Question:
I would like to raise my two year old daughter in a sound spiritual way. I am in the process of a divorce. There was a lot of negativity in the household before and I need to repair the damage. Can you help?

Mimi's Answer:
By stating the desire to rid your home of negative energy you are well on your way to creating that vision. Children absorb the energy around them like a sponge -- they take it in at a very deep level. Now that you are in control of your home environment I urge you to follow through on your instinct and begin creating a home filled with light and peace.

Begin by setting up rituals -- small, easy, comfortable ways to begin and end the day. Perhaps in the morning you and your daughter light a candle, put on some serene music and stretch together for five minutes. Maybe you say an affirmation for the day, "It's a happy day in every way." Could you plant some flower seeds together and with each seed name the quality you want to grow in your home -- love, serenity, joy... Water the seeds each morning and watch both the flowers and your wishes grow.

End the day with a blessing you write together. Or perhaps with the same peaceful, nurturing short story you discover. (see the book list I have posted in prior posts.) You might want to create some kind of lovely ritual as you go around your home pulling down the shades or locking up the doors. Follow your intuition and pay attention to your daughter's natural inclinations. Some of my family's best rituals have come from my children.

How about having a house blessing. Invite some cherished friends over for a little celebration of light. Ask them each to bring a prayer, favorite quote, blessing, or symbol of peace. Create a party that infuses your house with the sense of new beginnings and bits of joy from those you love.

Hang some wind chimes where you and your daughter might hear the delicate music. Read some Native lore about the power of burning sage to cleanse and purify energy.

Nourish your self spiritually so you are renewed and able to nurture your daughter's soul. Listen to your inner promptings. What would feel really wonderful this Saturday morning. Then follow through with it. A walk in the woods together, a picnic lunch and no agenda. Great...go for it. Forget the laundry and the bills and celebrate this time you have with your child. We don't get it back. Remember that each day is a new beginning. You can begin again right now, making the soulful growth of your child your number one priority. Blessings and light to you.