When I was single I took a self-defense course. Now that I’m a mom I haven’t thought as much about it, but it’s even more important than ever to be aware and be able to protect yourself and your family. So when I met Jennifer Cassetta she inspired me to make it more of a priority and wanted her to share her expertise with you as a guest contributor.
Moms, have you ever been in a situation where you felt that you and your child may be in danger? Did the hair on the back of your neck stand and did you feel your blood begin to boil? If so, then chances are you are a fiercely Zen mom.
In my martial arts training in HapKiDo, my Master used a Korean symbol which he placed on the school flags and other marketing materials in the training studio. It wasn’t until he placed it on my business cards that I finally inquired to what it translated to. It stood for “Calm and Balanced in the Face of Adversity”. I later incorporated this principle into my own Stilettos and Self Defense workshops and DVD series, where I teach women to avoid danger, but fight back when they need to.
So, when I met Angela Chee, her The Zen Mom brand reminded me of that same symbol with such a strong meaning. To be in a state of Zen is bliss. To be able to be in a state of Zen while going through chaos is fierce. This practice will help you avoid danger and increase the safety of you and your family.
Here are 5 Ways to Be a Fiercely Zen Mom and to stay safe, aware and empowered so you can be in control even when faced with adversity.
1. Always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are with or without your kids, be sure to always survey your surroundings. Take note if anything that may make you
suspicious or uneasy.
2. Listen to your gut! If you do have an uneasy feeling about a neighbor, a teacher, or a place where you and your kids go, there is probably a reason. Investigate more.
3. Be fit! The stronger and fitter you are physically, the better chances you have of protecting yourself and your child, if you are ever confronted by some sort of assault. Running away is always the first line of defense, so make sure you are able to do so.
4. Take a self-defense class. Learning even the basics of self-defense is so essential to being a fiercely Zen mom. Not only can it provide life-saving skills but it also can boost your confidence by knowing that you can take care of yourself, your little ones and kick some butt if you needed to. If you prefer to learn at home you can practice along with me during my Stilettos and Self Defense DVD series. Or click here for a video demonstration of 3 self defense moves you can use in a dangerous situation (via Vital Juice).
5. Meditate or practice some sort of daily silence ritual. There’s a reason why Zen monks practice silence. Being silent on purpose enhances your intuition and your listening skills, not to mention it can be a wave of relief from being around kids all day!
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