It is almost one of my
favorite times of year. When we just begin to feel a twinge of warmth in
the air, the light begins to return, and the snow and ice melt. I really
like this time of year because it is when I begin to think of the seeds I am
going to plant, of plans for the summer with family, and longer, warmer days.
This time of year holds all the promise of what is to come, the time between
seasons. I liken this time of year to the "amrit vela" a
sanskrit word referring to the pre-dawn time that holds all the potential for
the day. It is a good time for intention and meditation. It is the time
between sleeping and waking. For that reason, I am also intrigued by the
pause, the space between listening, then speaking and the power that that space
holds.
Of course, I also love
that young children usually do not utilize this space in the same way before
something comes out of their mouths. Except perhaps when they are
thinking about how to answer, "Well, how old do you THINK I am?” (This
always generates a humorous and sometimes painful response.) Seriously, though,
just being present in each of the aspects of listening, and allowing the space
between stimulus and response has been helpful during our days with the
children. Pausing for a moment, with presence, before stepping in to
impose an adult resolution to something that could be solved by the children.
Or carefully listening to each side of a disagreement, so that each child feels
heard and then working together to find a solution, models for them a method to
use when they are figuring out their own social dilemmas.
Thank you for all the
days with your children. I have really enjoyed seeing all the cooperative
and imaginative play that happens in our suite.
Blessings to all,
Miss Tammy
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