Let the Sunshine In

Do you ever get that warm, relaxed sensation when you're lying outside, the sun on your skin? It feels so good! Summer is here!

This time of year we let that sunshine soak in- we receive.

Compassion and empathy are just like that too. It isn't just a one way street. We don't just give and give and give. That would lead to depletion and burnout. Yes, part of it is giving, the other part is receiving.

Today I'm flipping the usual narrative:

• Instead of difficult moments, I'm referring to joyful ones.

• Instead of giving, I'm talking about receiving.

Sometimes it's a lot harder to notice the happy moments: everything's fine, so we coast on by.

But with the simple awareness of positive moments we can enhance our connection and expand our love. This is where our true joy lives. This is the sweet spot of being a human because we're wired for connection with others. Just like all that warm sunshine relaxing our body, taking in those joyful moments benefits our heart and soul (and body too!).

Next time your child gives you a hug, or maybe says something nice, or you're both sharing a sweet moment:

• pause

• turn your attention to the moment and recognize the goodness that is happening

• use your breath: breath the experience into your body and be curious about how it feels

• you can even say, "I can feel how much you love me honey," or, "this hug/those words feels so good, thank you."

This is a great pleasure for our child! And guess what- they'll want to give more!

There's always more love to go around. With the never ending cycle of giving and receiving we keep the flow going, just like the flow of those rays of sun.

With so much love,

Vanessa

P.S. One of my favorite books about this is by psychologist Rick Hansen, called "Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence." If you read it let me know what you think!

xo

V.