I was reading the Holistic Mothers Network blog and came across this post on holistic parenting.  When you mention to people that you’re pursuing a “natural living lifestyle” or that you and your family practice “holistic living”…most people immediately think one of two things.  One is that  a) you’re a total bitch, snotty, know-it-all or b) that you live in trees and worship rocks.  While I may be the first option from time to time, the latter is really far fetched.  Sort of.  Ok,  I do have dreams of becoming a tree person somewhere in the Pac Northwest and I have to admit I do have several gem stones placed in odd areas around my home.  What’s it to you?

Anyways – holistic/natural living and parenting (to me) is about getting back to basics, getting rid of  lab invented substances (food or drug) and truly believing in myself and my ability to know what’s best and right for me, my kid and my family.  And if I’m not sure…being humble enough to ask for help.   Which is what I’m trying to do with this blog.  I’m hoping to create a community of like minded people who want to share what they know with those of us who have questions.

So back to the post on HMN…here it is.  It really just puts into perspective what being a holistic parent means.  Happy reading!

“Many of today’s parents are seeking natural remedies and a holistic lifestyle for themselves and their families in an effort to attain optimal health and to live a greener life. Holistic parenting is about understanding how our choices are connected. Being conscious of our choices enables us to think on a larger scale and to do what is best for our families both in the short term and the long term.

Although holistic parenting can take many routes and result in a wide variety of choices, there are some simple things every parent can to do to begin their journey. Here are six steps to discovering holistic parenting:

· Be Informed. Being informed in all of your parenting and health choices is a cornerstone of whole living. Investigate your options educate yourself on the benefits as well as the risks of your parenting, healthcare, and lifestyle choices.

· Cultivate Trust. Living holistically starts with a shift in your perspective away from fear and uncertainty and toward trust in yourself, your body, and nature’s healing power. Cultivating this trust is challenging but uncovering it is ultimately a source of empowerment.

· Tune Into Your Mother (or Father) Wisdom. Deep within yourself lies your inner wisdom and intuition, as well as your spiritual voice. What feels right to you may not be the most traveled path but often will best serve your family.

· Go Natural. The preponderance of chemicals in our food, homes, and environment is wreaking havoc on our health. We need to look for safe, non-toxic products to care for our homes, and to eliminate artificial ingredients, preservatives, and pesticides from our food.

· Live Lightly on the Earth. Living holistically means recognizing the interconnectedness of our choices. Tread lightly by supporting industries that nurture the earth (such as organic farming), incorporating green practices into your life (such as recycling), and giving back of yourself through volunteer work.

· Find Support. Creating and interacting with others who share similar philosophies is empowering and will help you to find the tools you need to grow a healthy family. What’s more, social support itself is health creating. Recent studies show that being socially connected to others can improve your physical health and is linked to lower mortality rates. ”

Naturally yours, Dallas

Hey ya’ll!!

Kiki & I met a friend today for a play date and she mentioned this girl she knows and how said girl is giving up certain things this year in an effort to be a little more “greener” in her home.  And it got me thinking….let’s do a Natural Nuggets Au Naturale Challenge! Now I realize it’s already midway through Feb but hey, who’s looking at the calendar right?

So here’s scoop-what are you willing to give up or change in an effort to live a little more naturally or just be “greener”?  Would you give up fast food?  (Not only is fast food bad for us, all that damn paper/plastic waste.) Or would you go on a paper towel boycott?  How about committing to buying only secondhand clothes for you and your family?  What about switching out one grocery product that you buy all the time, for an organic version?

If you want to participate, send me your green commitment for 2009 and I will compile them and post on this site.  I’m not offering any prizes other than how FABULOUS you’re gonna feel when you make this commitment to live a little greener, eat more naturally and give Mama Earth a  bit of a break!

Can’t wait to hear from you guys!

Naturally yours, Dallas