Children&Metaphysics

OpeningChildrenToTheirSpiritualLife
WrittenbyCarolynHoppe,M.A.
Youngchildrenarealreadyneartothelightastheyhaveanintimateandintuitiveawarenessoftheworldthat isstillfresh.Inactuality,itisthechildrenwhoareourteachers.Theyremindusofourspiritualselvesbybeingwholly in the moment. Children are already in their spiritual beingness. They teach by example through their innocence, purity, and their natural connection to the divine. They are truly in the moment. Their spiritual experiences and capacitiesshapetheirlivesastheinnateawarenessoftheirownspiritualitymodelsforusareminderofourspiritual nature.Itisnotabouthelpingthemreachupandtranscend,itismoreaboutdrawingoutthespiritualitythatisalready there.Ourtaskistogivethemspaceandtimetoexploretheirownsacredinnerworld. As we make practices to nourish the spirit within ourselves, we teach our children to do the same by example. We are providing children with an opportunity to develop a connection to a higher power, which increasestheirsenseofsecurity,confidenceandwellbeing.Weareheretohelpthemtoseethebiggerpictureoflife andshowthemthatthereisaspiritualplacetoturnforcomfortandprotection.Atthesametime,itisvitalthatwe beopento beingthestudentandenablethechildto be theteacher.Thereisgreatwisdom thatcomesoutofthe mouthsofbabes. Wecancreatespiritualawarenessinourchildrenbyusingeverydayoccurrencesasteachingmoments. Oneofthegreatestlessonschildrenhavetoteachadultsistheenergyofawe,whichbringsaspiritualattitudeto thewholenessoflife.Adultscanusesomelessonsonhowtobemoreopenandappreciatelifewithfresheyes, without expectations or judgments. Children learn early to protect themselves from the world, to judge, and manipulateit.Wemustencouragethemtostayopentothemomentastheyinspireustodothesame. Aspirituallifeincludeswondersofdelightthroughthesenses.Delightisanaffirmationofspirit.Itnourishesour spirit,liketakingadailydoseofvitaminsnourishesourphysicalbody.Childrenshowusdelighteffortlessly,astheyfeelit withtheirwholebodynaturally.Wecantaketheirleadandjoininonthejoyofbeingaliveonthisplanet.Thisspiritual awarenessunfoldswithwisdominthedirectionoflove,creatingmomentsthatopentheheartandallowittotuneintospirit. Activities that celebrate aliveness such as dancing, singing, laughing, and playing can facilitate an openingoftheheartandestablishaspiritualdialoguewithinonesselfandbeyond.Wecanmonitorourselvesby asking:havewehadourdoseofdelight?Takingthetimetonoticebeauty,laughandsingdailyareexpressionsof joyanddelight.Theyarethemomentsthatnourishourspirit.Spiritualconnectionscomethroughthesemoments ofwonder,andsetthestagetoexploreandseebeyondthephysicalrealm. Wearespiritualbeingshavingahumanexperience.TobinHartsaysinhisbook,TheSecretSpiritualWorld OfChildren(2003),SpiritualityisanintimateinfluenceofthedivineinourlivesSpiritualmomentsaredirect, personal,andoftenhavetheeffect,ifonlyforamoment,ofwakingusupandexpandingourunderstandingof who we are and what our place is in the universe. It involves an invitation to dwell as near as possible to the channel in which our light, or spiritual essence, flows. Spiritual direction is not only of the mind, but is understoodasamatteroftheheart. Spirituality entails reaching from inside oneself to something transcendent. Some come near that light throughserviceordevotion.Somefindincomprehensibleonenessinnature.Othersfindthespiritualineveryday moments with children. Spirituality may be seen as a worldview and as a process of development. How we address the answers to the questions of who am I and what am I doing here? affect the way we live in the world.Askingthedeepquestionscanformthecoreofspiritualidentityandonespurposeinlife.Thepursuitof spiritualityinthesesimpleandjoyfulwaysempowersourchildrenaswellasourselves.

