I love hearing how other busy mamas do this and I seem to get wonderful ideas to better improve my time/balancing abilites from other mamas....regardless of religion.
I'll go first (and I hope a lot of you give some great suggestions to uplift us all on our individual spiritual paths!!)
I have always had "my time". We have six children and three have special needs. (two of the three have substantial special needs) My husband and I have balanced work, college, family for many years. (we are working on our Masters and PhD now) I have found when I don't nourish myself spiritually, all else is out of balance.
I've been in two different faith systems over the past 11 years but I have kept my spiritual time consistent. (the content is just a bit different) The only time I could find is early, early in the morning. I get up between 4 and 4:30 am. This gives me a few hours to read uplifting materials, exercise and center myself for the day ahead. I do various things....if I am planning on attending a weekly womens bible study that I sometimes attend, I get my reading done for that days lesson. Sometimes, I focus on someone who really needs positive energy/prayer. Sometimes I just meditate along the lines of my Buddist friends and just clear, clear, clear, my mind of all the "noise". I also do other things as I feel moved to do.
I also take a hour in the afternoons (when I can get our toddler to nap!) to work on meditation and other spiritual things I do in my personal life. I spend about 45 minutes of that time focused on spiritual energy work/meditation/prayer for others etc... and the other 15 minutes (or so), I have a nice cup of vanilla coffee....or sometimes a half glass of white wine.
I have other things that I do to de-stress and pamper myself (I have such a good husband!!) but I'm going to leave that stuff out as it is not spiritual in focus.
What do the rest of you mamas do? I am always looking for new ideas and learn so much from other mamas, especially those of other religions or spiritual views.
Blessings,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
__________________ "If it (salvation) is based solely on following rules, then it isn't grace via faith in Jesus Christ"
Every Friday evening, we light candles, bless wine and challah (bread) sing songs, and dh blesses our children. I always make a special dinner, more fancy than what we have the rest of the week. During dinner, we try to introduce a topic of discussion that is ethical and spiritual in nature. Some weeks we attend services, others we just stay home and relax, read, etc. Everyone, even our 3 year old, really looks forward to this, and even the preparation (cleaning, cooking, getting dressed) takes on a spiritual aspect.
This week, dh and I made the decision to take this a step further. We are going to carry this through all day Saturday until sunset, (the way it really should be). We made a list of acceptable activities (volunteer work, games, visiting, learning) and not acceptable (shopping, errands, etc). We are excited about this, the boys are too. Our 13 yo dd is skeptical, but I think we will win her over. ;-)
I think once you draw the boundaries, whatever they are, it's harder to let other things encroach on your spiritual time. This is what we are hoping to do by setting some limits on what we do on Shabbat. Both dh and I were raised in secular families, since our parents rejected these practices. We are basically trying to go back to what our grandparents did. It is hard though, when you have not lived this way your whole life.
I'm not sure this is the type of answer you are looking for, but this is the first thing that popped into my head when I read your post. :-)
Elissa, part-time preschool teacher and all-the-time mom to Ariel (6-20-88) Sammy, (6-22-95) and Benjy (8-14-98)
Every Morning, when Tim gets up (530-630) I do as well and I have my prayer time. Every Sunday, after church, we have dinner together, and a devotional/prayer time. Every evening, Tim and I pray together before going to sleep. I thas done wonders for our marriage, parenting, and life in general : )
I'm in awe of what all of you do. I feel like my home is so chaotic right now. I actually did more reading and praying when my dh was gone for 11 weeks this past summer. For some reason, I was more organized with everything. Now that he's home, I've been lazy, lazy, lazy.
It is inspiring to see so many of you with regular prayer time. I'm not sure that would work yet in our home with our kids' schedules (or lack thereof). Right now, the girls and I pray together in the morning (more formally) and then throughout the day of course as things come up (something good or bad), we pray the Rosary together as a family at night and then I try to read for at least 30 minutes at night (a spiritual book or the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church). I have started a Bible study with my dh, so I've been trying to sneak that in when the girls are playing well or I put a video in so I can just sit and read through my notes and answer the questions on the study. That is all right now.
I really really need to work on finding time in the morning to pray all by myself or with my dh. I did find time to pray when he was gone (in the ams) and it helped my days immensely). I was so much more focused on my vocation and how our Lord has His hand in our lives every moment of the day. It just helps to put everything in perspective.
