Framework

The last thing I do before falling asleep each night is listen to a Headspace meditation. Many nights I never hear the end, which is part of the point. I drift right off to sleep. This was true last night, but the opening thoughts struck me and stuck with me all night, planting seeds in my dreams, and ideas to mull over and write about this morning. Not researched or cohesive, take a stroll through my meandering thoughts on creating frames, ideas in need of more framework themselves.

Headspace

Here is the closing quote from the meditation.

The focus was on compassion and awareness, but I see the application to everything in life.

Framework is Everywhere

Everywhere! As a mom, I create framework for my kids to experience life in. Whether it is boundaries for constraint, or boundaries to flourish in, all of the above are frames that I create and control. Fortunately for them, I’m a flexible builder that is constantly reviewing, rearranging, and reframing. Tinker Toy style rather than concrete and steel style.

Creating Education Frames

For example, considering the reevaluation period in regards to education we are in right now. Most parents would stick their kids on a school bus and call it a day. (It is tempting; this is hard!) Instead, we are reframing, creating new frames, considering new ideas. We provide the framework and it is up to them to then fill it in with breadth and depth.

Creating Personal Frames

I LOVE structure and plans, especially with my sports. My coach gives me a day by training plan for my workouts and a meal by meal food plan. It is highly detailed framework. But, it is up to me to fill it in with the work, the quality and accuracy dictating the results.

Framework is Static

In that sense, the framework does nothing unless I do. For my kids, the framework provides the structure they crave to create within. While the framework is static, a set of boundaries, we are not. It is up to us to create whatever we want within that framework. Will it be shallow and thin, or vibrant, full, and deep?

A frame is meaningless and garbage unless there is connection and imagination and creativity to fill it out. I know this from having some of my homeschool teaching idea frames thrown back at me with a hearty NO. And if the frame is solid and a match, they fill it out. Not me. In these cases, the frames are static yet highly effective.

Often they create their own frames. A new Lego idea that suddenly gives birth to a 4-day building frenzy. An imaginary lemonade stand in my living room. Frameworks that are then filled out with invitations to join in the experience.

Framework is Important

Do you feel like you flounder without framework? I do. My kids do. Just yesterday I asked Mason’s archery coach for a framework for his practice sessions at home. On his own, he shoots and get bored after about 10 minutes. How about a structure to bring to the practice sessions?

This is true for my posing practice, too. I had my posing coach give me a framework to bring to my home practice sessions. Otherwise, I’m all over the place, inefficient, and ultimately less effective.

Framework is Fluid

When framework isn’t working, it is time to reframe. For me, framework is never so static that it cannot be reframed. And not just reframed, but with ease, without judgment, without emotion. Simply reframe, restructure, make it better, move on.

Remembering to Be The Framemaker

This is such a good reminder to me right now. Create frames for my family and then hold the space. Guide, watch, reframe when necessary, but hands off. It is up to each of us to fill the frames as we will.

If you have landed on this page from an external link, please go HERE to read from the beginning. Otherwise, click on the next title below to continue.