A good friend recently posted a message on Facebook that read, “I thought that 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I have.” While this has been a year full of challenges, anxiety, and overwhelming loss, it has also been a year to allow us to stop, pause and reflect on what is good and what matters. We are all so busy, racing from one activity to the next that too often, we do not take time to stop, pause and reflect. There is immense power in the pause. As a parent, taking a deep breath or counting to ten before we react or respond to something that has upset us is a great way to avoid overreacting. With a spouse or a partner, this is also a great practice. As a teacher, this is an important tool to use in our classrooms. Children often need time to figure out a solution to a problem or to come up with an idea. They also need time to formulate or articulate their thoughts and their words. Additionally, we have children in our classrooms who need time to feel comfortable in social situations before they feel ready to participate. When we pause, step back and wait, we provide the space and time that is needed for growth.
This year has made everyone stop and reflect as we have been forced to slow down, spend more time at home and rethink our busy lives. While we have learned to adjust and adapt to a less chaotic routine, we can also help children to join in the practice of slowing down, reconnecting and reflecting. A great start to this could be to have everyone step away from their screens and take part in playing board games or cards. While this is an effective way to enhance critical thinking skills, playing games also engages children in turn taking, patience and conversation. Another way to help children is to introduce the practice of storytelling or writing in a journal. This exercise would encourage children to share their feelings, ideas and memories all while being fun and interactive. Even the youngest toddlers can participate by making marks and drawing pictures. Finally, spending some time planting a garden or taking a nature walk could be another way in helping children to slow down and reconnect. Getting outside provides everyone with improved physical and mental health as well. Experiencing the natural world can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve our mood.
When we model and guide children in pausing and slowing down, we are teaching them how to be more mindful and to notice the world surrounding them. In my home, we are baking bread, eating meals together, doing puzzles and spending extended, uninterrupted time with the ones I love. I have had more time to connect with my teenage daughters this year than I would have had in any other year. I am so thankful for that gift and appreciate every moment that I have been given.
As we look back on this year, we will remember those who were ill or were lost and the loved ones who were left to grieve. I hope, too, that we will reflect on and embrace the lessons and the gifts that we were given, pausing and allowing our children and ourselves the time that we all need to be our best.