February 2005
EXPRESSIONS OF SPIRIT

Many of you have commented that you have "spirited" children or students and seek guidance for bringing greater love and wisdom into your relationship and experiences with them. In this newsletter, we explore the meaning of "a child's spirit" and next month, strategies for nurturing their spirit.

Children come into the world bringing the gift of love and light. They express and experience Spirit all the time. They model how to live in the questions or mysteries of life, are naturally curious about everything and absorbed in the wonder of creation. They create unique ways to have fuller awareness of their senses and are on a quest to know their purpose and how to live their full potential. Children are open, accepting, nonjudgmental, the purest expression of love energy and seek opportunities to love, be loved and fulfill the desire to belong. Children teach us to live in the amazement of the amazing, the WOW of NOW, and the tender moments of being touched with a sweet embrace or simply holding hands. They express Spirit through their vivaciousness, creativity, great joy, laughter and giggles, playfulness, and enthusi-usi-usi-asm for life. No wonder I feel so alive in their presence.

The word "Spirit" is not about a specific religion. Spirit is Love, the connecting power that resides deep within each of us, not just children. It is the divine spark, the divine essence that is alive in every living being - that which lives, breathes and expresses uniquely as and through everyone.

Although children embody Spirit, they are not always conscious of it. They rely on adults to foster and reflect back to them their preciousness and innate qualities so they view themselves with greater self love, acceptance and appreciation. So this is where you come in.

During the month of February, I invite you take a journey of presence and awareness. I invite you to see and experience children with new eyes, an expanded heart and open mind.

The next time your child, children or students are playful, working on projects or expressing creatively, whether it be in isolation or with peers, take a few moments to observe their interactions, avenues of communication, their focus and devotion to being present in the moment. Be less concerned with the outcome or product. Keenly attend to how children get needs met, resolve perceived conflicts, their unique way of being in the world, their emotional state, what lessons or information they are seeking and how they pursue or follow their personal interests.

If you are feeling a desire to become a part of their experiences, ask permission to join in on the fun. Pay attention to what happens next. Some children change dramatically around adults, feeling less free to be their authentic selves for fear of punishment, constraints, consequences or the need for constant reward. If they accept your presence, allow your children to guide you as to what your involvement will be. Let them set the pace and tone of the experience. And then bring yourself fully present as possible to become aware of the extraordinary in the ordinary. Release judgments of how you think things "should" be and look. See your children or students for who they truly are. Allow yourself to experience them with genuine love, appreciation and interest. I think you will be amazed at what you discover. I know I am daily!

If you are willing to share your new insights, awarenesses, or discoveries about children or yourself with other readers, email me.

Soooooo, take a deeeeeeep breath. Have a fabulous February enjoying the presence of your children and students in a new light. And remember to also allow yourself the gift of being fun, playful, and silly - that child-like part of yourself will be deeply grateful!

In Spirit, Love and great Joy,
Adrian Reznik

Nurture a Child "Nuggets"

In one of my favorite books entitled Schools with Spirit: Nurturing the Inner Lives of Children and Teachers, edited by Linda Lantieri, (Beacon Press) is an invocation for children of the future written by Angeles Arrien. Imagine what life on this planet would be like if we ALL lived these "states of grace" every single day. Ahhh….

May you be powerfully loving and lovingly powerful; may you always have love be your guide with family, friends, and colleagues. Remember to listen carefully to your own heart and to the hearts of others.
May you have the courage to always follow your dreams. Take an action every day to support your life dream, your love of nature, and your integrity.
May you have the strength to overcome fear and pride, and instead follow what has heart and meaning for you.
May you be guardians of truth, beauty, creativity, and laughter.
May you protect, preserve, and care for nature and the wilderness.
May you show respect to people of all ages and races, and help all living things keep their dignity.
May you help to make a better world for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and the young by being an active, committed, and positive force in your community.
May you value and maintain your health and the health and well-being of others.
May you respect all the ways human beings access their spirituality.
May you help create a global community committed to peace and nonviolence.
May you keep learning; ask questions, explore, discover, and always maintain curiosity and hope.
May you honor and respect diversity and the beauty and magic that occurs when differences join to create something far greater than one can imagine.
May you bring your gifts and talents forward every day without hesitation or reservation.
May you honor your ancestors and all those who have gone before you, for they have paved the way for you to do what you are here to do.

Copyright © 2005 Adrian Reznik