The meaning of Namaste
“I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light, and of Peace. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, We are One. “
“The God(dess) in me greets and honors the God(dess) in you.”
"I salute the divine qualities in you."
"I salute the God within You."
"My soul bows to your soul.”
"The Great Perfection within me honors the Great Perfection within you."
The importance of developing a Community around your child
Being involved in a community of family, friends, relations and neighbours is important in the growth and development of your child.
Community gives a child support, a sense of belonging, a strong sense of self and a sense of connection. They feel emotionally and physically safe and valued; they develop social abilities and have a sense of sharing and caring for each other.
Without being part of a community, a child soon feels isolated and alone, has a feeling of unworthiness, feels like a failure and starved of love.
Ways to develop a Community
Invite your near neighbours to come to a party and get to know each other.
Offer to do some community service and check with your council and / or local school as to what is available.
Create family functions on a regular basis. Create a street party and help everyone get together a stall or other activities.
Become involved with school or local sports groups for children.
Visit an aged person’s home – offer to do shopping for them or take them for a walk each week. Young children will love to be part of helping and older children can take on the responsibility for themselves.
Get to know the older people in your neighbourhood and offer to help them in their garden or home.
Give the children meaningful roles in your community that challenge them to grow.
Create opportunities to develop leadership skills in your children, such as organising games for a younger child’s party.
The Power of Positive Words
Our thought and words have a great influence on how we feel about ourselves and others. Children respond to words that give positive encouragement and these will empower them to do well. Negative words usually result in them feeling despondent, unworthy and unable to cope with what is expected of them.
Your subconscious mind works through your thoughts, so have happy and positive thoughts to help ensure a happy positive outcome for yourself and your family.
| Negative Disempowering Words |
Positive Empowering Words |
Should
You Must
Have to
I Can’t
Try
Too hard
I can’t afford it
I can’t believe it
Don’t forget
Don’t drop that
I’m sick and tired
I’m dying to
I am no good at that
Bad shot
I’m too busy
I can’t wait
I don’t deserve this
You are a pain in the neck
I am unlucky
Hyperactive
You’re a daydreamer
Irritable
Argumentative
No one likes me
You’re being naughty
You’re selfish
I’m no good at ball games |
Can or could
I would like you to
I want you to
I will do my best
Do your best
It gets easier with practice
My money is going on other things
It is amazing
Please remember
Hold it carefully
I need to change
I really want to
I can do better
You can do better
I will make the time
I am looking forward to
I am worthy of this
Your actions could be better
I deserve better
Energetic
You’re imaginative
Sensitive
Independent
It takes time to make friends
You can behave better
You need to share more
I need to practice my ball skills |
Self-esteem Ideas for the Family
A few handy tips to improve self-esteem for your family:
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Always praise yourself…just do it!….whenever possible
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Lunch-box/bag notes to put a smile of their face.
Try a riddle, see how clever they are!
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Give a Gift to Yourself… Do something everyday that you enjoy.
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Create a special family space in your home. Each member to place something that means something special on it. Light a candle often and rejoice in all that each offers.
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Pat yourself on the back when you’ve mastered a new way of doing things.
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Let anger flow, it’s natural – disperse by going outside and jumping up and down – breathe 3 great big breaths – feel it leave your body.
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NEVER put yourself down, you are only learning to be the best that you are!
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Place these words around your home….
‘I am in control and I choose to….’
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Create a ‘I am going to’ list and display in your room – a daily visual of what your dreams are.
e.g. I am going to write a book’
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Book a date with a family member, sometimes individual quality time helps you grow!
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Write little positive messages to each other and place under their pillow or in a place that is evident – even the bathroom mirror…this brings a real smile to someone’s heart!
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When someone is telling you something, just hold their hand while they are talking to you – it never has to be an important issue – anything!
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Create a ‘family suggestion box’ for ideas from members about what positive changes or just changes that need to be looked at…open once a week as a family.
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Create a family photo collage of memories. Work with the whole family one evening – it’s fun!
Hang it in an obvious place for all to see.
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Go for family walks!
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Keep a journal, everyday write ‘5 little things to be grateful for’ in my life.
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At dinner time have a ‘positive remarks moment’ each member to say something positive about another member.
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Light candles, it creates an atmosphere of peace.
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Don’t compare yourself with others…remember ‘I am unique’ – say it often, remember you are a wise and beautiful person – say it to!
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Run someone in your family a bubble bath, throw some flowers in there – a treat of love.
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Fran Dobbie, Essere Self Esteem
