Dad

When you are very young you look up to your dad. Literally, he is much taller and bigger, like a giant. Sometimes that giant is friendly and sometimes more removed. The lucky ones have one that is not an angry giant most of the time. The not so lucky ones learn skills in coping with the anger from someone who is physically huge in comparison.

I have wanted most in my life to be the friendly giant in my children's lives. There have, admittedly, been moments when that has not happened. I have worked hard at helping my children to know safety in my presence so that they always will know that in tough times they can turn to me.

I have been that little kid looking up at the giant and being unsure as to whether or not it was safe to proceed. I have not ever wanted my kids to feel that way. I have also been the giant looking down at those wee little people with the big, trusting eyes and experiencing the melting of my heart in a way that can never truly be adequately described. I have always been aware that, one day in the distant future, these are the people who will, hopefully, care for me in my old age. I truly hope that they will care, otherwise I will not have done a very good job of being a dad.

When we can allow our relationships with our children flow and develop as they need the relationship to develop, we become the adaptable parent. We can let go of our strict roles and allow ourselves to simply be present to them and for them. That way the love is always there and the respect grows with that love. Then, hopefully, when the time comes that they really need our help, they will naturally turn to us.

Blessed Be
Trent
http://www.youtube.com/trentdeerhorn
www.deerhornshamanic.com

In the Midst of Chaos

We all have days where it would be absolutely wonderful if we could move away and live about 7 hours from everywhere. Of course, I don't do plumbing, heating, electrical or mechanical, so the thought of roughing it is actually a little scary now. I used to camp a LOT and now I like my amenities. So why the draw to "get away from it all"?

Well, I think that it is the innate feeling of wanting to achieve inner peace. But escapism is not inner peace. It is only escapism. The true accomplishment of inner peace comes when we are able to experience it inside ourselves no matter what the chaos is all around us. Anyone who has children will understand that concept. You grab as many moments of peace as you can get while they are running around, yelling and screaming with glee at the top of their voices.

Rosemary Wells wrote a children's book called "The First Tomato". This is one that I would highly recommend for everyone, no matter what age they are. Every now and then, we simply need an escape to the "Bunny Planet". This is actually not escapism, but a form of deep meditation that allows us to experience all the good feelings inside while having an incredibly rough day. So take a trip to the Bunny Planet. It is free and it is an excellent journey!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com