Well, we still haven’t gotten the new calendar of uposatha observance days from Wat Metta but according to a few sources today should be the uposatha so I’m observing today. Regardless of how long I’ve been observing I almost always find them a challenge and this is even probably moreso now that we have two little ones in the house. And, it is precisely the issue of parenting well that I have been struggling with in the past few days.
You see my son is going through a phase (at least that’s what I hope it is) where he is bouncing off the walls and seemingly filled with piss and vinegar. Some parents call this a hormonal period where the testosterone is coursing wildly through his veins and it can be a trying time for any one. I, however, feel like I am definitely failing to rise to the occasion and have been reacting violently to his lack of respect or concern for his parents and little sister. Family life is definitely a pressure cooker and I have yet to figure out a way to roll successfully with the punches without being knocked completely off kilter. I suppose the best I can do is try to take cover for a moment or two here in the bathroom or washing a dish and try to access some peace to anchor me and keep me from flying off my handle. My teacher speaks of finding refuge in the breath but I have not, as yet, been able to do so while parenting in the maelstrom.
Anyway, I wish everyone a fruitful observance day and may we use our present circumstances to advance in the Dhamma. Sukhita hontu!
Related articles
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Children have those phases where they explore social limits. My nephew (6yrs) is doing that a lot for a while now, too. It’s also interesting that children can behave quite differently in different social situations (like at home in contrast to staying with grandparents or other relatives). Of course he’s much friendlier when around his grandmother! 😉
Do you get a babysitter then and on? Getting some personal time then and on might be helpful to manage the situation better. Anyways, all the best! 🙂
By: Alobha on 01/05/2013
at 7:18 pm
Trying to do the same in a later life relationship with lots of baggage from childhood and my life thus far. I think its great to have an earthly goal for staying with the breath. Mine is to keep calm, open and nonreactive
By: xochicalli on 01/08/2013
at 11:41 am
[…] Happy Uposatha…Maybe […]
By: Happy (Imperfect) Uposatha « Cattāri Brahmavihārā on 01/26/2013
at 8:26 pm
[…] Happy Uposatha…Maybe (khalilbodhi.wordpress.com) […]
By: Happy Uposatha – The Value of Khanti « Cattāri Brahmavihārā on 02/19/2013
at 12:33 am