November 2005 Newsletter

I confess. I'm an inquisitive soul. I relish pondering the deeper meanings of life, exploring the mystery of the Mysterious, and seeking genuine understanding of events, situations and people. Consequently, I live a life of questions.

You know how it is - we all want answers NOW! We want direction, clarity, guidance, quick, simple answers or solutions. We desire closure and to know what's next! Yet I have discovered that most of my questions are not easily answered, some may bring new insights, while some open doors to opportunities and actions, others are the cause for further inquiries. The urge to explore the unknown and be open to the surprising way the Universe responds has surely made my life more interesting, intriguing, unpredictable and full of unimagined possibilities. My curiosity and willingness to live a life of questions has led me onto paths and adventures that I could never have dreamt possible for myself. I am learning to find relief and greater peace in not having to know all the answers and trusting that everything I do need to know is revealed in perfect timing and order, whether it
appears that way or not.

Poet Rainer Rilke captures the essence of living the questions so beautifully in this paraphrase from his poem "Live Everything":
"I beg you...to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves...Live the questions now… Perhaps then, someday, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."

THE QUESTIONS
Traditionally, a year after launching a project, I spend reclusive time reflecting on the path I journeyed. Because the Nurture a Child e-newsletter and web site was birthed one year ago, I find myself alive with questions bubbling forth from my heart.

First, introspection regarding my personal contributions: Just what is my cause in the world? What is my contribution and how can it best be expressed? Am I a change agent or is there something else for me to do or be? What will that look like? Where am I willing to be spiritually guided? What new awarenesses do I bring to light and life? What am I trying to accomplish and how will I know I have done so? Is the work I am doing
making a difference in the lives of children and their relationships with adults? If so, how? What do readers/people really, really want or need? Am I meeting their wants/needs? What delivery systems shall I utilize? What web site alterations shall I make to best serve readers and visitors? What are the best methods
for building compassionate community?

As a result of a year of leaps of faith, growth, fun, challenges, workshops/conferences, shifts in consciousness, connections locally and globally, creating compassionate communities, facilitating learning, new friendships
and adventures, releasing old beliefs, reading and studying, personal transformations and receiving the immeasurable gifts of the presence of children, these are the questions that are stirring within me today regarding life with children:

¤ What shift in beliefs are necessary to cease viewing children as "less than" and needing to be managed or controlled like cattle? Could it be that children are lovable and precious simply because they breathe, simply because they exist? Aren't children seeking verification of this Truth from you and me? What strategies, behaviors, or actions would disappear if we all embraced this Truth?

¤ What would happen if we removed/eliminated labels: ADD, ADHD, OCD, LD, EH, noncompliant, hyper, disabled, retarded, brat, child, gay/straight, impulsive, stupid, lazy, attention-seeking, naughty, indigo,
good/bad, right/wrong, failing, …?

¤ Is it possible that we are all born with an innate wisdom, the capacity to tap into Universal Intelligence at a moment's notice and that all possibilities already exist within? If so, then what IS our role in youngsters' lives? Revealers? Facilitators? Mentors? Partners? Way-showers? Fellow travelers? Tour guide?

¤ What would transpire if adults quit blaming, shaming, finger-pointing and guilting one another and children? What would life FEEL, LOOK and BE like with supportive and caring partnerships and communities?

¤ When will we decide we've had "ENOUGH" of the current antiquated educational system that no longer serves the needs of life, families, our planet, communities, society and children? How do we transcend the 3R's - minimum levels of proficiency - to embrace the many life-enhancing C's: compassion, community, communication, connection, choice, celebration, creativity, cooperation, collaboration, commitment, cultivation, capacities, contribution, contemplation…?

¤ When will we stop creating "test prep schools" and measuring the lowest form of knowledge (standardized tests)? How is it possible to standardize children who are individual and unique creations of Spirit? Can you imagine the panoramic horizons for children if they were emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and noncompetitively prepared, encouraged, and inspired to live, experience and express their greatness?

¤ Teachers are one of the largest groups of educated people on the planet. Why aren't they respected or viewed as professionals? Where is their voice?

¤ Why is it deemed necessary to bribe children to learn? How do reward/punishment systems interfere with
the joy of learning and authentic connections?

¤ Why are children forced to barter for "bathroom privileges" or "drinks of water" using their stickers or rewards? Aren't they entitled to have their most basic needs met? What messages are being imprinted in children when we take away this fundamental right (among many others)?

¤ Why are the two most frequently used words in education "BE QUIET"? When are children heard? Who's listening? How are we helping children come to know their own voice? Are we so intent on cramming in information that we neglect to connect with what is alive within their hearts and minds? What pearls of wisdom has a child shared with you today?

