Tag Archives: parenting

A letter from Michelle

Posted on July 11, 2012 by in community, Inspiration, Parenting

Hello lovely mama!

I wanted to cordially invite you to join me, and other spiritual, heart-centered, ease-seeking, breath-chasing, worn out, worn down, trying-to-do-the-best-you-can mamas for a truly AMAZING workshop (or two)!  Zen Buddhist priest and author, Karen Maezen Miller will be returning to DC at lil omm this October to offer two workshops that promise to help us find our breath, remind us of our truth and our priorities, and to teach us how mindfulness can help save our minds!

You may be asking, why is she sending this out so crazy early? It’s only July?!  How will I know what I am doing in October!  I totally get it.  I just want you to put it on your radar/in your phone/on your Google calendar, because it’s a once-a-year thing and I don’t want you to miss it.  I also know that if you’re like me, your schedule is running at the speed of light, and heck, maybe you already DO know what you’re doing in October…and in that case, save room for it now!  Oh, and maybe also ’cause I’m really a bit excited about this event. ;)

If you’re new to (or have never done!) meditation, come.  If you’re new to parenting, come.  If your kids are in college, come.  If the baby is still in your belly, come.  I promise you, the wisdom is applicable to all ages and stages, Karen is incredibly approachable, and you will feel more peaceful when you leave.  It’s that simple.

So without further ado, here’s all the details:
The Art of Non-Parenting: Discovering the Wisdom of Easy

Saturday, Oct 20, 2012, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
You’ve had another bad day, bad week, bad stretch, and you’ve begun to wonder: Is there a way to do this differently? To parent with less worry, pressure and fear of falling behind? To love from mutual respect and acceptance, free of blinding fear and anger? Consider The Art of Non-Parenting and learn how simple awareness can lessen anxiety and encourage us to trust our children, ourselves, and yes, even our “setbacks.” The time together includes a wisdom teaching, brief meditation, and book signing. Miller is the author of the books Momma Zen and Hand Wash Cold. Read more about her at www.karenmaezenmiller.com. Cost: $40.

Deeper Still: A Breath and Meditation Workshop

Sunday, Oct 21, 2012, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
For those who aspire to transform their lives and relationships, this workshop gives the personal instruction and encouragement to sustain an at-home meditation practice. No previous experience is required. Learn to use your breath as the vehicle for awareness, compassion and sanity. Learn to settle your body as the sanctuary of the mind. All the love and guidance you need to begin; and then, begin again and again. Zen Buddhist teacher Karen Maezen Miller is the author of the books Momma Zen and Hand Wash Cold. Read more about her at www.karenmaezenmiller.com. Cost: $40.

When you’re ready to register, you can visit www.lilomm.com or call 202.248.6304 with questions.

I’m so excited to share this experience with you, and send you peace, light and love on your parenting path.

Only the very best,
Michelle Cohen

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Michelle Cohen, MTA, RYT
mom* yoga instructor * educator * doula
www.savoritstudios.com

What I Want for You

Posted on July 9, 2012 by in Parenting, Parents

I want you to have loved and to be loved.

I want your heart to be full in the way that YOU make my heart full.

I want you to know WHO you are, and live your life with that confidence.

I want you to feel connected to your earth, your community, your heart and your family.

What do you want for your children? For your future?

 

Growing Up Yoga

Posted on May 20, 2012 by in Inspiration

These babies will grow up surrounded by love. Our kids are growing up in a yoga studio with sweet mamas and families everywhere. With teachers who know them and love them.. who care about them as individuals in this society. All of our children we come through the doors at lil omm are given space to be themselves no expectations to demands just space, room to breathe , yoga and love.

What will the impact be?

Will we create unique , creative, mindful individuals who contribute to society because they care about themselves, their neighbors, all living things and the earth?

On a daily basis, we can find excuses as why to not make it to yoga, to not show up for an event, or just fill our day with meaningless errands , cleaning and tasks OR we can invest in ourselves and our connection by making an effort and showing up. Showing up for our kiddos on a nature walk, or on an afternoon with no plans , or on a yoga mat.

Kiddos surrounded by Kirtan, chanting, love , parents, community members… just taking time out of our lives to be in the space together,  devoting our afternoon to something bigger- the light that shines within us all.

Date ( with myself) Night

Posted on April 26, 2012 by in Inspiration, Parenting, Parents

Tonight, I had an unplanned, unscheduled, impromptu date with myself.

I took myself out for Indian and Ice Cream.. on a school night.

It felt amaZing.. free, free, free ( picture me twirling on M st).

I walked the streets of my city as an unknown- without a stroller, sippy cup or diaper. I just walked..striding up and down the sidewalk , smiling at all the working folks passing me by.

The past few weeks (actually months) have been filled with intensity.

