There are certain things that are precious jewels that as parents and caregivers, we have a joyful responsibility of sharing with them the principles of life that will support them into evolving into loving, kind, compassionate children- which is really who they were designed to be. We want to endow them with the tool of meditation so that they have a sacred space to go to that will give them a sense of ease and peace when the challenges of life overwhelm them. The ability to step out of the demands of “being a growing and explorative child” and reset their energy and self-control, is a gift that will usher them through a successful life.
I remember the little story about my niece Leilani- then age 5 or 6, went to one of her little friends’ houses for a play date that consist of a large group of super active children. When we came to pick her up, her friend’s mother took my sister aside and told her that at one point Leilani had gone off by herself and sat under a tree. She was concerned that perhaps something had happened at that she was not happy. Patty asked Lei why she had gone to sit under the tree by herself, and Lei replied- “Oh Mommy, the other children were just so loud and wild that I needed to go and meditate to try to find some peace”. The beauty in this story is that even today, Leilani uses that tool with her own children, and it works.
Next, along with re-centering their soul through the art of meditation, is teaching them to breathe, which is essential in meditation. When they master these major elements to navigate their responses to the challenges they encounter in life, this will position them into handling things in a way that is in their best interest. It is not the circumstances that they will ultimately face in life as adults that defines their character, but the way in which they choose to respond to those circumstances and challenges.
Another vital element of character development that they need is to value and practice being kind and thoughtful. It starts in the home as we teach our children to be loving and respectful to us as parents, and to their siblings. This nature to care for each other and to show love and concern for each other is critical element in the growth and development of their social emotional attributes. There are so many ways to show and guide children in being their authentic selves in truly loving unconditionally. Of course, our ability to demonstrate all these elements in our own lives is the greatest testimony and example.
P.S. i just had to go back to this post and make a little addition that I feel validates the principles of the Post!!
I was thinking about some of the positive activities my niece engages her children in and remembered this: the “I am” activity where the boys were asked to think about words that describe who they are. It is now a daily affirmation that is posted on their activity supply cabinet, so they see it and review it every day as they go in and out of the cabinet. Maybe parents should do it too!
Affirmation Activity
