#84 Jennifer Garvey Berger: Creating Routine in Chaos
May 26, 2020
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Jennifer Garvey Berger, an author and leadership coach, dives into how to thrive amidst chaos and uncertainty. She discusses the importance of routine and self-care, especially for single parents balancing responsibilities. The conversation touches on navigating family dynamics with adult children at home, emphasizing empathy and the art of deep listening. Berger also explores the duality of joy and grief during crises, and how fostering meaningful connections can provide support and transformation in challenging times.
Acknowledging and feeling our emotions without judgment fosters understanding and connection with others.
Being genuinely curious about others' emotions and experiences creates a space for deeper connections.
Embracing the present moment and letting go of the past allows for personal and societal transformation.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Need for Self-Compassion
In this podcast episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being kind to ourselves during challenging times. They highlight the tendency to push emotions aside or try to fix problems, but stress the need to acknowledge and feel our emotions without judgment. By allowing ourselves to grieve, fear, and experience other emotions, we can better understand and connect with others.
Curiosity as a Tool for Connection
The podcast explores the power of curiosity in building deeper connections with others. The speaker encourages asking open-ended questions that go beyond problem-solving and allow for a richer understanding of someone's experience. By being genuinely curious about others' emotions and experiences, we can create a space for them to explore their own feelings and gain insights.
Finding Meaning Amid Change and Uncertainty
The episode delves into the idea that change and uncertainty present opportunities for personal and societal transformation. Instead of clinging to the past or longing for a return to normalcy, the speaker suggests embracing the present moment and recognizing the possibility of a new future. By letting go of what we thought the future would be and focusing on the present, we can nurture new possibilities and shape a different world.
Navigating the Complexities of Parenting
The podcast addresses the challenges of parenting during the current crisis. The speaker shares personal experiences and strategies for supporting children in this uncertain time. They highlight the importance of providing structure, listening to their emotions, and being present with their struggles, while also acknowledging the difficulties of juggling work and family responsibilities.
Creating Connection and Learning Opportunities for Kids
One of the main insights from the podcast is the realization that the traditional education system, particularly in elementary schools, may limit children's learning potential. The speaker discusses how her kids are now learning more and being exposed to a wider range of subjects and experiences at home. Unlike the regimented school schedule, they are allowed to explore their curiosity and delve deeper into topics of interest. The speaker highlights that the school system often serves as a means to keep kids occupied while parents work, but this alternative learning environment at home has revealed different and more effective ways of education.
Building Connection and Nurturing Individual Time
The podcast also touches on the importance of connection and individual time for parents and children during these challenging times. The speaker describes a routine she has developed with her kids, including wind-down reading sessions in bed at night and morning cuddles. These moments provide an opportunity for open discussions about frustrations or unresolved conflicts from the previous day and help create a stronger bond between the speaker and her children. Additionally, the speaker shares how having her own sacred space, such as writing or baking, helps her find solace and maintain a sense of identity amidst her responsibilities as a parent. This highlights the significance of self-care and finding personal moments of joy in balancing parenting and other aspects of life.
In a more conversational episode than our last discussion (ep. 43), Jennifer Garvey Berger opens up about coping in these uncertain times, and how we’re feeling about the current changing world that has become the new normal.
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