SpiritualParenting
The task of spiritual development is to expand our awareness of discovering who we really are. It is a matter of connecting consciously to a spiritual life by developing interpersonal sensitivity and creating an environmentconducivetospiritualexperiences.Thewayinwhichaparentprovideslimitshasaprofoundaffect on this environment. Children learn their boundaries through the parents actions, and how the parent approachesthisissuewillbecentraltothechilddevelopingasetofvalueswithwhichtoviewtheworld.Inthis way,spiritualvaluesarepassedfromonegenerationtothenext. Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 1

ThispointisdetailedinTheSecretSpiritualWorldOfChildren(2003)whenHartsays,Ourchildrendonot belongtous;theybelongtotheirownsoulandcalling.Parentsarethehostandguideforchildrentoenterand exploretheworld.Spiritualguidescomeinallformssuchasparents,teachers,relatives,friends,andneighbors. Spiritualfriendsarerolemodels,listeners,nurturers,andmirrorsinwhichchildrencanfindtheirownreflection, providingaspiritualdaytodayrelationshiptotheuniquenessoftheirsoul.Spiritualparentingistrulythework ofaguidetochildren. Allowchildrenspacetofail.Dontrescuethemfromthepainofthelesson.Ifchildrendonthavespaceto maketheirownmistakesandlearnfromthoselessons,youaredoingthemadisservice.Justthewayourguardian angelsallowustomakeourownmistakesanddontsaveusfromourlessons,thisishowwemustallowchildren the space to experience cause and effect. Be there for them when they have received the repercussions for their actionsandhelpthemunderstandthatitisstillOKtomakemistakes.Thisisavaluablepartoftheirgrowth. Groundingactivitiessuchasexercise,massage,drinkingwater,eating,deepbreaths,bighugs,lettingouta loudmoan,singingandjustplayingoutsidehelpschildrentofullyinhabittheirbodies.Showchildrenhowtolistento theirheartsbypayingattentiontotheirfeelingsaboutsomething.Listeningwiththeheartturnsthefocusinwardin ordertounderstand,toappreciate,andtoloveothers.Ourjobistosupport,inspire,affirm,respect,andvaluetheir innerlife.Itistheresponsibilityofparentstocreateanatmospherethatsupportschildrenindiscoveringwhotheyare. Hart details this responsibility by saying, The greatest task is to understand the child, to hold and behold our children. This is facilitated by allowing children the freedom to play and pursue interests, to experiment,makechoicesandmistakes,andexplorefeelingsandthoughts.Heexplainsthefollowingmethodto reallyseeintoyourchild:Foramoment,lookatachild,whetherinyourmindorfacetofaceThroughtheeye ofyourheart,stareintheabsorbedwaythatchildrenoftenstare.Letyourselffallintothischildwithopenness, curiosity, and simple appreciation. The goal is to see and feel him or her without judgment and just pure recognition.Youhavereachedintotheheartofthechildintheonlywaypossiblethroughyourownheart.You begintofeelthespiritofthatchild,toseehimorherasaperfect,radiant,andmysteriousbeing. Itisimportanttocreatequiettimeforthechild,asthisfostersintrospectionandcreativity.Inaddition, the parent can further their childs creative flow by providing breaks in the minds routine. Activities such as doodling, hopping, running, changing body posture, walking in a silly way, thinking out loud, humming, singing,takingabath,orjustswitchingthecolorofthepenthechildisusingallhavepossibilitiesforcreative variation. Encountering the unexpected or taking a vacation can provide a context for creative action and interaction.Allthesethingscanbreaktheautomaticthoughtprocessandfreethemindtoopenintothepresent moment,wherewisdomlives. Adultscanhelpchildrentodistinguishbetweentheiregodesiresandtheirhigherself,orbetweenawarningof theuniverseandafearofthesubconscious.Framingquestionssuchas:Whichchoicefeelsbetter?Whatdoesyourheart say?Whatdoyoufeel?Whenyoutrustyourchildsinnersense,youhelpthemtotrustandlistentotheirownintuition. HartpointsoutinTheSecretSpiritualWorldOfChildren(2003),Atanymomentchildrencanlistenwith theirheartbysimplybeingquietforafewmoments,takingadeepbreath,andgentlybringingawarenesstothe areaoftheirchest.Hesuggeststhatweinvitechildrentofindtheirownsource,usingimaginationasagateway. Envisionconnectingtoanangel,orwisehealingprotector,andaskquestionssuchas:Isthereaplacethatyou canseeinyourmindthatfeelssafe?Imaginesomeonewhowouldbeabletohelpyouwiththisproblem,what would this person do? What might the angels advise you to do? Invite them to call forth something they appreciate(afavoritemoment,afriend,orafeelingofjoy).Thisteacheschildrenwaystoturntheirattentionfrom conflicttoabetterfeelingplace. Mindfulness is an intentional spiritual discipline, and as a parent, it is often necessary to be a non judgmentalwitnessoftheexpressionsofthechildsthoughtsandfeelings.Inthechallengesofparenting,there willcomeatimewhenyouhearyourownparentsvoicesrisingwithin.Itgenerallymanifestsasatendencyto withholdloveasamessageofdisapproval.Bringingmindfulnesstoparentinginvitesustopauseinwardly,take abreath,andaskourselvessomesimplequestions.Hartsuggestsweaskthefollowing:Whatisthisissuereally about? Is there a better way through this? Whats the real lesson here? Where am I right now? How am I withholdingmylovetothischildandeventomyself?HowcanIbeofservicetothischild?WhatisthebestI havetooffer?HowcanIbegentleandlovingwithmyowninnerchild?Thesequestionswillgiveonecauseto stopandconsiderthealternativestothatvoiceofjudgmentthatonelearnedfromthepreviousgeneration.

Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences

The process of questioning ones parenting methods is vital to the evolution of spiritual values. As we questionourbeliefs,wegiveourchildrentheroomtoquestionthemeaningoftheirexperiences. Inordertoengageinspiritualparenting,itisvitaltohaveaperspectiveofthebiggerpictureoflife.Itis about maintaining a daily spiritual routine. This can fulfill the souls purpose by enabling children, as well as ourselves, to discover who we really are as spiritual beings. Spiritual parenting is about following intuitive strategiestofacilitatespiritualityinchildren.Itisamatterofexploringvariouswaysofconnectingtothedivine, whichistheessenceofnurturingthespirit.Usingnaturetowitnessthebeautyoflifewillprovidethatsenseof connectedness, and creates awareness of the lessons of each moment. On this path, children learn respect and appreciationfortheirworldastheyjourneytodiscoverandexploretheirbeing.

SpiritualGiftedness
Thetermspiritualgiftednessisdefinedasbeinggiftedinaspiritualway.Spirituallygiftedchildrenare abletoquicklylearnhowtomeditate,haveknowledgeofoneshigherspirit,haveexperiencesthatconfirman afterlife,orperhapstheyhaveverystrongintuitionorpsychicskills. In Where Two Worlds Touch (1990), Gloria D. Karpinski says, In a society that all but worships the rational, we are sometimes threatened by an encounter with the unknown. Its no longer out there, like the mysteries of space that we trust science will explain one day. When something extraordinary occurs to us, we oftenlooktoourreligiousleaderstotellusifitsgoodoreviljustlikewhenwedidntunderstandstormsand thoughttheGodswereangry. Religiondoesnothavealltheanswers.Themannerinwhichsocietieshavedealtwithpsychicallygifted peoplevariesbetweenhonor,ridicule,persecution,andevendeath.Peoplewithpsychicabilitieshavebeenseen as either Gods messengers or Gods enemies. As we all have an IQ, we also have a Psi Q, a psychic quotient, whichisthepotentialwithinallhumansforperceivingandinteractingwithnonphysicalrealities. The word psychic means pertaining to the soul or mind. Therefore teaching psychic skills will help childrendevelopandusetheirmindstoagreaterdegree.Whywouldanyonedisagreewiththis?Itisoftquoted that humans only use about 10% of the brain. What would be wrong with increasing this capacity? Other purposesofdevelopingpsychicskillscouldbetodevelopimagination,visualizationandcreativity.Learningto tuneintointuitioncanhelpustodevelopandlearnwithoutfear. Karpinskialsowrites,Apsychicallyskilledpersonhasreceivingequipmentthatistunedtoinformation passing through the ether. The ether is the connecting medium of all life. Thoughts, words, symbols, personal history, ideals, feelings, it all moves out from us into the ether like waves Beliefs, strong emotions, even memoriesform patterns in the waves.When thesepatterns meet beliefs andemotions ofother people, they do one of several things: If the wave patterns