Acceptance Gaze
Many painful emotions can come up for special needs parents during the holidays. Shopping for toys on a lower developmental level, overstimulating gatherings, spending the holidays in the hospital or homebound, or other situations can trigger grief and other strong emotions. Practicing an acceptance mindfulness exercise can help lower the intensity of the emotions and bring healing. Try this exercise sometime today:
- Take 2 minutes to pause.
- Take a deep, cleansing breath.
- Direct your gaze up toward the ceiling.
- Raise your eyebrows.
- Smile.
- Notice your thoughts and emotions
- As you think about those things, continue to smile.
- Say in your mind, “I accept that _____________________________________.”
- Take a deep breath
- Go back to your day
Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans are celebrating 22 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, speakers, and parents of two children with complex needs. Their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities will release in May 2024 by Baker Books. They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.
Disability Parenting