In this episode of NeurOrdinary, we dive deep into the transformative benefits that mindfulness and meditation can bring to our lives as autism parents.
We'll discover how developing a nonjudgmental mindset allows us to respond to our children's needs with love and understanding. By cultivating a calm and centered mindset, we create a supportive and loving environment for their growth.
But it doesn't stop there. Meditation and mindfulness also support our own self-care journey and nurture our well-being!
As we replenish our inner resources and build resilience, we become better equipped to handle the challenges that arise. Not only do these practices positively impact our physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, and boosting our immune system, but they also enhance our relationships, well-being, and overall experience as autism parents.
So, join me in this exploration of meditation and mindfulness as we uncover the tools and techniques that can help us find moments of stillness and presence in our parenting journey.
From starting with just a few minutes each day to incorporating sensory awareness and guided meditation, we'll discover a world of possibilities to support and nourish ourselves as we nurture our children.
New episodes of NeurOrdinary are released every Thursday…be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment or review letting me know what you think. And as always, keep it spicy!
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Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Out Of Your Ordinary’s Guided Meditation Playlist
Meditation For Autism Parents: How It Helps And Why You Should Do It
Embracing Now: Staying Positive and Present as an Autism Parent
Mindfulness as a Self-Care Tool for Autism Parents: Prioritizing Your Well-being
Transcript:
Hey, I’m Karen. And I’m a mom to two amazingly neuropsicy autistic kiddos. If you’re an autism parent like me, you know I don’t have the time to make a podcast intro. I also lack the tech skills, so let’s just get into it…this is the NeurOrdinary Podcast!
Today we're diving into an essential tool for autism parents: meditation and mindfulness. Amidst the joys, chaos, and challenges of raising an autistic child or children, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and cultivate a calm and centered mindset. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, take a deep breath, and let's explore the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness.
Let's start by defining what meditation and mindfulness actually mean. Meditation is a practice that involves training our minds to focus and redirect our thoughts. It's a tool for cultivating a calm and clear mental state. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is a state of active and open attention to the present moment, without judgment. It's about bringing our awareness to the here and now, fully engaging with our thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Both meditation and mindfulness offer profound benefits for autism parents. They can help us reduce stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, and bring a sense of inner peace and resilience. Let's explore how to incorporate these practices into our daily lives.
The first step I suggest to my coaching clients is to create a meditation routine. Starting with just a few minutes each day can make a significant difference. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to fully arrive in the present moment. Notice the sensation of your breath as you inhale and exhale. As thoughts arise, gently acknowledge them and let them go, returning your focus to your breath.
In the beginning, your mind may wander, and that's okay. Meditation is a practice, and it takes time and patience to develop. Be kind to yourself and keep coming back to the present moment. Gradually, you may choose to extend your meditation practice to longer durations. You can also explore guided meditation apps or recordings that can provide gentle guidance and support. I’ll link to my guided meditation playlist on YouTube..it’s been specifically created with autism parents like you in mind.
The next step is incorporating mindfulness into your daily life. Mindfulness is about being fully present in each moment, no matter how ordinary or challenging it may be, which is pretty great if you’re an autism parent! It can be so easy to get caught up in the worries and stresses of the past or future...especially the heightened emotions and stress that often surround our kids’ meltdowns. Mindfulness invites us to anchor ourselves in the present, to engage fully with our children and ourselves, and to stop our brains from holding on to the stress we experience once the stressful event is over.
One way to practice mindfulness is through sensory awareness. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. Engage your senses and immerse yourself in the experience. When you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to the present moment, without judgment. Even doing this for 3-5 minutes can have a significant impact on your stress and anxiety levels.
Another powerful mindfulness tool is to practice acceptance and non-judgment. As autism parents, we may face difficult moments or challenging behaviors. Mindfulness teaches us to meet these experiences with compassion and understanding, both for our children and ourselves. Instead of reacting with frustration or self-criticism, we can respond with patience, empathy, and love. Which, in case you hadn’t noticed, we and our kids could use a whole lot more of!
Now, let's explore the specific benefits of meditation and mindfulness for autism parents. First and foremost, these practices help us manage stress and anxiety. Raising autistic children can be demanding and overwhelming at times. Sometimes that time seems like all the time…Meditation and mindfulness offer a sanctuary of calm and peace amidst the chaos. They allow us to recharge and approach our parenting with clarity and presence.
Additionally, these practices enhance our emotional well-being. They help us cultivate patience, compassion, and understanding. By developing a non-judgmental mindset, we can better respond to our children's unique needs and challenges. We become more attuned to their emotions and create a supportive and loving environment for their growth and development.
And the best part is meditation and mindfulness support our self-care journey. They provide us with an opportunity to connect with ourselves on a deeper level, to nurture our own well-being. By taking the time to cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion, we replenish our inner resources and build resilience, which allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves for our children.
Research has shown that meditation and mindfulness can also positively impact our physical health. These practices can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost our immune system. By taking care of our own well-being, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come with raising a child with autism.
As you embark on your meditation and mindfulness practice, remember to be gentle and patient with yourself. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth, and there's no right or wrong way to do it. Find what works best for you and adapt it to your unique circumstances and preferences.
Incorporating meditation and mindfulness into our lives as autism parents is a transformative practice. It allows us to navigate our challenges with greater ease, cultivate emotional well-being, and nurture a deeper connection with ourselves and our children.
Remember, you have the power to create moments of stillness and presence amidst the busyness of parenting. Embrace this opportunity to care for yourself and cultivate a calm and centered mindset. The benefits will ripple through every aspect of your life, positively impacting your relationship with your child, your own well-being, and your overall experience as an autism parent.
Thanks for listening! New episodes of the NeurOrdinary Podcast drop every Thursday. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and if you’re feeling generous leave a comment or review to let me know what you thought about today’s episode. And whatever you do, keep it spicy!
Meet your self-care coach!
