The Power Of This Practice

[Gareth]

Hi everyone!

Great to be back after a nice restorative week in North Yorkshire with my family in the caravan. I nearly managed full internet non-engagement, only connecting a couple of times.

I wanted to share a little story from the holiday, which demonstrates the power of mindfulness.

We went for a little walk in the forest - two families with four kids. It was a kid friendly, wheelchair friendly trail at just over three miles. The day started out with wonderful spring sunshine, and most of us left our coats in the car. As we hit the furthest point of the walk, before looping back, the rain started to come down, taking us all by surprise. The kids were starting to get a bit miserable, so my mate, who is able-bodied started to run back to the car and get the coats.

Just as he had disappeared into the distance, the weather got even worse again. It became an intense hail storm, the like of which I've never seen before. It became a real struggle; we had four kids, three bikes and a wheelchair to try and get back. The children were traumatised; the hail was seriously hurting as it hit any exposed parts. My eldest (William) was inconsolable as he tried to push his bike along.

After a while, we decided to ditch the bikes by a tree, and continue without them, as it was proving too difficult. I gathered William onto my knee on the wheelchair; he was still crying uncontrollably. Instinctively, I started to guide him through following his breath, assuring him that he only had to focus on one breath at a time. Slowly he began to relax; I could feel his breath deepen and he began to calm down noticeably. After a few minutes, he had stopped crying completely, and he was able to jump down and walk under the umbrella with his friend.

I'm so happy that I can give this gift to my children.

[Peter]

Great to have you back Gareth! Thanks for your story! Nice to see you got something positive out of that ordeal!
Peter

[JonW]

Lovely stuff, Gareth.
Welcome back!
Jon

[Happyogababe]

Hail stone hurts Poor William, but what a gift that you was able to give him and how well it worked to ground him and calm him. It's like one of those 'aha' or 'wow' moments that you'll probably never forget.

[jdandre]

Sounds like a hell of a time.

Sorry, I had to do it.

Wonderful story - thanks for sharing, and glad everyone is ok!

[JonW]

Jdandre is back. The greatest return since Lazarus popped his head over the bucket. Long live the King.

[Gareth]

Yes. Great to see you, Jon.