Introducing Solid Food and Weaning Workshop

A question for all of you who meditate, whether you have a regular meditation practice, you do it occasionally or perhaps have tried it in the past and are not sure if its really for you...

How do you meditate? There are many different styles and approaches. There are also many different tools and resources from apps, books and podcasts to live practice groups.

Personally, as a qualified and BAMBA registered mindfulness teacher, I find there is a special presence, calm and connection that comes from practicing live in a group - whether in-person or on-line.

I love to share that experience with others. That's why I am offering these upcoming opportunities to practice guided mindfulness meditation live in a group, whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner:
- First, my fortnightly Midweek Meditation, live on Zoom, this Wednesday 5th March and every second week at 8:30
- Second, an in-person taster session on Monday 18th March, 13:30 - 15:00.

Contact me via my website to reserve your spot.

And if a podcast is more your thing then I've got your back. In season one one we explore foundational mindfulness practices and teachings and in season two we dive into mindful compassion.

If you have any questions of your own about mindfulness I would love to hear from you and talk more.

You can contact me and find out more about my work at: www.realisemindfulness.com and listen to the podcast here: https://www.realisemindfulness.com/podcast or your podcast provider of choice.

As the first month of back to school comes to a close I am taking a moment to acknowledge myself for the achievement of establishing new routines for the family. It can feel like an accomplishment to juggle all our various work and play commitments.

I am also reminded of the importance of taking the time to care for myself - doing the things that replenish me - making time to meditate, walk in the forest with our dog, reignite my yoga practice.

For those of us in carer roles, it is so important that we invest time and care in ourselves as well as our loved ones. What can you do this week to fill your own cup?

Although group events are currently on hold, you can arrange a 1-2-1 video coaching call at a time to suit you.

During the call you can explore any questions and concerns you may have about introducing solid food and be supported to find a solution which works well for you, your baby and your family.
Contact me to book your session.

As a parent it is so important we invest time in our own self care. I invite you to join me on this fee 10 day course.

Simple Self-Care with Colleen Saidman Yee - Sign Up Simple Self-Care is a 10-day program that teaches you yoga therapy, gentle movements, restorative poses, breath and body awareness, healing self-touch, and meditation.

If you are considering booking a 1-2-1 video coaching session, or attending a group event in the future, here’s a recommendation from one mum who recently attended:

“When I first came across Kate's course, it sounded to me like a must for any new moms who don't know much about when and how solids should be introduced. And after having taken the course, I am indeed very happy I did take it - it really should be on the to-do-list of all new moms.

Introducing solids can be somewhat scary, there tend to be many questions around the topic and it is culturally sensitive. Kate makes the whole issue really easy, as she offers several options and ideas that moms can follow and does not preach a one-size-fits-all approach.

Kate is very knowledgeable, flexible and approachable, so it is a pleasure to have attended the course (plus, of course, I feel much more confident now regarding solids.” Kaisa, mum of Christopher, 4 months

Hello, I hope you your family, friends and loved ones are well as we, as a global community, face coping with Covid-19. My heartfelt thanks go out to ALL those on the front lines caring for our society.

I also want to state the obvious, humans are social animals, so, just because we need to practice physical distancing right now, it doesn’t mean we dont need community and support.

I have been touched by the responses of various teachers and mentors I follow and I will also be offering some free audio resources over the coming weeks. Watch this space...

In the meantime, I also wanted to share the feedback from a recent video, Introducing Solid Food, session where I met with a mum 1-2-1 over Skype. Check out the next post for one mum’s experience.

I also offer tailored compassionate parenting coaching on whatever topic is current for you whether that’s managing sleep, juggling childcare and work during lockdown or the challenge of finding time to top up your own batteries whilst everyone is cooped up at home.

You can find out more, and book a no obligation get acquainted call, on my website: https://www.realisecoach.com/compassionate-parenting.

Compassionate Parenting | Realise Coaching and Development Parenting coaching

Mindfulness and Compassion, particularly often self-compassion, have been tools that have helped me greatly on my journey as a parent. This free 6 week on-line course developed by Leiden University looks to offer a good introduction to both the theory and the practice. I invite you to join me on the course and experience it for yourself.

Demystifying Mindfulness - Online Course - FutureLearn Discover how mindfulness works – its scientific underpinnings, and the details of its practise – with this online mindfulness course from Leiden University.

Being a parent can be a paradox of emotions: patience vs frustrations; the aliveness of seeing your baby do something for the first time versus the tedium of doing the same mundane task again, again and again; the bittersweet feeling of watching your baby grow and packing away the old baby clothes knowing your baby will never be that small again. In this lovely article Rick Hanson invites us to recognise and nurture the simple moments of joy accessible to us in the hum drum of a normal day. For me that would be a hug, a smile, sharing an experience like a favourite food together. Taking in the joy is such an important way, as parents, to top up our batteries so we can be resourceful to cope with the more challenging sides of parenthood.

Welcome Joy - Dr. Rick Hanson Positive feelings can be present alongside negative ones. Joy makes us stronger and fuels us to keep going for the sake of others.

Today is my first day back to work and I admit that as the festive period comes to a formal close it is, for me, a bittersweet feeling. A gratitude for time with family and the nurturing care received and given, a sadness the festive fun is over and the seed of readiness to return to the normal routine.

I also recognise that this time of year, after the frantic organisation of Christmas, with the cold dark days still stretching ahead, can leave parents frazzled. If you have found yourself over giving then Rick Hanson offers some tips to refill your cupboard.

Refill Your Cupboard - Dr. Rick Hanson Resources for Happiness, Love, and Wisdom