Fly off the handle – so what? Let’s hop on to the train of reflection from the station of guilt. This slow journey will give ample time to shave better understanding of self.
Awareness is awesome. If I can be aware of all my thoughts and feelings in the moment, I can superbly choose my responses. But many a times my habits of mind kick in and instead of responding I react. To make matters worse I later feel guilty about it. But think of it, just because of I have missed the flight, I can take the slower train to reach the same destination.
Reflection is resourceful. Once I settle in my train, I have all the time to reflect! Which is why I like the station of guilt/ regret – it gives me time to understand myself, to acknowledge the child, and to explore the many dimensions of any habits of mind.
I prefer not berating myself over what I did. The flight has flown. I can now chug along with my child. We can pause at all stations of importance, enjoy what each feeling was hawking, hobnob with our co-passengers and consider if we need to repack / upgrade our operating system. Interestingly there are many trains to reflection, catch any, all are equally insightful.
You can also use what we call as tools to help you and the child to reflect – here are some resources on our website:
https://aarohilife.org/home/content/tools-reflection
https://aarohilife.org/home/aarohi-resource-type/tools
And yes, if you by chance miss the train too, then head straight to an ice cream parlor with your child and have your favorite ice cream, knowing very well that the world hasn’t come to an end as yet, invite me too :).