Parents of teens often feel worn out. When your
frustrations accumulate without releasing negative
emotions, it becomes much more difficult to make
wise parenting choices. To decrease anger, anxiety
or sadness, reconnect with the loving kindness
contained in your heart.

The easiest way to return to love and stay in your
heart space even when you’re feeling challenged, is
to do this relaxation exercise.

1. Sit comfortably in a quiet spot where you will
not be disturbed and close your eyes to shut out
any external distractions.

2. Connect to your own heart by using your inner
vision; imagine a beautiful shade of green
emanating from your heart. See the color green
flowing into your entire body. Notice the warmth
and love you feel.

3. Take a few conscious breaths; inhale the color
green naturally and exhale slowly. Don’t worry
about whether you’re doing it “right”. Stay calm.

4. Now deepen the connection by focusing on
something you can appreciate about yourself. Select
something that helps you feel great about yourself.
If this feels difficult, select a word or phrase
that is meaningful to you like joy, love or hope.

5. Stay in this peaceful place for at least five
minutes to calm yourself and release tension. Then
work your way up to 20 minutes a day by extending
this exercise in 5-minute increments. Open your
eyes and give yourself another 30 seconds before
standing.

This is a wonderful exercise for experiencing more
loving kindness for yourself, toward your teens or
another person you find troubling. Parents report
that they experience their heart opening and their
anxiety disappearing.

While exercising the mind and body is important
to our well-being so is exercising the heart. When
you do, you’ll be kinder to yourself and your
parenting will become more open, flexible, and
confident.
My best,
Barbara

P.S. To learn more about connecting to your heart
(one of our 7 simple steps!), see “Coach Your Teen
to Success.” (www.amazon.com)