Intimate Relationships
Relationships can be challenging yet deeply rewarding. There is no better arena to learn about ourselves. In this moment, close the eyes and take a few deep breaths. Envision your partner, past or present, and welcome any feelings that arise. In the spirit of Valentine, combined with the teachings of yoga and meditation, breathe into all the places within that call out for attention. Be the sacred witness of it all, with no need to change or control anything. Relinquish thought, soften and just feel. The holy fire of love has the potential to burn all that is unfinished within us.
The Stages of Relationship(non linear) by Susan Campbell.
Note, bring the practice of meditation and yoga into each stages of relationship. In the places where there is friction, breathe, feel, soften and open to love. This is a very deep and powerful practice.
1. Romance – where it all begins, dreamlike quality, two months to two years. Reality seen through rose colored glasses. Requires lots of energy.
2. Power Struggle – differences are magnified, a pulling away, a need for space, learning to fight fairly, reclaim self or be swallowed in other.
3. Stability – weathered the power struggle, need for freedom and choice, sense of loss and realization our dreams are not reality. Learn mutual respect or return to power struggle. Stage of rest.
4. Commitment – readiness for marriage if desired, wide awake making clear choices about self and partner, balance love, belonging, power and freedom.
5. Co-Creation – we have decided to be a team, striving for balance between the relationship and the outside world. Relationship requires nourishment. NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHILDREN, if you desire them.
For a more in depth description of each stage go to The Couple’s Journey.
To reignite the power of the first stage, visit Tantra Heart.
Raising Children in an Un-Conscious World
Along with committed intimate relationship, bringing children into the world is another deeply enriching process. New parents are brought to their knees, in prayer position, by the commitment and responsibility of caring for a new born. The shock of the first few months gives way to the ego melting challenge of putting our children’s needs ahead of our own. There are few human experiences that provide more growth, meaning and transformation, than being committed parents.
(Bailey Frantzich and Sedona Cohen pictured, Waldorf 4th grade play)
While the list below isn’t appropriate for all, over the years, these recommendations have stood the test of time. Of course, as parents, we do the best we can. While ten suggestions are offered below, there are really just two, follow your intuition and love is the greatest teacher. The rest provide additional support. Offered with great humility as parenthood is the holiest fire of them all, we’ll maybe it’s tied with intimate relationship 
1. Become more conscious, as our consciousness directly affects our children.
2. Love is the greatest teacher. Find the balance between loving and caring for our children and ourselves.
3. Breastfeed as long as possible. If colic is present, your child is most likely allergic to the foods mother is eating or the formula ingredients.
4. Explore the family bed otherwise known as co-sleeping. While it may take some time adjusting as we are so used to “our” space, there are few things more special than sleeping in the very same energy field as your child. Buy a big bed or join several together. One of the greatest gifts of this life.
5. Minimize exposure to TV when children are young as it has been proven to adversely affect creativity and imagination. In this day and age, being completely TV free is not easy but do your best. Choose media with less marketing and commercials.
6. Eat simple, organic, and close to earth. Reduce toxicity and enhance nutrition through raw and organic foods for health.
7. Develop spiritual practices that work for your families. Experiences that bring you closer to feeling, communication, nature and god as you know them. Make it fun. We have every right to develop our own unique relationship with the Great Spirit.
8. Keep children in the world or imagination, creativity and play as long as possible.
9. Regarding Western medicine: limit exposure to vaccines and antibiotics, while some may be beneficial, our over use of them is clearly not. Choose the vaccines you can’t live without via your own research. Forty years ago we had two or three, now there are more than thirty and it grows every year. In most cases it’s healthy to get sick as it helps us detoxify.
10. Bullying is something that affects 160,000 children nationally. There is a wonderful home study called Bully Proof, created by the Gracie’s who brought Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the world. Educates children on how to avoid verbal and physical bullying. This is not an aggressive teaching but rather a conscious approach that builds confidence and self esteem. Visit Gracie Bully Proof.
Bonus: do your best and know ultimately it will unfold the way it needs to. Oh, I almost forgot, pray a lot
exercise and eat healthy