¤ How do we simplify and cherish our lives and children's lives to live Soul-fully Self-realized?

¤ When will we stop giving away our power allowing politicians/government to decide what they "think" is best
for children's well-being?

¤ What are the best practices for honoring a child's natural grace and rhythm - their unique way of relating to
and experiencing the world? What does it mean to value variety and diversity? What hidden treasures are we willing to help children mine and appreciate about themselves?

¤ How do we let go of criticism and embrace compassion, stop chastising and begin cherishing?

¤ How is it that children amazingly and intuitively reflect or mirror what is stirring within us at any given moment?

¤ Why do we need to keep creating laws, bill of rights and/or declarations to protect and preserve children and childhood?

¤ As a community and collective consciousness, what can we BE and DO to champion children in realizing
their pure potentiality? How do we create new partnerships for fostering change? How do we gently ease into
and welcome transformation?

¤ And my eternal favorite, as posed by two fourth grade students last spring, "Who created God?"

WHAT QUESTIONS ARE ALIVE IN YOU?
I am wondering if this is a practice you'd be willing to explore - for yourself or children? (Have you tuned into the kinds of questions children ask???) Would you be willing to stop right now (or a more convenient time) to
engage in a few minutes of reflection, contemplation or meditation to see what questions regarding children, parenting, education, learning, relationships, compassion or otherwise are percolating within? I invite you to
send me an email of what inquiries are stirring in you. I really want to know. (Inquiring minds want to know!) Looking at the questions above, I have enough topics to write about for another year. Yet, I also want to
respond to your burning questions. If you are uncomfortable with emailing or want to remain anonymous, then
I suggest you send your questions to the P O Box listed at the end of the newsletter.

ANOTHER INVITATION
I value this growing community of like hearts, our connections and your honesty. Would you be willing to take
an additional few moments to respond to any or all of the questions below or create your own question if you'd like? Your contribution to Nurture a Child's evolution is welcome and warmly received.

OR Would you be willing to write a testimonial on how Nurture A Child's e-newsletter or personal connections/consultations with me have touched or contributed to your life? If so, please indicate how you want to be identified (name, profession, initials, anonymous or other) for future printed materials or website.

In joyous celebration of a Spirit-filled and blessed year,
Love, Light and Deep Gratitude,
Adrian Reznik

NURTURE A CHILD "NUGGETS"
I stumbled upon this beautiful covenant that I must share with you all. Enjoy!

We find these joys to be self evident:
That all children are created whole, endowed with innate
intelligence, with dignity and wonder, worthy of respect.

The embodiment of life, liberty and happiness,
children are original blessings,
here to learn their own song.

Every girl and boy is entitled
to love, to dream and belong to a loving "village."
And to pursue a life of purpose.

We affirm our duty
to nourish and nurture the young,
to honor their caring ideals as the heart of being human.

To recognize the early years as the foundation of life,
and to cherish the contribution of young children
to human evolution.

We commit ourselves to peaceful ways
and vow to keep from harm or neglect
these, our most vulnerable citizens.

As guardians of their prosperity
we honor the bountiful Earth
whose diversity sustains us.

BOOK DONATIONS FOR DEWEY. Jim Scott, a friend and colleague has a request. The town of Dewey, AZ
is without a library. The town has been working very hard to develop a community library. Donations were made and on their way. A local citizen was collecting donations, and unfortunately her house burned down this past week ruining everything. Jim is collecting books to help them in their quest of developing this important community resource. Jim intends to deliver the books/donations on the first Saturday in December. Any type
of books are acceptable as their collection was pretty dated. To contribute to this worthy cause, contact Jim
by phone at 623-572-5086 or by email to make arrangements jscott@mcazschools.org

WON'T YOU COME JOIN ME?
Hi, my name is Ian. I'm almost 4 years old and I have autism. Ilike jumping, tickling, playingmusical instruments, counting and the ABC's. I am a fun guy! I am looking for other fun people who would like to come play with me!
We invite you to join our special son in a unique, volunteer experience. Be part of an exciting and energetic child-centered program. No experience working with children necessary! We will provide training and ongoing feedback for your success!

We are looking for volunteers that:

Ian's program is based on the Option Process™ described in the book Son-Rise. This approach emphasizes
an attitude of love and acceptance and teaches a format that is gentle and profoundly respectful of an autistic child's world. Won't you join us in this wonderful opportunity? Please call Ian's Mom and Dad (Pam and Stan)
at 480-570-1294. Or email us at stanpam123@qwest.net We are located near I-10 and Chandler Blvd in Ahwatukee.