My Baby; My Guru
Oh baby, you are something else.
When I was pregnant, a very experienced yogi told me that my baby would be my best guru. My thought at the time was, how nice (cue the naive but well intentioned pregnant mom smile). What I didn't know was just how much that statement would ring true. My baby is my best guru and here are a few of the incredible lessons that the wise little one has taught me so far.
- Laugh big and love bigger. Lulah simply loves to laugh and laughs hard and often. In fact, she gets so totally tickled that she will belly laugh until she spits up and we need to calm things down. She laughs at everything- loud noises, dogs barking, dog kisses, peek a boo or invents a little game just to make us laugh. She has a terrific sense of humor and reminds me that the joy I seek is often right under my nose.
- There's almost nothing that some fresh air can't fix. Take an epic fall? Seriously want that treasure (er...nasty leather sandal fresh from a disgusting bathroom in Kathmandu) that your mama won't let you have? Wearing your cranky pants? Step outside and breathe. Look and notice. Touch and smell. Feel and move. Seriously, this makes almost everything better.
- Simple things are the best things. A wooden block is fascinating, just think of all the banging! A plastic cup once kept Tallulah entertained for an hour on an international flight. A zipper, amazing. It's tempting to think that more is better but not always. There is enormous joy to be found in simplicity.
- When in doubt, try it. For Lulah, this translates to put it in your mouth but you get the idea. I'm always amazed at how intensely she studies things before chewing but it almost always ends up in the mouth. As an adult, of course this idea can translate to being an adventurous eater but more to the point, be curious. Try something out of your comfort zone, talk to that mama who seems so cool at the park, go to that yoga class even though its been ages. If it piques your interest but terrifies you, you should definitely do it.
- When upset, cry hard and move on. Our little lady wears her heart on her sleeve and is quick to express herself. Take that leather shoe away (mentioned above) and she will let out a terrifying shriek. Wait two seconds and she is onto the next treasure. She releases emotion quickly and is over it even faster. I'm learning to follow her pattern and acknowledge when something doesn't sit right but not stew over it. Sh*t happens, to us all. Acknowledge it and move on.
- The world is an amazing place. Lulah loves adventures and to her, almost everything we do is one! She is so stimulated and engaged with the world around her that even the mundane is magnificent. Girlfriend, loves some grocery store! How often we forget to marvel but a curious babe is a fantastic reminder.
I know that the lessons will change with each age and stage. My little guru has so much to teach me and I'm an eager student!
What lessons has your wise little one taught you?
