practice compassion

I’ve been breastfeeding the baby, and letting her sleep in our bed after the first night-time feeding. Now she’s a year old, and it’s time for her to be weaned, and learn to sleep in her own bed. It’s a very hard thing for her. I want to be sure to give her extra love and try not to let my own exasperation get in the way.

we decided to leave our beloved city of san francisco and return to our new england roots to raise our children.

after 10 years, reknitting those family ties is not always easy.

I’m going to try very hard to listen with compassion. When I hear criticism, I am going to try to listen for the worry or insecurity, or pain of experience that prompted the words.

When I hear demands, I am going to try to listen for the real needs that are going unmet.

But most of all, I want to be a compassionate mother to my children. I want to steer them gently and with respect, to avoid shaming or demeaning them, and set a good example. I’d like them to be kind. I’d like them to prize people over possessions. I’d like them to be confident enough to choose their own paths in the world when the time comes.