Desire Enlightenment? Shadow a Child
- Aubrey Stetter-Hesselberg
- Jun 23, 2017
- 3 min read
There is no limit to how captivating children are to watch, for a number of unique reasons. Their seemingly fearless approach to any potentially exciting endeavor (even if tackled with some caution and if the result of their efforts seems somewhat mundane to the onlooker) seems confident, determined, and drenched in complete certainty of success. It is almost like the concept of failure does not exist in their reality. If an objective is only partially accomplished, their defeat is brief and their bounce-back with new direction to another adventure is mere seconds away from commencement.
Many grownups do not so confidently attempt tackling a similarly challenging objective with such unwavering stamina. In the instances in which self-confidence is there from the onset, one can be certain that after one bad review or some inevitable detours, this assuredness will start to diminish. A deeply headstrong individual may throw some gasoline on the fire and forge ahead anyway, even if they are now at risk for starting everything around them ablaze. Other adults can hardly imagine anything outside their current routine. In a forced situation in which they have no choice but to take on a new challenge, they will get from point A to point B as safely as possible, like an inexperienced swimmer hanging on to the edge of the pool as they creep their way around the edge, gradually getting to their destination but inevitably expending much more time and effort to do so.
The unintentional, casual, and completely passive way children can build friendships is astounding as well. Theoretically, one could throw a handful of children into the same safe space and within an hour it is nearly guaranteed that they will either be in the throes of mutual play, or have decided to peacefully co-exist individually. It is also completely reasonable to assume that at least one of the alpha children in the room may have attempted to bend one of their new acquaintances' freewill at some point through clever negotiation or bartering of some type. Nevertheless, these attempts will eventually seise if the child being approached with these proposals shows absolutely no interest in the offer. Ultimately, this group will simply live with and accept the others' decisions to live as they so choose.
The question that we must ask is, "What happened to us?" What caused such jadedness in our adult lives? What circumstances have created generations that choose to stay in the 'safe zone,' even if that means risking never intentionally encountering a more satisfying life? Where does the self-empowerment from our childhood vacation off to once we hit adulthood? Although there are infinite reasons and/or excuses that we can hypothesize for each individualized adult outcome, there undoubtedly is a common thread. Us. We are the commonality within all these questions. We have allowed life to happen to us and stopped approaching life with a genuine enthusiasm, vigor, and childlike perspective. Thus, we have created a world that makes it more difficult and daunting to approach our dreams with an excitement resembling that of a child. We have to change us.
Another question we must ask.. "What can we grownups learn from our children?" What can we wise, worldly, experienced adults learn from the inexperienced, sheltered, and ignorant?
Approach everything you do in life (by choice or by force) with a lighthearted perspective and joyous curiosity! Children go all out! They have boundless energy throughout the day because they make everything they do something of interest! Even when they are required to do things they do not initially want to do, they will find a way to either make it fun, or satisfactorily get it done and move on to something that makes their heart sing.
Be open to possibilities! To a child, each and everyday has limitless potential. When they wake up on a Wednesday that starts and eventually ends like any other Wednesday, they still have great variability throughout the day in terms of their experience, ideas, and inquisitiveness. No day is truly dull because they make every moment as unique as possible.
Accept what you cannot change. Although they may kick and scream initially, children eventually let go of things they can do nothing about. They do not continuously dwell on things that are consistently not the way they would otherwise choose. They let go of what they cannot change and focus their energy on working with the toys, tools, and situations that are versatile in their eyes.
It doesn't truly matter if you are young or old. Those who have life 'figured out' are those who live genuinely, unbridled, and unafraid. Live your truth and you will experience deep satisfaction every step of the way.
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