I’m raising a young adult growing up in the techno generation. This task is a wild ride for those of us who came in on different rockets, had phones that plugged into the wall, had to seek out a pay phone if out and wanting to call someone, had no computer, and oh yeah walked miles to school each day in the rain! Imagine that, and it wasn’t so long ago – was it?! How do we grasp this brave new techno world, navigate it, and help our kids do the same? We are the test run my friends!
I think there is too much techno on the brain for some, perhaps for many. I hear comments ranging from “that’s just what kids do these days,” to a lot of “I just don’t know what to do” — “I’ve tried it all.” The truth is all of that and more! Kids are light years ahead of us in techno know how! . . . and personally I don’t know how or want to keep up. So we talk to each other about what helps, what doesn’t, and know we will all survive, and even thrive, if we keep circling back to our roots and nurture our connections. I take night walks with my teen, a tuck in at night with a gratitude practice to end the day, hands on a real book, face to face conversations, deep listening — the kind where we just listen, see, listen more, love and strive to accept and understand — connect. You cannot influence a kid you are not connected too!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine we talk a lot about moderation. Too much electronic use creates imbalance issues in our nervous system, and throws other organ systems out of whack. This and other excesses can produce anxiety, depression, attention deficits and other health issues. It’s more important than ever to teach ourselves and thereby our children the healing power of striking a balance in life so our body systems stay strong and healthy. Modeling healthy behaviors and communication for our kids is paramount.
Teenage children and many adults use their phones as a socializing tool. We have the benefit of reaching our people at the touch of a finger on snap chat, instagram, twitter and more. So, don’t get me wrong, I can see the benefits and I am grateful. I use those tools now as I write this blog, sitting on the patio at one of my favorite outdoor food trucks, Picnik, watching the rain fall and people go by–who knew that would be possible when I was a teenager! Years ago, reaching so many people was impossible! However, As parents we know some of the greatest lessons we can teach our children come from striking a balance in ourselves, and thereby helping our kids do the same. It feels more difficult in this age and time, but is it really? Each generation had it’s hardships. I want to hear how you nurture your balance? Do you feel like idle time is a waste of time, or can you sit still, quiet, and contemplate just being here now, without electronics on? How do you slow your pace and consciously create slow mindful living? Do we need to be plugged in Now, or can it wait? How important are you, your family? How balanced are you? Let’s think about how we can connect, market, communicate, thrive and just be, without electronics sometimes.
As for me, my best answers for balancing are generally found in nature, and in the eyes and hearts of my son, and my people. I put away my computer and phone as often as I can or it makes me crazy and not so nice! I get outside, sleep on my porch, put my feet on the ground, in a river stream — the ocean, feel my hair in the wind and my toes in the sand, listen to the leaves crunch under my feet as I hike through the woods, watch the clouds roll by, plant and nurture herbs in my garden, dance in the rain! Then sometimes I take a real camera on my outdoor adventures – and share some of nature with my friends hoping to inspire you to get out in it too! Excess electromagnetic field radiation on the brain is a real problem! Love the place you are in, and the One You’re With, not the thing you’re with!
The Chinese New Year is one of the greatest migrations on Earth! This year, around 400 million people journeyed home to family roots, a family feast, and time celebrating together. This year is the year of the Pig – which is a zodiac sign that is declared to attract luck and success, which I love, since my Chinese Zodiac is the Pig! Point is remember your roots! I grew up in Austin (yes, there are a few of us here!), and I take my child each year on our own journey to the high mountain desert of the Big Bend area in Texas. My father took me there growing up and now my son and I do the things my father and I did — we swim in Balmorhea Natural Springs, hike the Chisos mountains, and the Canyons, drive the beautiful roads of Big Bend National Park. We partake in the slow living to be had in the small towns there, the heartfelt people and their beautiful sun touched faces. We bask in the cool dry climate of late summer and appreciate the Great Outdoors! This is our annual migration home in a way, we sing, laugh, play and are recharged and connected!
I hope you are traveling some this summer, and experiencing the great expansive outdoors. Take a journey, even if it’s experiencing your own backyard in a different way. My yard has some changes upcoming I’m excited about – I will keep you posted on facebook and instagram!
So, remember — sit or lie on the ground, be still and quiet — you will feel and hear in the wind that you are connected to all things and you will find the peace you desire.
Acupuncture, herbal remedies and essence oils can help you stay calm and steady on a plane, in a car, with the kids arguing in the back seat of your vehicle, or playing their rap music loudly! Get your travel calm on with Acupuncture and grab your holistic care travel kit before you venture out this summer! More on Travel Acupuncture Here.
I am very excited to share that I am expanding my Home Visit practice — so I can come to you and it’s quiet affordable!! More On Home Visits Here.
Happy Summer Solstice, Breathe, Love, Get outside!
Charlotte
Make and Appointment or Contact me email Here.
EE Cummings said many wise things . . . here are a few of my favorites . . .
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.
For every mile the feet go, the heart goes nine”― 100 Selected Poems
Seasons Health 