MEDITATION PRACTICE FOR MOMS AND DADS, Tip #40: The Buddha laid out what are called the Four Noble Truths, and they are considered the foundation for this path. Here they are, simplified and modified for moms and dads:
1) With the considerable demands of parenting, there will times when you really feel suffering. And oy, when you really feel it, does the rest of the family feel it too.
2)The reason we suffer is usually because we have really high expectations of ourselves as parents and the world and people around us, and with expectations not being met (i.e we get sick--not supposed to happen! Our child misbehaves--not supposed to happen! I can't finish all my work in time--not supposed to happen! I am not a perfect mom/meditator as I see what perfect is supposed to be--not supposed to happen!), and with our constant efforts to mold ourselves and the world around us so they can be met, comes predictable disappointment, fatigue, heartache, etc., aka suffering.
3)There is a way to end this cycle of suffering. The whole world benefits from this "Way." You do not have go to any extremes like leaving your family to go on a lifelong pilgrimage to the Himalayas or live as an ascetic in the woods and eat oak leaves for 12 years, nor is the way to win the lottery and have all worldly needs compensated for (although occasional pedicures are really nice). It is often called "The Middle Way."
4) The Middle Way involves concerted daily focus on right choices, as defined in the Eightfold Path, and is worth studying, but ultimately it is your very clear intention to end suffering and the daily action of sending love to yourself and to others, as well as meditation, that will set you -- and those around you -- free. Enjoy, or at least notice and fully experience, every moment.
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