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- Books as Refuge
It’s all too much.
If you’re starting to avoid your phone and social media, I see you.
In fact, once you read about Israeli psychologists urging parents worldwide to delete children’s TikTok and Instagram accounts immediately, you know…
…it’s time for excessive doses of personal TLC and strong means of mental preservation.
For your children, yes.
But for you too!
I found a foolproof method to restore myself when life gets to be too much (and given life lately, my R&D has been extensive.)
I know this will help you. So give it a try, tonight.
Remember that famous quote from The Godfather about “going to the mattresses” - full-out war with extreme tactics against the enemy?
My version, in my war on cognitive exhaustion, is “Going to Your Childhood”TM .
It’s simple yet stellar; you need:
a favorite book from your childhood
a child
a quiet(ish) spot at home and 15 min of free time
Here’s my step-by-step:
Think of a book you loved when you were little (preferably lighthearted but any title that brings you warm fuzzies will do) -
Find any available child at home (ideally one who belongs to you and doesn’t mind being hugged) -
Put the phone in another room, cozy up with said child and begin reading out loud (focus on the words as much as you can, just like you do with breaths in meditation!) -
This exercise is not about appreciating a book’s deeper messages or fostering dialogue with your child or imparting knowledge.
It’s much simpler and much more important - it’s about…
* Giving you the space to slow down, laugh, feel innocent and secure
* Letting you remember what’s good in the world
* Reminding you of the miracle you created and who you matter the most to
* “Returning” to a time in your life when the worst villain was Captain Hook and the worst cataclysm was falling down a magical rabbit hole
Last night, I overheard my husband laugh out loud, again and again, while reading Pippi Longstocking in bed with my son.
Hearing his laughter was my day’s biggest joy. I know he loved it too.
Tonight’s therapy session will be courtesy of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
Join us. Go to your childhood. And take good care of yourself.