This week alone brought a number of curve balls.
I don’t consider myself tired or burned out- but looking back on the past 10 months.. there is FOR SURE been a lot going on… Intense and vibrant highs and lows.

Our experience. Our ” stories” are so full. All of us have something going on.

This year, unlike no other,  I have tapped into a deep empathy that lives within me.. where I feel the joys and pains of others. My mothering Milo has increased my capacity to love and connect with my own family, my own mother.

And tonight- it all melted away. 1 dinner.  An unscheuled and fabulous few hours alone to indulge and engage WITH MYSELF. wow.
This feels different than a yoga class, because for me- that IS part of the day to day- part of the plan. This felt free.. and I was giddy. Just like a first date.

I wish you freedom in your days and in your heart.. and if nothing else- put on some George Michael and dance around to ” freedom” with your kiddos in your house… xoxoxo

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Mommy Interview Series: Micaela Williamson of SuperNovaMommy

Posted on February 13, 2012 by in community, Parenting

Live in Northern Virginia and looking for something to do?  Look no further!  Introducing Micaela, the next inspirational business owner in our Mommy Interview Series, and the magical mommy responsible for keeping you updated on up-to-the-minute announcements, local links, and events in NoVa.

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Micaela Wiliamson, the SuperNOVAmommy

1. What’s your “story”?

At a kids’ concert back in July, a friend turned to me and said, “Micaela, you always know the events that are going on in Northern VA; you should start a website.”  For whatever reason, probably too much coffee, I couldn’t sleep that night.  I started playing around with WordPress, and “Super NoVA Mommy” was born.  In the beginning, I was just a little list of daily events, but then I made connections with other sites and local businesses.  I soon grew to have a facebook page and giveaways.  Now I am known for having a passion for supporting other local sites and businesses.  I love the supportive online community that I am a part of every day

2. What inspires you?

People that are honest, loyal, and truly put others before themselves inspire me.  I strive to do this everyday, and it’s definitely a process!

3. What would you do with an ENTIRE Saturday afternoon to yourself

I would go take a walk/jog somewhere quiet like Burke Lake.  Then I would come home, shower, and catch up on trashy television with a glass of wine and some dark chocolate.  These of course would have no calories.

4. What’s the best part of running your own business?

I think I am supposed to say “making my own hours,” but it’s not that at all!  I always feel like there is always one more thing I have to do (and there always is!)  I really like making personal connections with others.  Almost everyday I connect with a new business or website, and I enjoy all the networking.

5. What is a typical day like for you?

My weekday mornings consist of breakfast and playtime with the kids, dropping my older one off at preschool, and then spending some one-on-one time with my 2.5 year old.  We like to visit parks, toddler classes, open gyms, nature centers, the farm, and the library.  I may sometimes answer an email or update my facebook page from my phone, but I am not the type to check my messages every second.  After I pick up my oldest from school, we enjoy lunch together and then the boys have some quiet time.  This is when I do a little work on the website.  I work from home full time, and my kids always come first.  I have had to hang up on business phone calls because there was someone screaming in the background. Sometimes I am up working very late, and some mornings I try to get up before the kids to add events to the site.  I do the best that I can to stay connected!

6. What’s something AWESOME you do with your kids?

Something awesome that I do is “Little Hands at the Farm” at Frying Pan Farm Park.  It is an adorable program that focuses on a different farm animal each time.  There is always a craft, story, live interaction with the animal, and of course, “farm chores.”  My little one has gotten to do fun things like brush a goat, give cereal to a sheep, give a calf a bottle, and grind chicken feed!

8. What (if any) blogs do you read?

I read all the blogs listed on my site.  I may not read every single post, but I try to keep up with everyone and comment on other’s sites regularly.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Micaela!  Be sure to visit www.supernovamommy.com and connect via Facebook and Twitter for the latest happenings in NoVa!

Down Time

Posted on January 23, 2012 by in Baby Stuff, Parenting, Parents, Uncategorized

DOWN TIME.

Has a new look these days.

Yesterday, I laid in bed for 1.5 hours with my baby. This is what we did.

A WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING.

DOWN TIME.

There is a difference between sons and daughters. There is a difference between first and second children. I am aware to not compare the children but compare my approach and my actions with them.

My son is so sweet. He’s just a snuggly -little -smiley joy. Saylor was a sweet baby and I loved taking her around DC to mom groups, playdates, EVERYWHERE. With Milo- I just like to stay home , relax with him and snuggle in bed.

I’m watching myself raise these babies, watching myself growing older.. wiser?  Slowing down my parenting, my life. Enjoying simple. enjoying LESS. Not in such a rush this time.. (to feed him foods, to watch him walk or crawl) just allowing him to unfold as he does.

What have you noticed about how you parent your children?