Jenn Doing My Best

Today at Mass, a mom was trying to console her crying toddler. They were in what I call the Quiet Room—a small room separate from the main part of the sanctuary for anyone who needs a quieter space.

Zaya (5) and I just so happened to be in the Quiet Room at the time because it connects to the restrooms.

As the little boy (bless his heart) continued to cry loudly, his mom remained very calm, and she did something that surprised me.

She sat down with her son and in a gentle, loving voice said to him, “Take a deep breath.”

At first, the toddler didn’t comply. He just kept wailing. So, his mom calmly repeated, “Take a deep breath.” This time the little one listened and through his faint sobs I could hear him take a deep breath.

“Breathe in and breathe out,” his mother said. And together, mother and child took deep breaths—in and out. Breathing slowly and mindfully.

I was also silently saying a prayer for the mom and her son. I know exactly what it’s like to have an inconsolable toddler get upset in public (and at home).

After a few deep breaths, the little boy stopped crying, and I smiled to myself and thought, “Well done, Mama!”

It also made me happy to see another mom use deep breaths as a way to calm her child. I do this with my children, too, and the majority of the time it helps the kids calm down.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more adults would stop and take deep breaths when they are feeling upset?

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“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” ‐— Thích Nhất Hạnh

Feature image credit: Nienke Burgers.