Elizabeth, hi! I've loved reading your posts and very much resonate with this. It's something I've been personally mulling over in regards to life and livelihood, and so appreciate you beautifully writing on it. I'm also a leftist suburban-ish mom lol
Aw, thank you! Glad to hear it resonates. Also, I came across your writing a few months ago and really appreciate how thoughtfully you unite meditation/dharma/spirituality with political praxis and embodied, real-world ethics. I've been drawn to Buddhism for many years, but have also found myself running away from the Western (White people) version of it, which so often veers toward self-help, love and light b.s. So thank you for focusing on the collective and political :) Yay for leftist suburban(ish) moms!
Oh wow, thank you so much—that means a lot. Really happy to be able to share and write about Buddhism in a politicized way and for it to resonate. Yay! :)
I wholeheartedly agree with your entire post, Elizabeth. We gentle-coptered our two kids, too, but, I think, with just enough moments of discomfort and risk (wild camping is great for this!) that they are now beginning to navigate the world as young adults with open hearts and minds.
Thank you for this encouragement. Encouraging my kid to manage age-appropriate risks by himself is way harder on me than it is on him. I love the brave little man he is becoming, and am so scared that my own baggage like what you describe here will get in his way.
Also, the "strong back, soft front" concept is my only going to become CENTRAL to my parenting, but also in maintaining my empathy and patience with fellow adults. Remembering that many people have a weak spine (often not their fault) and thus a defensive front will help me to remain compassionate in the face of bad behavior.
Oh boy do I resonate with the feeling that the risk-taking and fear-navigating is harder on me than it is on my kids! I definitely know there are times when my own fears or experiences are creeping in and causing me to overprotect in situations when it's really not necessary. It sounds like you're doing great, and your son is lucky to have a parent approaching this so thoughtfully!
Elizabeth, I loved this post, as a parent, as an activist, and as a fraidy cat. Meeting our fears and doing it anyway is indeed a muscle and one we collectively need to develop if we are to remain a democracy (it is also imperative as individuals if we want to set clear boundaries in the world). Teaching our children this is incredibly challenging and such a delicate process, one I continue developing as my son just turned 15. Also, congrats on the 'zine! I'm not in the Chicago area and wondering if there's a place I could purchase a copy? Cheers!
Thanks so much and I'm so glad you found this post valuable! And thank you for your interest in the zine! We just submitted it to Decolonization Coven's zine library, so you should be able to find it there soon. Here's the link: https://decolonizationcoven.com/free-zine-library-1
I appreciate so much what you are expressing and bringing forward Elizabeth. You are supporting me in continuing to grow a 'strong back, soft front' as I engage in my work as an embodied elder. I have shared your writing with some of my friends and colleagues. Keep going.
Elizabeth, hi! I've loved reading your posts and very much resonate with this. It's something I've been personally mulling over in regards to life and livelihood, and so appreciate you beautifully writing on it. I'm also a leftist suburban-ish mom lol
Aw, thank you! Glad to hear it resonates. Also, I came across your writing a few months ago and really appreciate how thoughtfully you unite meditation/dharma/spirituality with political praxis and embodied, real-world ethics. I've been drawn to Buddhism for many years, but have also found myself running away from the Western (White people) version of it, which so often veers toward self-help, love and light b.s. So thank you for focusing on the collective and political :) Yay for leftist suburban(ish) moms!
Oh wow, thank you so much—that means a lot. Really happy to be able to share and write about Buddhism in a politicized way and for it to resonate. Yay! :)
I wholeheartedly agree with your entire post, Elizabeth. We gentle-coptered our two kids, too, but, I think, with just enough moments of discomfort and risk (wild camping is great for this!) that they are now beginning to navigate the world as young adults with open hearts and minds.
Also wanted to say huge congrats on the zine initiative! What a wonderful, and thoughtful, idea!
Thank you! It's pretty amazing how kids find their own way to confidence and courage if we just give enough space to get there :)
Thank you for this encouragement. Encouraging my kid to manage age-appropriate risks by himself is way harder on me than it is on him. I love the brave little man he is becoming, and am so scared that my own baggage like what you describe here will get in his way.
Also, the "strong back, soft front" concept is my only going to become CENTRAL to my parenting, but also in maintaining my empathy and patience with fellow adults. Remembering that many people have a weak spine (often not their fault) and thus a defensive front will help me to remain compassionate in the face of bad behavior.
So much appreciation coming your way ❤️❤️❤️
Oh boy do I resonate with the feeling that the risk-taking and fear-navigating is harder on me than it is on my kids! I definitely know there are times when my own fears or experiences are creeping in and causing me to overprotect in situations when it's really not necessary. It sounds like you're doing great, and your son is lucky to have a parent approaching this so thoughtfully!
Elizabeth, I loved this post, as a parent, as an activist, and as a fraidy cat. Meeting our fears and doing it anyway is indeed a muscle and one we collectively need to develop if we are to remain a democracy (it is also imperative as individuals if we want to set clear boundaries in the world). Teaching our children this is incredibly challenging and such a delicate process, one I continue developing as my son just turned 15. Also, congrats on the 'zine! I'm not in the Chicago area and wondering if there's a place I could purchase a copy? Cheers!
Thanks so much and I'm so glad you found this post valuable! And thank you for your interest in the zine! We just submitted it to Decolonization Coven's zine library, so you should be able to find it there soon. Here's the link: https://decolonizationcoven.com/free-zine-library-1
I appreciate so much what you are expressing and bringing forward Elizabeth. You are supporting me in continuing to grow a 'strong back, soft front' as I engage in my work as an embodied elder. I have shared your writing with some of my friends and colleagues. Keep going.
Thanks, Shayla! Glad my musings are resonating with you :) And thank you so much for sharing!