Episode 106

How do you kindle your own fire as a homeschooling parent? Let’s talk about how to celebrate the light within you!

How do you keep the flame alive and fuel that spark deep inside as you show up day to day for your kids and family?

As I write and record this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, it’s fall and the days are growing shorter here in the northern hemisphere.

I want to encourage you to create and celebrate a Lantern Festival.

In many ways, the Lantern Festival marks the beginning of the season of light. This season carries us from early November all the way through New Year’s really. And includes so many holidays that celebrate bringing more light into our lives.

The season of light is a beautiful time for our children and families. But it’s also a wonderful time to contemplate our own light that we bring to the world.

I hope you take some time to press play above and listen to this episode because I share some heartwarming words of encouragement for homeschoolers.

Below in the show notes, you’ll find a few highlights from the episode, inspirational quotes, and links to more resources.

Keeping the Spark Alive

Let me ask you a question…

How are you showing up for yourself, so that you can nourish the spark within your own heart?

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.”
~hafiz

If you’re like me and often draw a blank when you hear questions like this one, then this may be the season to explore how to keep your inner flame shining brightly.

You’re checking all the boxes everyday. Heathly food, clean house, clothes washed and folded, dogs walked, rabbits fed, family memories created!

But perhaps months go by without time to yourself to replenish your energy.

The holidays can be an especially hectic time. Which makes it especially important to create some contemplative time for yourself.

I encourage you to use the Lantern Festival this year to keep the spark alive within yourself!

Celebrate the Light Within

This season of Lantern Festivals invites us to turn inwards to protect our inner light.

It’s a time to illuminate our sense of belonging and celebrate that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

It’s all-important for us as parents to observe the rhythms of the seasons just as much for ourselves as for our children.

“You playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so others won’t feel insecure around you. As you let your own light shine, you indirectly give others permission to do the same.”
~Marianne Williamson

So plan a super simple lantern walk for you and your family. Decorate lanterns and go for a walk at dusk. Then come back inside for some hearty chili or hot cider. It’s really as simple as that.

And remember to soak up the vitality of that light for yourself, too. Look up at the evening sky. Listen to the quiet crunching of leaves. Feel the firmness of the earth beneath your feet. And notice how brightly your light shines.

This is for you, too. So celebrate the light within you.

And shine on, my friend!

More Homeschool Help Here

Here’s a collection of resources for creating a simple lantern festival, including songs and verses, tutorials for making a variety of lanterns, and how to create a family festival: Plan Your Lantern Festival.

If the idea of celebrating your inner light resonates with you, you’ll also like this collection of ideas for radical self-care: 10 Resources for Radical Self-Compassion on the Homeschooling Path

Find more support for your homeschooling path here! Within the Inspired at Home membership, you’ll find detailed masterclasses to support every aspect of your homeschooling from celebrating festivals and crafting holidays, to developing an inner work practice, to the art of teaching. With classes, coaching, and community, Inspired at Home supports and guides you so you can build a homeschool life you love while keeping it simple, inspiring, and doable.

Rate & Review the Podcast

If the Art of Homeschooling Podcast has inspired you, I’d LOVE it if you could rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast player! Reviews can be left on Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Podcast Addict, or Stitcher.

Or simply pop on over to lovethepodcast.com/artofhomeschooling and choose where you want to leave your review.

And if you want to show your appreciation for the Art of Homeschooling Podcast, you can buy me a coffee!