Christian Mystic Practices
Welcoming practice is a way to compassionately connect with our emotional responses. Developed by Mary Mrozowski, this practice has three steps including feel and sink into, welcome, and let go.
The adaptation below brings these three steps into the mindful moment step while reading together.
Welcoming-
Follow the 6 step instructions here online or print the bookmark instructions below to have on hand while reading together.
Prepare
Complete both parts; a “Preparation for Caregiver/Parent” and a “Preparation Together” practice. View instructions on “Prepare” page.
Read
Read the book once.
Mindful Moment
Pick a difficult or big feeling in the book. Something that feels okay, safe, and possible to bring our attention to. Once you have chosen, imagine bringing the energy of the feeling closer to you. You can bring it to your heart, lay with it, ask it to sit next to you, or ask it to sit as far away as you would like. You could even choose to not sit with feeling and it is okay to just rest.
If you do sit with the feeling, just be with it. You may let go of the feeling anytime. If you are ready and comfortable, just notice what you feel in you body while being with or next to the difficult or big feeling for a few moments. (Give a few moments to sit with the difficult or big feeling). Remember to not hold onto the feeling or change it. Let the feeling be there and notice it lovingly. (Give a few moments to sit with the difficult or big feeling).
Share
What did you notice?
(Here are some possible additional reflections. Feel free to choose any or all of these based on the interest of your young ones).
Did the feeling have something to say or share? What might the character/characters be feeling? Have you experienced this feeling?
Offer
If it feels comfortable, let the difficult or big feeling feel seen or heard. Offer words or action of understanding. Also view “Offer” page.
Rest
Let go of the practice in a way that feels right to each child in the moment. View “Rest” page.
Growing up, I remember sharing difficult feelings with my mother. When appropriate, she would invite me to hear the feeling, try to “be with it”, or befriend it in some way.
Through the acknowledgement of the feeling, I would often find the ability to let go of the need to control my experience and instead hear the compassionate wisdom of the feeling.
You have completed a sacred reading practice!
Learn more about the traditional logic that inspired the 6 step process in “Explore” or reflect deeply on what it means to “Offer” and “Rest”.
Remember
Being with feelings is hard work. Allow your children to choose when they are done or offer any supportive snuggles or acts of love. Any effort they put in is an important emotional exercise.
For example, my youngest is sensitive to death. I offer check in moments, stopping to ask how he is. I will ask what he is noticing. Some days he wants to stop and other days he uses language like, “I am nervous and we can keep reading.”