are alike, they can intertwine with each other and build a stronger emotionorbelief,ortheycancanceleachotheroutorproducecontrastingandopposingpatterns. Mostofthetimewefocusonourownpersonalphysicalreality,andweareunawareofthewavesthat bombard us all the time. We may not know why, but we sense and react to them. Good spiritual training promotesbalanceandintegration,andleavesusopentothepossibilitiesofthemind.Everythingthathappensto usisforapurpose,whichbringsustoagreaterunderstandingofourselves.

Crystal&IndigoChildren
The following is taken from Wendy Chapmans article Whats An Indigo Child? (2006, www.metagifted.org) Crystal and Indigo are terms given to describe energy patterns and aura colors of a new breed of millennium, children with an important purpose. They have unique characteristics: intuitive, psychic, clairvoyant, highly intelligent,creative,physicallyandemotionallysensitive.TheIndigogenerationprecedestheCrystalgeneration, themaindifferencebeingtheirtemperamentandpurpose. Indigos are approximately age 7 through 25. Indigos have a mission on earth to bring the planet into ascension. Some characteristics of Indigo children are advanced creativity, intuition, empathy, intelligence and spirituality.Theyarethewarriorspiritscuttingthroughtheoldsystemsandbeliefs,andbringinghumanityinto anewwayofbeingandthinking.Theyareheretoraisethevibrationoftheplanet.Theyexperienceathinnerveil of separation between the spirit world and the earth. Some display an attention deficit disorder and rebellion againstauthority.Mostcansensedishonestyandmanipulationlikeadogcansensefear. Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 3

 Crystal children are approximately between the ages of 07 years, possessing distinctive, large, penetratingeyesthatarewisebeyondtheiryears.Whentheireyeslockonyou,youfeelthemscanningyoursoul. Theyarehighlyevolvedlightworkers,delightful,happyandforgiving.Theyareblissful,eventemperedandvery connectedspiritually.Theirpurposeistobringinunconditionalloveenergytotheearth. They may have delayed speech, as they communicate so well telepathically. They have been called incarnatedangelsastheyspontaneouslyhugandcareforpeopleinneed.Theyalsohaveacloserelationshipwith theelderly,animals,plantsandrocks.Ifyouareaparenttooneofthesespecialchildrenyouhavebeengivena gift.Youhavethehonortohelpthemdeveloptotheirfullestpotential.

TeachingSpiritualityThroughDailyLife
Wecanteachchildrenspiritualitybyexplainingtothemwhattheworldmeansandhowitworks.One wayisbyshowingthemhowholdingspecificthoughtsinourconsciousnessbringsitallabout.Ofcourse,thereis nothingthatteacheschildrenbetterthanbytheexamplethatweset.Actionsandattitudesspeakfarlouderthan anywordsevercould.Throughthedailyactivitiesoflife,childrencanremindushowtoopenourhearts,love others,andtobeinthepresentmoment.Theprocess,then,isbidirectional.Asthechildrenremindusbytheir example,wearealsotheninspiredtoliveourspiritualitywiththem.

