HOW DID THE ROSE EVER OPEN ITS HEART
AND GIVE TO THE WORLD
ALL ITS BEAUTY?
IT FELT THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF LIGHT
AGAINST ITS BEING.
OTHERWISE, WE ARE REMAIN TOO FRIGHTENED.
~ HAFIZ
Remembering the delicate young flowers of our world today. The Children.
Do you remember what was in the news when you were in Elementary School or Middle School? I may be mixing up fire drills, tornado drills and nuclear war drills, but I remember practice runs where we rolled out of windows or took cover under our desks.
I remember being afraid of a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union, and yet, I’m pretty sure hiding under the desks would not have saved us. The Cold War was in the news daily, and it was reinforced in school. It permeated the culture, and left the children of the day coated in fear like suites of armor.
How is the news of current affairs affecting the children in your life? Every day brings news of another scandal, speculation about tough times ahead, divisive rhetoric and threats of controversy and violence. And now there is fake news, shaking trust in even the most trusted sources.
It’s hard enough being a child in today’s world. Our children need a safe space to express what is on their minds – openly and freely, without judgment. They need to be heard and reassured, just like adults.
Perhaps this weekend you can take time to practice your active listening skills. We never know what will come out of the mouth of a young child when we create a safe space and invite them to share what’s on their minds and in their hearts. And when they speak, be careful not to discredit them. Give love and hugs, then reassurance. If we make them feel wrong, they will be less likely to share in the future.
We want to create a safe space for their delicate flowers to open and emit their fragrance into the world. As Hafiz says, we need to give them the encouragement of light, with unconditional love and hugs. Otherwise, we all remain too frightened.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders – each a bright star that is ready to shine.
May you and the children in your life have a beautiful, blessed weekend!
With love and gratitude,
Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS
