My Wednesday Walk was different. I had company! Great company:)
Friend, who became Hivean
Hivean, who became friend
Fun kid, and future Hivean - Anais
Of course, it was a Wednesday Walk in nature along the seafront in Moalboal, full of laughter and things that made us smile.
Observing the excitement and the joy our future Hivean, Anais (6 years old) felt from being outdoor and playing in nature, got me thinking:
'How much as parents, guardians, adults, do we take the time to ensure that while we're adjusting and coping with world crisis and changes, that our children conceptualize what is happening in the world?'
I started to reflect on my childhood and the person that I was at her age, and acknowledged that I would have struggled to understand that the world wasn't coming to an end, if I was told that I could not run up and down the streets, ride my bicycle, sneak to look at naked adults on the beach or climbing trees to pick ripe fruit from any bearing tree in sight, to sustain myself, while I played outdoors all day long.
I would have been absorbed with fear and worry - about my Mum, Dad and siblings, my neighbours, teachers and school friends.
Mind you, I would have used my imagination to create my own happiness, but that same creative imagination would have made we hesitant to play for the fear of the unknown, and what could or would happen if I didn't wear a mask and protective gear, that I was told to wear.
Whether we believe it or not, we are the role models for our children.
Children live what they learn, and children learn what they live.
The subconscious mind is powerful!
As children are spending more time at home (I know kids can be "little wretches" at times, because I once was) let's not neglect them.
It's important to abide by rules and regulations, but at the same time, they are the future.
Children are learning from the NOW.
What they observe from adults, what they see, grasp and experience, will play an integral part in how they deal, approach and cope with adversity as adults.
One of the things that made me smile while walking along the beach, was the way children (Anais) in particular, navigated her way fearlessly through the rocks and slippery seabed, unlike us adults.
Children laugh more and see humour in everything, so spend time with them.
It's important for children to play, and spending time in nature helps them to discover and analyze concepts about life and gives them a better understanding of the world.
As they say:
"Look deep into nature and you'll understand everything better."
Thank you so much for reading.
I feel privileged to live on this beautiful stretch on the seafront (even if it's just a temporary moment of my life), and I'm filled with joy to share this beauty with everyone else, whether virtually or in live and living colour.
Live colourfully folks!