I love children. They are so fresh in their perspective, so insightful in their comments, so naturally loving. When children have the opportunity to be around those who respect, honor, and listen to them, they learn to do the same. When through difficult conversations, boundaries are set and the challenges and darkness of the world are explained in a kind and hopeful way, children learn resilience. They learn that life is sometimes good and sometimes bad and that they can find their way through all the mazes and puzzles of living. We can, through example and role-modeling, help them to achieve their highest potential.
Setting a Clear Intention
It is my hope and wishes that through considering the ideas in this writing, you can move toward your life’s purpose with love, harmony, and beauty. Let us all find ways that assist us in filling our lives with greater love, both in giving and in receiving, especially when we are with youth.
You are what you think
When I was in my early 30s I realized that I would sometimes fall into a dark mood that might last for a few days. I had no idea what caused it. Usually, there did not seem to be a precipitating event. I woke up one day and realized that this was happening and I wanted to be different. I realized that I could evolve, change my habits, grow into the fullness of my being. I wanted to find clarity in each moment and know my purpose each moment. I wanted to find a way to stay positive and upbeat for the kids in my classes. I began to look for activities and groups which lifted me and helped me evolve. My exploration of my inner life has continued to this day.
Now I awaken each morning, excited to arise and meditate and do yoga. I prepare for my day by absorbing the energy of the love field and moving in it throughout my day. I do practices of gratitude, forgiveness, love, and guidance. Often, I go through my day happy with the laughter of an easy relaxed sense of humor. Sometimes I weep with sadness for my family, my friends, my students. And yet I thank the Divine for having led me to find ways to change my life, that I might be of greater service to humanity.
Once I worked with a woman who was new to our school. The entire 6 months she was there, she complained about how our school was different from the schools she worked in before. I felt sorry for her because she was so unhappy and discontent all the time. I wondered if she knew she was making herself unhappy by always thinking of the differences she did not like, instead of noticing what a calm, peaceful place she was now working in.
Rene Descartes, an early philosopher said famously, “Cogito, ergo sum” or “I think, therefore I am.” This saying can be interpreted in many ways. Perhaps most important to the health of our inner life, it is asking us to notice how our thoughts affect our emotions and our happiness.
Where is that loving place in my heart?
That place of ecstasy
That fills with bliss?
Where is that loving place in my heart?
I call to it and it is covered
Buried by an energy I do not understand.
Does this veil come from within,
To be mirrored without?
Where is that loving place in my heart?
Nina Massey
Mindsets
Our mindset is our way of seeing the world. It is composed of the thoughts, ideas, and concepts that we allow to run around frequently in our thoughts. It is our point of view, how we think about what we experience with our senses. We can change and adjust it.
What patterns of viewing the world do you notice in your thought processes?
In Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence, he speaks of “habits of emotional management.[1]” These are the activities and ways in which we ‘soothe’ ourselves when we are upset. It may include functional things such as exercise, walking in nature, talking with a trusted and empathetic friend, prayers, meditation, etc. A less productive way might be eating a big ice cream cone -soothing, but perhaps not the best choice.
In this writing, there will be many ideas and suggestions for soothing oneself as an adult, and for soothing others as a parent, teacher, boss, etc. Not all ideas will be for everyone. But having a large toolbox can help one in responding helpfully when others are in need.
[1] Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence. 2006: Bantam Books.