TalkingToChildrenAboutGod
InhisbookTalkingToYourChildAboutGod(1994),psychologistDavidHellerdiscusseshowwecanhelp ourchildrenmakeorstrengthentheirownpersonalconnectionwithGod.Hegivessomeideasonwhatwecould saywhenourchildrenaskusaboutGod.Ifwestartwiththeideathat[children]havesomekindofspirituality whentheyreborn,thenwhatweneedtodoisfigureouthowitisgrowinginthem,whatGodisdoinginthem nothowwecanstuffthemwithGod.Askingopenendedquestions,suchasWhatdoyouthink?willallow themtofurtherexplorewhattheyarefeelingandwillhelpthemfindwaystoputthemselvesintouchwithhisor herinnerlife.Themorecomfortabletheyarewiththeirinnerworld,theeasieritwillbetocommunewithGod. AskyourchildabouthisorherviewonlifeandGod.Childrencanexploretheirfeelingsbydrawinga picture of their concept of the divine. Their view can undoubtedly be expanded by talking about the different conceptsinvariousreligiouspersuasions. TeachingTheSpiritDayByDay(fromTeachingSpirituality:GiveYourChildrenALessonTheyCanFollow AllYear,2004,byNikittaA.Fostonatwww.findarticles.com).Teachingchildrenaboutthespiritwithinthemand howthatspiritaffectsotherpeople,theirenvironmentandthehappinessofothersisalessonthatcanbelearned everyday...Teachthroughexamplesuchthingsasintegrity,responsibility,andhonorWhenyouhelpchildren tobelieveinthemselvesyouareteachingthemthebeginningoffaith.Aschildrengrowconfidenceintheirown innerpowertheydevelopthefaiththattheycanchangetheworldaroundthem. Fostonsuggeststhatweteachchildrenabouttheimportanceofsharingtheirtalents,time,andspiritwith others.Somewaystoaccomplishthisaretovisitsomeoneinneedorexpressgratitude.Fostonalsorecommends weprovideexperiencesofsacrificeforchildrenbyencouragingthemtopartwithsomethingofvalue.

Compassion
Compassion is willingness to open our hearts to one another. A natural way to express this is through giving.MotherTeresasaid,Tome,Godandcompassionareoneandthesame.Compassionisthejoyofsharing. Itsdoingthesmallthingsfortheloveofeachotherjustasmile,orcarryingabucketofwater,orshowingsome simplekindnessthefruitofloveisservice,whichiscompassioninaction. Thefollowingsuggestionsmayhelpbringmoreawarenesstoopeningacompassionateheart:Collectstories ofpeopleofferinghope.Takechildrenoutintothecommunitytolookforwayspeopleareinvolvedinhelpingothers. SharestoriesofgreatteacherssuchasJesus,Buddha,Ghandi,MartinLutherKingJr.,orMotherTeresa.Nourishthe seeds of compassion by uncluttering the mind. Use prayer, guided imagery, relaxation and silence to help clear a childs mind. In their imaginations, children can meet God in whatever form speaks to them. The child can talk to angels,orflyacrosstheworldtobringloveandflowersofpeacewheretheyareneeded,oranythingtheycanimagine. Thelimitationsoftimeandspacedisappearintherealmofprayerandholycontemplation. Look for opportunities to offer compassion. As Albert Schweitzer said, Open your eyes and look for some person, or some work for the sake of humanity, which needs a little time, a little friendship, a little Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 4

sympathy,alittletoil.Seeifthereisnotsomeplacewhereyoumayinvestyourself.Nurturingthisattitudeof compassionputsusinaplaceofsharingourtimeinservicetohumanity.

