Embracing the Little Things: A Mindfulness Journey Through Parenthood
As the fleeting days of senior year dwindle, a seasoned mindfulness teacher faces a poignant chapter in her life: the impending departure of her youngest child for college. "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things," echoes Robert Brault’s wisdom, resonating deeply within her heart.
Navigating the bittersweet emotions of impending empty nesting, she finds herself at a crossroads. The transition of watching her child leave home, something she’s always prepared for as an educator of mindfulness, is turning out to be much tougher than anticipated. At a recent school event, she was sandwiched between fellow parents, all teetering on the edge of tears as the gravity of graduation day loomed. This moment ignited a profound realization—she didn’t want to miss the precious time left with her son due to living in the future.
Reflecting on the beauty of the present, a poignant haiku by Bashō came to mind: "Even in Kyoto, hearing the cuckoo’s cry, I long for Kyoto." This encapsulated her struggle—a desire to cherish moments while simultaneously feeling the sting of their impending end. In quieter moments, she penned her own reflections: "Only four months left, laughter coming from his room, my heart aches already."
Despite considering weekly mother-son dates to fill her emotional void, she recognized that his senior year should center around his journey, not her own. Instead, the answer arrived through the mindfulness practice of savoring—an approach typically associated with food, yet applicable to any treasured experience.
Savoring became her lifeline, a “stealth” practice allowing her to fully appreciate life’s little gifts without overshadowing her son’s special time. Equipped with a mindfulness technique known as S.T.O.P. (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed), she resolved to anchor herself in the present.
By embracing her five senses during shared moments—cooking dinner together, listening to his evolving baritone voice, and simply being in the kitchen—the once-fleeting interactions transformed into profound connections. No longer merely coexisting in the same space, she chose to engage fully, practicing deep listening and allowing each moment to leave a lasting imprint on her heart.
As she breathed through the anxiety of the remaining months, the mundane shifted into the magnificent. Each day became a canvas of mindfulness, giving her the clarity to treasure those last laughter-filled moments with her son. Recently, as the rich aroma of steak wafted through the kitchen, she found joy in the details: the way he peeled garlic, the sunlight glinting off his hair, and the warmth of their shared laughter.
In this journey of savoring, she not only strengthens their bond but also creates a lasting legacy of love and presence. As graduation approaches, she stands ready—not with resentment for what’s to come, but with gratitude for the little moments that, through her mindful lens, become the biggest treasures of all.
About Madelyne Schermer
A trained mindfulness facilitator from UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center, Madelyne Schermer specializes in guiding individuals through mindfulness practices that connect them to the present moment. She offers insights into navigating life’s transitions while embracing the beauty of our everyday experiences. Visit her at abundancemindfulness.com for more resources.