Monday, May 9, 2016

Be Humble

The first time that I read Charlotte's Web, I thought Charlotte was just teaching her little friend interesting words and their definitions.  I totally ignored Charlotte's actions of explaining their meanings without using words herself.  Look at the word "humble". 

Surely it is Charlotte and her creative work that is humble: she asks for no prizes, no recognition, only the assurance that her best friend will be spared from the Christmas table. In a world where few people seem connected enough to nature and open to the beauty of the world because they are constantly seeking success, power or wealth, Charlotte represents a truly humble soul who needs nothing more than her feelings to create a miracle. Her love for Wilbur is enough to do that.  (excerpt from Charlotte's Web Summary)

As a parent, I always dream about my own children's successes.  Is it because I am looking for power and wealth in their future lives?  I may have thought about it indirectly.  How much do I have to get involved and advocate them?  I paused for a moment.  The point is what kind of success you are talking about as well as what kind of power and wealth.

Power of choice, for instance.  If your child is confident enough to make great decisions in his life, that's his success.  That is the power.  Another example is wealth of knowledge.  If your child always enjoys new knowledge, that's her success.  She will have a rich knowledge to fulfill her life and continue her desire to learn.

Failure.  Let your child fail.  If your child struggles, searches for answers, and finds a way to flip his disappointment into triumph, that process is called "success".  Don't give him answers easily.  I humbly advocate my children by letting them take risks.  I want them to feel successful by being able to enjoy themselves and their lives.  It will be "Terrific"!

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Break from the Silence

There once was a boy in Japan who had been sleeping for the last three years.  As he slept, he grew.  His arms and legs outgrew from his bed.  Although his parents worried, of course, they laid back because he looked content, happy, and like he was growing so strong.  One day, out of the blue, he woke up.  "Mother, Father, I have a duty.  I must go."  He had been thinking about how he could protect his village from the evil villain in his sleep.  Or perhaps he had pretended to be sleeping all along.  Off he went.  Face to face.  He recruited some helpers and got this evil villain out of the village.  The villagers appreciated this boy's action and respected the importance of "Thinking time".........

I finally break my silence like this boy.  I haven't seen a villain in my life nor have I found some tactic for brilliant ideas.  But I feel like I have stored a good amount of energy during the long silence.  I have been practicing mindfulness at home and at the classroom every day starting shortly before the break from my blog.  I also started a gratitude journal with my family.  I tried to make at least one compliment randomly every day.  I continued exercise and yoga.  There have been ups and downs, however, all experiences became my blood.

People need breaks and rest.  I now understand this.  It is okay to be tired.  It is okay to take a break whether it's long or short.  I have learned that I feel peaceful when I can accept who I am.  I keep the on-off balance so I can make a happy outcome for me, the people around me, and our community.