minute of silence

we have been gathering together, usually before we all go our different ways (before school, work, ect), to have a moment of silence together. holding hands (feeling the hand within my hand), breathing (listening to all the different breaths), for as long as the kids can do this. we started at being able to maintain silence for 5 seconds, now we're up to like 20. it's a great way to feel connected, and continue feeling connected even though we are not with each other all day. i tell the kids that we can give each other strength, to get through the challenges of the day, knowing that right now, in this room, this is our family. we will love each other unconditionally, for the rest of our lives......and that gives us all the courage we need, to try new things, stand up for ourselves, to go out into this world and be who we want to be!

ps. oh, shit...we totally didn't have our minute of silence before school!! we'll have to do it this afternoon. well, it's a really great message to keep telling my kids, even if we forget to do this everyday!!