Anyone familiar with Buddhism?

[brand new mum]

Hi All, it's been a while since I've been here. Great to read what's going on

Anyway, I've recently been reading a book, "Buddhism for Mothers". Although I wouldn't call myself a Buddhist (consider myself Christian), I'm quite attracted to the ideas in the book, especially mindfulness etc etc.

So I'm wondering, is it possible to have a very structured routine with children/housework etc (eg, plan a daily timetable that establishes time to clean, cook, play with kids, time to self etc) and practice mindfulness or being present and giving everything you've got to the kids?

Am very interested to hear from ppl.

[LoveNeverFails]

Hi there! I have never practices bhuddism but I have like you, read about it. I am a Christian myself, and I no longer dabble in other beliefs because my search is over :-) I pray you too find what yor looking for :-)

I personally have found the best way to establish a balanced, peaceful and harmonious life and have oneness with God is to live life according to His statutes. Every day I set time aside to meditate on the word of God, pray for my family and others and just be with God. I don't attend a church and I'm not religious, I have a relationship with God. For me, my guidance comes from the Holy Spirit. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit to complete your journey with the Lord God otherwise its all just doctrine, guesswork and rules.

I have finally come to the point where I have a wonderful ongoing communication with the Lord. Sometimes it really does take a very conscious effort to be mindful of Him but most of the time it's natural as it's become a lifestyle. I incorporate my spirituality in everything I do. My daughter is only young but she already understands little bits and pieces of spiritual things because God is the biggest part of our lives.

I think routine and scheduling is great, as long as there's a little room for flexibility. I also think that you do not have to be spiritual in any sense of the word to be well organised
And structured with your life. The most organised and punctual person I know is an athiest, the difference though, is that I do believe it's impossible to be that way without stress if you don't have God. I think alot of people have meltdowns because they aren't taking thought or care of their spirits at all. Some even just plain give up. Coz it's like what's the point? But when you are aware
Of a greater purpose, when you know God there
Is a beautiful mandate on your life to live every moment and every breath in joy and appreciation for what you have, what's around you and who you have been blessed to
Share life with :-)

As far as my running the home/family
In a successful and peaceful way goes, I always run things by the Lord. I don't make quick brash decisions if it's a big one and I always ask
Myself "how will my decision here affect my family?" Hubby and kids.

I also use common sense. I think some people can be "so spiritually minded that they are no earthly good". There is nothing worse than an airy fairy fruit loop mother who starts having conversations with "God" out loud in the middle Of the shopping center while there kids are daydreaming and pretending not to know her. Yes, I've seen that more than once!!

I think it's handy to remember, we are a spirit, have a mind, we live in a body. Therefore we need to nurture and use all three. Spirit via prayer; meditation on Gods word, developing a friendship with the Father. mind via renewing out Mindsets to Gods ways; and always learning also via study or hobbys, and emotionally nurturing out familys. and then theres our body. Exercise, going out and about, moving! Eating properly. If we neglect one of the parts of out make-up, we throw
Off our balance.

And lastly, the word of God says this
"the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self control." can you imagine if we lived our lives
With these characteristics in action?! Now THAT my friend is a life, and household of peace, fullness and spiritual greatness!

Sorry I couldn't help you out with the bhuddist way of life but I do hope this helps you get one step closer to what your wanting for your family :-)

[Jods14]

I recently started attending a mindfulness group, mainly for psychological reasons and to teach me to accept the thoughts in my head, but not act on those thoughts. It's taught me to focus on a point, during the exercises it's our breathing, but in an everyday situation, it could be focusing solely on the task at hand and being in the moment. For example sometimes I've gotten into the car feeling a little upset, instead of letting those feelings gain control. I've been able to say, the job right now is to drive to your appointment. I might turn the radio off and listen to the engine of the car, the noise of the indicators, the different traffic sounds, focus entirely on the process of driving.
So I think it would be possible to have a structured routine and still practice mindfulness in each activity that you do because you would be focusing on the task at hand, noticing the enjoyment/achievements that each activity brings to you and your children and it's amazing how focusing on a task can bring calmness to a situation too.
I heard this guy speak at a mental health week seminar and it was fantastic Mindfulness Therapy - Cognitive Behavioral and Meditation Techniques.

Hope this helps.

Jods x

[zeeeb]

I'd love to be able to calm my life down, practice a bit of mindfulness. seems like a ridiculously impossible thing to do these days.

i am a big fan of yoga, have done it on and off for years and years. I used to do Tai Chi and practice meditation, but haven't done it for a long time. it's probably one of the more important things to do in life to keep your mind in a good place, but seems to gets lost in the chaos that my life is.

i never feel like i'm doing one thing at a time anymore, maybe i should start what you said Jods, get in the car and focus on getting where i'm going without thinking about everything else.