Gratitude
ExpressyourgratitudedailyandoutloudtothechildreninyourlifemoreoftenthanThanksgivingtime. Gratitudeisagreathealerandbringsusoutofdespairintoahigherfrequency.ItisaprayertoGodthathelpsto align us with His will. The heart sings as it vibrates with the feeling of appreciation. Think of what youre thankful forevery morning andaskotherswhattheyarethankfulfor.Thinkofhowaspecialpersonorpetin your life makes you feel. To increase your vibration of gratitude send that person a warm thought of your feelings of thanks. Express your gratitude through a note, a hug that lasts a little longer, or a prayer that acknowledgesthatpersonsplaceinyourlife. Trainyourselftobegratefulforeachchallengethatcomes.Hartsays,Gratitudeisanenergythatworks miraclesinallourdimensionsGratitudereleasesatremendoushealingpowerwithinthestructureofourcells; itislikeaminiatureatomicexplosionGratitudeactuallyenergizesyourprayersandintentions.Asyouchoose tobegrateful,itbecomesahabitthatisveryempoweringbyunlockingthepowerofconsciouschange.

Forgiveness
Forforgivenesstobeapurposeful,intentionalaction,itisbesttocreateaforgivingenvironmentwithin yourself.Thiswillenableaparenttoteachbyexample,becauseonlywhenonehastrulyfoundforgivenesscan thatparentmodelthebehavior. To begin the internal part of this process, set a time to practice forgiveness in a peaceful environment. Closeyoureyes,takeadeep,cleansingbreathe,andfeelyourmusclesrelax.Thiswillallowyoutoreleasetension fromthebody.Next,placethepersonyouareupsetwithinfrontofyouinyourmindseye.Visualizeinsidethe personsbody,pasttheoffendingactionstowhoheorshereallyis,achildofGod,wholeandbeautiful.Seethe personsheartatitspureststate,radiatingtheinnerbeautyandlightthatisthetrueself. Noticewhathappenstoyourangerwhenyoufocusontheotherpersonsinnerbeauty.Thefeelingsof hurt and anger will begin to melt from your body as your heart softens and you focus on the persons light shiningthrough.Imagineyourownheartslightshiningbrighternow,fillingwithcompassionandunconditional love.Then,whenyoufeelthatsenseofforgivenessthatissooftenexperiencedasrelief,visualizereachingyour hand out, projecting a beam oflight that streams from your hand to the other persons hand or heart. Imagine yourheartslightbecomingbrighterandmoreintense,radiatinginalldirectionspureandstrong. Allowthislighttoilluminatethispersonsothatyoucanlookintothesoulandseethelessonoflovethis opportunityoffersyou.Perhapsyouhaveagiftofgratitudetoofferforthislesson,perhapstheotherpersonhasone foryou.Finally,breatheinafeelingofinnerpeaceandcalmness.Whenyoufeelready,slowlyopenyoureyesand bring yourself back into the present moment. To reinforce the permanency of this forgiveness, you may want to drawapictureofwhatyouimagined,withyourselfandthekeyelementsofthisinternaljourneyfeatured. Yourownexperienceoftheforgivenessprocessprovidesaverypowerfulexample,evenifthechilddoes not actually see this process take place. It is in the holding of these thoughts that alters our consciousness to peace. A technique to assist a child in their own forgiveness is to address the circumstance of the child feeling wrongedbyanother.Whenachildisupsetbyanotherperson,youcanhelphimorhertomovepasttheanger, hurt,andfeelingsofinjusticebyaskingthechildwhattheotherpersonmighthavebeenthinkingorfeeling.This helps children move past blame and facilitates the development of empathy. Fostering a forgiving attitude can bring harmony and peace to a spiritual life. Of course, the exercise just described is an excellent guided meditationyoucandowithyourchildwhenitistimeforhimorhertolearntheartofforgiveness.

