to prove yourself. From here you can
relax. Then, watch how easily you can stand tall with basic
confidence, find clarity, and find yourself grounded in fearlessness.
6. Celebrate fearless ancestors.
On my son’s birthday I read an excerpt of my grandfather’s
life story. It gives great perspective on whose shoulders he
stands on! Think of the people in your life who kept going,
were tenacious, steadfast, and patient. Recall a mentor, teacher
or coach. What do you remember about their stories? How
it was to be around them? What were their traits and capacities?
Their lives may offer you as a lesson to persevere. You
may uncover excellent examples of how to stay on the path
and to keep going forward.
Which ideas have your attention? Pace yourself, this is not a
checklist. Don’t hesitate to contemplate these strategies before
diving in!
Lindsay Coulter is a dedicated mother of
two, naturalist, community catalyst, soul activist,
mentor, writer and horse lover. Find her
@SaneAction on Instagram and Facebook.
She’s also the Director of Communications,
Culture and Community of EPIC Learning Centre,
a forest and nature school in Victoria, BC.
IslandParent.ca
October/November 2021 11