HELP! MY SON IS GETTING BULLIED

25 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

by askdalimama in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DEAR DALI MAMA:

My son gets bullied a lot at school. He’s short for his age. Maybe that’s why he gets picked on. How can I help him?

–Concerned father (United States)

DEAR FATHER:

Start by talking to him and making a plan with him and any other family members, taking into account of your son’s input and feelings. Ultimately, you will have to do what you think best as as parent and adult, but do listen to him and make sure he feels heard and incorporate any of his ideas and suggestions that are feasible. Then talk to his teacher and possibly the principal to make sure they know what is going on and agree on a plan to resolve and monitor this situation.

Another thing you might want to do is find something that helps him develop confidence as well as social skills in group settings.

You might want to consider something like either a children’s tai chi or qi gong class (or even some places offer father-son or family classes). This is something that will help him develop confidence and will help him practice allowing his body to let the energy flow and also help him learn neutrality and ease in a peaceful energy. When he is confident and not resisting the energy of bullying, the other kids will start to leave him alone more.

Also, keep the lines of communication open with him and his teachers and principal to monitor the situation while giving him space to learn how to handle himself (keeping a watchful eye from afar) and validating his inner strength and power. Don’t treat him like he is helpless or weak or a victim, as that gives more energy to those pictures. Do what you need to to ensure his safety and well-being while validating his spirit, which is strong and whole.

MOVING FORWARD AS A SPIRITUAL TEACHER

17 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

by askdalimama in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , ,

DEAR DALI MAMA:

I am regarded by many people as a spiritual teacher. In fact, it appears to be my calling. But I do not promote myself as such because I feel that some authority, particularly my own teacher, must first confer the status of teacher upon me–give me the “go ahead”–for it to be valid. This process may not be required at all, as we do see lots of self-styled guru-types pop up everywhere. This idea does keep self-aggrandizing in check effectively, however. On the other hand, I also have to consider how much people do appreciate what I offer, as well as how much fear and doubt may play their roles, too, in holding me back. Fear and doubt are as full of ego as self-aggrandizement. I wonder what advice you would give someone in this situation?

–Robert (Turkey)

DEAR ROBERT:

You sound like a true teacher to me, as you have a strong and healthy balance of the recognition of what you can offer with the self-awareness that we all have more to learn.

Being a teacher means stepping up as a leader, and that means recognizing the inherent wisdom and experience that you can share with others. Also, moving forward as a teacher in your own right (without the need for validation and permission from anybody) is the greatest proof that your teacher did a great job.

Being a true teacher, you must also model for people what it looks like to own your knowingness and power from within. That is ultimately what a true leader and teacher must do, as those at the forefront are often not recognized (and are in fact sometimes spurned) for their beliefs when they are ahead of the curve from the general public, which leaders generally are.

Shine with all of your God-given light and gifts and share with joy all that you have to teach, by example as well as in any other venue.

Note: Readers, I invite you to send in your own questions. You may email them to askdalimama@gmail.com or write them in the comments section.

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