Infuse some Fun and Learning For All

It used to be mid-summer break when the echos of “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do” would often be heard, but with the physical distancing and Stay-At-Home orders, it’s not only children that have uttered these sentiments. And now that the new school year has begun, many educators and parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and stressed to the max. 

As an advocate for following the philosophy of the Indian Proverb A House With Four Rooms, I have some suggestions to spark some fun and learning for all ages for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The Physical Room includes your physical body and the physical space in which you live. So this list offers a smorgasbord of ideas.

• Exercise your body by getting outdoors and playing some games such as horseshoes, badminton, or croquet. Jumping rope and riding a bike are also fun ways to have some fun and exercise.

• Your physical space includes inside and outside your home. A great family activity is gardening and then taking the harvest to the kitchen for preserving for the future. There are some great lessons for the whole family with this project...from planting to nutrition.

• The Mental Room is about your intellectual well-being. This is the time to learn something new, read, practice a skill, or participate in a hobby. An Amazon Kindle is a great way to encourage reading. There are many free book options, particularly with the downloads from your local library. Handcrafts are a fun way to use your creativity...this can be anything from sewing, paper crafting, painting, or knitting. 

• A visit to your Emotional Room is about building coping skills. This has been a great time to develop a meditation practice and introduce meditation to your children. Another practice that offers centering and grounding is breathing exercises. A simple practice is to inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of five, and exhale for a count of six. These practices are excellent for emotional well-being.

• The Spiritual Room can include prayer, meditations, affirmations, and gratitude. A practice that many women find essential is journaling. An effective practice is writing down five things each day that you are grateful for...this routine allows you to practice self-awareness and mindfulness as you observe your day, the activities, events, and people that enrich your life. Modeling positive behaviors for your children is an essential child rearing practice.

These are just a few suggestions to keep you actively engaged in your personal development, as well as that of your family. It’s a time to build memories and healthy routines that will last long after the pandemic. 

But...personal development, routines, and building memories take effort...and commitment. AND, it’s so worth it!

Be purposeful with your time...that’s how you live an Intentional Life.

Until next time...

Lisa

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