I feel this, mama! I have two 3.5 year olds, and the whole household is autistic. Some days feel like that “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” book, and it’s tough to recover and soften when your nervous system is in fire. Working on it over here too. If I feel like I’m going to lash out, my daughters get some screen time and I angry dance in the other room until I feel like the energy has moved through my body. Somatic movement has been transformational, when the space and safety is afforded. Glad you’re finding some tools that work for you too 💚
I’m going to try doing the soft belly. That sounds so helpful. I also feel so bad when I get upset with my daughter but I remind myself I’m human. Sending you so much love!
Oof, this deeply resonates with me, Emma. Reaching for softness is so hard when your learned reaction is protection. I agree with you that, yes, we do have choices in those trying moments. We're still learning, but I think we'll get there, eventually. And even if we don't, we know how to repair with our kids. Sending you love and light, dear friend!
This resonates deeply, thank you for sharing this experience. I tend to feel the tension most in my extremities and have been trying to remember that I am allowed to move my body more than I have been conditioned to believe! Am curious now whether a soft belly would actually dissolve the stress from a central place—another avenue to explore! Sending love!
I feel this, mama! I have two 3.5 year olds, and the whole household is autistic. Some days feel like that “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” book, and it’s tough to recover and soften when your nervous system is in fire. Working on it over here too. If I feel like I’m going to lash out, my daughters get some screen time and I angry dance in the other room until I feel like the energy has moved through my body. Somatic movement has been transformational, when the space and safety is afforded. Glad you’re finding some tools that work for you too 💚
Angry dancing may be the best dancing. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I’m going to try doing the soft belly. That sounds so helpful. I also feel so bad when I get upset with my daughter but I remind myself I’m human. Sending you so much love!
Do it! It is helping me a lot. We are all just human, yes. Thank you.
Yes. Loved this prompt so much, too. Wow.
Oof, this deeply resonates with me, Emma. Reaching for softness is so hard when your learned reaction is protection. I agree with you that, yes, we do have choices in those trying moments. We're still learning, but I think we'll get there, eventually. And even if we don't, we know how to repair with our kids. Sending you love and light, dear friend!
Repair is so important and it's something I never saw as a child. I'm glad we get to do things differently.
This resonates deeply, thank you for sharing this experience. I tend to feel the tension most in my extremities and have been trying to remember that I am allowed to move my body more than I have been conditioned to believe! Am curious now whether a soft belly would actually dissolve the stress from a central place—another avenue to explore! Sending love!
Thank you for reading! I do too, but the second I think soften my belly, I remember I can soften literally every other part of my body too.
Loved this piece, and also used Stephen Levine as a lifeline. Here’s to practicing the soft belly!