Nurturing The Soul of Your Family

Admittedly, I do not.

On the outset we probably look that way.

Three cute blonde kids, a Mom and a Dad.  Pretty photos, vacations, stories of love and time together.

And we have all that, we do, but it’s FAR from perfect.

We also have yelling and fighting and crying and slammed doors and bad days.

We have too much screen time and too little spiritual time.

Daily life seems to take some of the joy out of the family experience and I know that we are not the only ones.

I just KNOW.  Because I see it and read about it every day.

And we could all use a little help in this area, I am guessing.

SO, when I received the book, Nurturing the Soul of Your Family, I was truly intrigued…

“What would it feel like to experience more ease, harmony and flow in the midst of navigating homework, squabbles, meetings, daily commutes and the challenges of everyday life? What if your family became your greatest joy?”

How could I refuse an idea like that?  Of course I want my family to be my greatest joy. And I want that for my husband and children too.

The author, Renee Trudeau*, writes:

“Each family has its own beautiful, unique essence or sacred connection.  Just as we need to tend to the emotional well-being of any relationship in order for it to thrive, we have to consciously nourish and nurture our family’s sweet, tender soul.”

She expands on this in the book by saying that she believes each family member is chosen to be a part of their particular family, in other words we are meant to be together.

Trudeau offers up ten “paths of peace” for bringing more peace and harmony to family life, which mirror the chapters of her book.

*Tapping the transformative power of self-care: attune and respond to your needs and desires

* Healing from the inside out: peace begins with me

*Unplugging to plug in: crossing the digital divide

*Unleashing the healing power of nature: the ultimate antidepressant

*Making time for the spiritual renewal: return to the river within

*Loving the ones you’re with: spend time together (like you mean it!)

*Defining, celebrating, and honoring your family culture: what do you stand for?

*Slowing down: do less to experience more

*Exploring a new way of being: make hard choices, break free and do it differently

*Building your tribe: ask for and embrace help as you create your support network

I highlighted the third and fourth ones because they made THE most impact on me when I initially read the book.  ESPECIALLY the “unplugging part”.

Trudeau talks about how we just need to hit the power button and even consider “media fasts” for our family.  She ask the question, “Is technology bringing your family together or driving you farther apart?”  Good question, huh?  She also writes that  “Any negative impact on your relationships is a problem”, and I can certainly attest to that.

She further writes about the negative impact that media and technology overuse have on us, even physically, mentioning one client who says she became “so revved up from being plugged in all the time that, when she’s not online she finds it hard to slow down, be present with her family, and return to a relaxed state of being.”

I am sad to say I can relate.

I could go on and on about just this one chapter but I also found greatness in the chapter about using nature as an antidepressant.  So, while you’re busy unplugging, hit the trail or the park or the campground!  And that is what we did the Sunday after I read this chapter and it was amazing.  Besides a little bit of complaining and  few “can we go home now”s, it was lovely to get out in nature, all five of us.

Trudeau lists a slew of ways that nature in beneficial to us but two of the main ones include helping to reduce stress and anxiety and supporting family connection and cohesiveness.  She is SO right.  I always feel so much better after even just our little walks around our neighborhood.

I encourage anyone looking for a little more peace and harmony in their family life to check out this book.  It can be life changing if put into practice.  We are certainly working on it over here.

Plus! I have a copy to give away to one super lucky reader!  Please leave a comment, telling me one of your favorite things about your unique family and for a bonus entry, please follow my Facebook page, The Miss Elaine-ous Life, and let me know that you did in a separate comment.