The Daily Groove - Scott Noelle.

THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove


:: Practicing For Peace ::
When learning a new skill such as painting, tennis,
piano, etc., *practicing* is essential to mastery.
Today, when you're in a good mood, you can play the
following "mind game" to practice the *inner* skill of
creating peace:
1. Imagine your child doing something that
    would normally upset you.
  
2. Notice how you perceive the behavior to be
    wrong, unacceptable, annoying, embarrassing,
    offensive, or hurtful.
  
3. Now pretend it's your first day on Earth
    and you don't "know" that the behavior is
    "wrong" and that you're *supposed* to be
    upset.
  
4. Deliberately choose the latter, more
    peaceful perspective and gently release the
    stressful one. Tell yourself, "I'm *free* to
    choose inner peace. (Or not.) It's *my*
    choice!"
Play this game several times, starting with minor
annoyances and working up to major "button-pushing"
behaviors. You can even make it fun by thinking of
ridiculously outrageous behaviors and still choosing
peace!
With practice, you'll find it easier to stay centered
and peaceful when your child actually "misbehaves,"
and to respond to your child with compassion and
creativity.
http://dailygroove.net/practicing-peace