3 minute read
Experience Spring through the Eyes of a Child
by Jody Johnston Pawel, LSW, CFLE
Theme: Refresh and renew the many facets of your life with the season of Spring! Celebrate new beginnings and energies in the spirit of light and harmony! As Spring arrives, we often feel grateful to see signs of new life and new beginnings, as Mother Nature brings new light and energy for new growth. Whether it’s a crocus popping through the snow, buds sprouting from the trees, longer days, or warmer weather, we notice these changes and appreciate their return after Winter.
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One facet of life that is constantly celebrating new beginnings and is full of energy to grow are children. Whether you are a parent or simply observe children, one of the most enjoyable present-moment activities you can do it so experience life through the eyes of a child and notice how it can positively change you. As adults, we rather often assume that is up to us to teach children about life. In reality, children can teach adults a lot about life that we don’t know or have forgotten. For example, have you ever seen a child see or do something for the first time? Like feel grass between toes … see an airplane … taste ice cream … smile or respond to laughter? Seeing their amazement can remind you that the things you see all the time, every day, can be experienced, enjoyed and appreciated like they are new, every day. Children are so present moment, they usually don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. How often do adults do that? It might take more conscious intention and thought for adults to be present moment, but what inner peace and harmony it can bring us!
Children observe the world around them, noticing little details most adults overlook. How many times have you been so caught up in whatever you are doing or whatever your mind is thinking about that you are oblivious to where your body was or is experiencing. There are miracles happening all around us, but because we’ve seen them before, we forget what miracles they still are! Children know how to play, which is something many adults have forgotten to do. Children sing whether anyone is listening and dance even when others are watching. They just flow with the rhythm, not caring about what other people think. How freeing would that be?
Children often speak what they are thinking, with total honesty, not knowing how to lie or be fake. They have little self-consciousness and are totally authentic. Aside from having a polite-manners filter, which is important, wouldn’t it be great to feel free enough to be authentic and real all the time, without worrying about being judged or criticized? You can probably think of even more ways children teach us adults how to live more fully. So as you notice the signs of Spring this year, pay attention, with gratitude, to the signs of life, love, joy and harmony all around you. In addition to noticing new beginnings, how about noticing and showing gratitude for the people, places, events, and things that are constants in your life. Imagine they were suddenly gone and you can re-connect with your appreciation for their presence and how they enrich your life every day.
About the Author: Jody Johnston Pawel, LSW, CFLE is the award-winning author of The Parent’s Toolshop® and CEO of Relationship Toolshop® International Training Institute, LLC. She has 30 years’ experience training over 50,000 parents and family professionals worldwide.
She’s a top-rated speaker and parenting expert to the media worldwide, including serving as the Co-Producer and Parenting Expert for the Emmynominated Ident-a-Kid television series.
If you want to improve your relationships with children or adults, attend Jody’s local, live classes. See the Events section for the Parents Toolshop® T.I.P.S. course (Tools for Improving Parenting Success) or The 6 Keys to Creating Heartful Relationships.
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