This was the title of today’s Daily Om that I read right before heading out to our Monday morning class at the Community Centre.
The article talks about how “as grown-ups, we often approach children with ideas about what we can teach them about this life to which they have so recently arrived. It’s true that we have important information to convey, but children are here to teach us just as much as we are here to teach them. They are so new to the world and far less burdened with preconceived notions about the people, situations, and objects they encounter. They do not avoid people on the basis of appearance, nor do they regard shoes as having only one function. When we approach children with the awareness that they are our teachers, we automatically become more present ourselves. We have to be more present when we follow, looking and listening, responding to their lead. We don’t lapse so easily into the role of the director of activities, surrendering instead to having no agenda at all. As we allow our children to determine the flow of play, they pull us deeper into the mystery of the present moment. In this magical place, we become innocent again, not knowing what will happen next and remembering how to let go and flow.
It inspired me to change my perspective and I followed Roman around letting him play at his pace, his way and didn’t interfere other then just keeping him safe.
I allowed him to explore gravity by throwing puzzle pieces down the slide, didn’t flinch when he rubbed sand into his hair, joined him in the play kitchen during story time instead of trying to force him to stay in my lap and listen to the story. He was much less frustrated and I was far less annoyed then the usual strategy of forced confinement during circle time.
My little guru teaches me lessons in being present, laughing loudly and approaching everything with enthusiasm. He’s taught me the power of a nap, that everyone should get a wave and most people also need a kiss too.
Oh and doing the dishes is a lot more fun when you roll up your pants and get into the sink and put bubbles on your head.
What has your little guru taught you lately?
what you read is so true. why are they staring into that puddle for 5 minutes???? go look yourself and you will find yourself staring into the puddle, too 🙂
they really know how to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
I wish I could do dishes like that…..hmmmm maybe I’ll try tonight…