I got a job. It sounds odd, but I wasn't able to fit any spiritual time in at home. So, I go to work and clean a building every night for a couple hours. I'm all alone and nobody is crying, talking to me, needing anything, etc... I can think, sing, pray, whatever. This just happened in the last couple weeks. Before, I would keep doing stuff and then I would be too tired or just not focused enough. Jacob gets up really early and not at a truly predictable time, so early morning was out. Also, DH isn't into God and doesn't get the need to spend time building that relationship, which made finding time even more difficult. So, my answer is...I got a job.
Melissa Mama to Alicia Liberty 4 and Jacob Ryan 4/4/01
I try and serve God with my actions and duties. When I play with my kids, I do so unto the Lord, when I wash my dishes, I do so as if washing his. I know that He is proud of the job I do for him, especially since He was the one who gave me this job. He knows I am busy, and he knos my heart is still rooted in him even if I don't get that time each day to say so.
I think it's all about where our heart lies in what we do. If we can sing praises while the washing machine sits brokem and you're spending the whole day chasing kids and handwashing clothing, then that is time spent with God. If you can pray with your child when he/she is scared of somethign or has a need, then you are spending time with God. If you are spending quaility time with the family God gave to you as a gift, then you are spendign time with God. If you serve others in deeds and in kind words, or in any other way of love, then you are spending time with God. If your life reflects that of the savior that lives in you, then you are spending time with God. The word is there, written on our heart, so that if we never get a chance to pick up a bible again, our Lord still speaks it's truth in our ears. It's all about listening and trusting and simply being that who he made you in salvation...a new creation.
I really like this thread. I have been battling for personal spiritual time for a while, not consciously, but in the back of my mind I know I need it. It doesn't help that my DH is a devout atheist who doesn't understand my need (I'm not part of any flock but have my own individual path to that which is sacred).
I got some good ideas from reading your posts, thank you. Since DH and I don't share spiritual views, I will probably try the getting-up-earlier thing. An hour or two of solitude to clear and settle my mind sounds...heavenly. Thanks!
I enjoyed your response. You are so right in saying that once we draw the boundaries (or make a committment to a set, ritualized time), it is harder to let other things get in the way.
I think your special time for your faith system is great and will surely bless your whole family. When I was a active LDS person, my husband and I held a strict sabbath day (Sunday) with similiar unacceptable activities to the ones you listed but with some others unique to that faith system.
Blessings,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
I am inspired by your traditions! You really do a lot to nourish your spiritual side with your prayer with your children (making it a regular part of everyday life...not just a special time), the Rosary at night, and your reading to uplift your spirit. That is a lot for a mom with three little ones )
Thanks and blessings to you and yours,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
Thank you Michelle When we were dating, we knew that we had the same beliefs and goals. Even though I was only 18, I *knew* that was the main thing in searching for my life partner (besides love, of course...lol!)
That makes sense to me as it is working for you!!! <smile>
I thought about my favorite professor in college and how she always use to tell us (in regards to teaching special education)...."Whatever Works". I now call that the "WW Theory" and think it pertains to all areas of life!!!
Your creativity in finding time is great!!
Hugs,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
I'm currently reading a book (Amish Society) and thought about it when I read your response. The Amish see no distinction between life and "religion" and their actions speak their devotion. I see that simplicity and beauty in your response and loved reading it so much!!!
Your children will surely live this teaching as they grow )
Hugs,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
My husband is agnostic. When we were both active members of the LDS church, we had a lot of ritual in place: FHE (family home evening...time of teaching the children on Monday night); Daily family prayer (twice a day); Daily family scripture reading and then individual time.
I've had to be more inventive since we left that faith. I'm what I'd call interfaith and my husband comes closest to agnostic. Our children are involved in Christian (more liberal) programs and I just teach them from various faith systems when a topic comes up and we discuss it then.
I do understand your personal situation as I am in a similiar one. I don't have any regrets, though as I am happier and more spiritual now than I was before.
Best wishes in finding time. If you are a early morning person, that may work well for you....or maybe late at night is better for you.
Hugs,
Michelle...Mama to six, teacher, spiritual seeker-----Yes, we are STILL breastfeeding!
How do you fit in your spiritual time?....
Elissa....
)
When we were dating, we knew that we had the same beliefs and goals. Even though I was only 18, I *knew* that was the main thing in searching for my life partner 
Melissa...
Linear Mode