Prayer
Prayer is a gift to and from a loving God. Prayer gives us a way to communicate gratitude and seek guidanceinourlives.Itisanactofworshipthatinvolveslisteningaswellastalking.Throughprayerwecanfind guidanceandloveoftheHolySpirit.Theritualoffamilyprayercreatesastrengthandunityofthefamily. Aspiritualfamilybondcanbecreatedbyusingprayerforthingssuchascomfort,protectionandgratitude. Helpchildrentounderstandthatadivineplanisthereanditcanbringwisdomtomakegoodchoices.Thebestway toteachchildrenaboutprayeristoshowthembyexampleandprayyourself! Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 5

Sharingwithchildrenhowprayerhasworkedforotherscanincreasetheirfaith.Therehavebeenstudies that have proven prayer works to improve the healing of patients in hospitals. Names of patients and their conditions were given to prayer groups to pray for until they were discharged. The study found that these patientswhowereprayedoverrecoveredfasterandneededlessantibiotics. Paula Fellingham says in Solutions For Families (2000) that Dr. William Nolen, who had written a book questioningthevalidityoffaithhealing,acknowledged,Ifthisisavalidstudy,wedoctorsoughttobewriting on our order sheets, Praythree times a daySome studies have shown that a simple Thy will be done was morepowerfulthanspecificresultsheldinthemind.Inmanyexperiments,asimpleattitudeofprayerfulness,an all pervading sense of holiness and a feeling of empathy, caring and compassion seemed to set the stage for healingPrayerisareminderofourunboundednature,thepartofusthatisinfiniteinspaceandtime.Itisthe universesaffirmationthatwearenotalone.Theprocessofprayeraffirmsthathealingispartofthedivineplan.

Worship&Music
Worship is an act or feeling of adoration or homage. The thing we worship in life is what we adore, admire, love, and show devotion to. Ways to worship are prayer, meditation, music, and expressing gratitude. Formalworshipserviceallowsustogatherinbelovedgroupstoshareinthedivinespirit. Theworshipservicealsogiveschildrenanopportunitytobondwithothersthroughthevehicleofmusic. Childrenrespondverywelltomusic.Therejoicingdoneprovidesanexperienceofsharinginawaythatbrings theconnectednessofeachotherintotheforefrontandpresentmoment.Formany,itisaformativeexperiencethat createsareservoirofemotionsthatwillbethebasisforthedevelopmentoftheirspirituality. Throughmusicchildrencanexploretheirfeelingsandemotions.Differentsongsallowthemtocompare theirintuitiveperceptions,andwhatthesongsevokeforthem.Inthisway,childrencandiscoverhowmelody canconnectthemtothedivineinthemselves.

Meditation
Meditationisawaytorelaxandtocopewithstress.Bytakingtimeforcontemplationandreflection,one can intuitively find solutions to the challenges they face. Children respond well to visuals, so it is very easy to meditate with children by guiding them on visualization journeys. They wont get bored with this technique. Keepitaround10or15minutessincetheirattentionspanisshorterthanthatofadults. Hereisanexampleforoneofthehardertasks,whichisgettingchildrentofocusandhaveastillmind: Invitechildrentofindacomfortableplacetosit.Ringabellthreetimestosignalthebeginningoftheexercise. This can add to the power of ceremony that helps mark this as a special time. Take a few deep, slow, clearing breaths.Letyourbodyreleaseandrelax.Letanypartsofyouthatneedtowiggleorstretchdoso.Feelthegentle pullofgravityandallowthechairyouresittingonandthefloorbeneathyoutosupportyouwithoutanyeffort onyourpart.Justletgoandallowyourmindtobesilentandnotdoanythingforafewminutes. Focusonlyonyourbreathing,allowingittoflowinandoutwithouteffort.Ifyoufindyourselfthinking, distracted,workingonaproblem,dontfightit,butdontgetstuckiniteither.Justallowyourattentiontobeon your breath. Perhaps you can imagine those thoughts or concerns floating up like bubbles from under water. Whentheyreachthesurfacetheysimplyburstanddisappear.Whenyoufeeldone,ringthebellonemoretimeto indicate that the exercise is ending. As you gently come back to the room, notice the sensations of peace and claritywithinyourbody.

Nature
Naturecanbeapowerfulclassroomsettingtocontemplatethedivineinterconnectednessofthings.There are so many lessons in just observing the flow of Mother Nature. Make time to be in nature and point out the beauty. When a child is upset, standing barefoot in the grass can quickly ground him or her. The following activitiesarecreatedbyTobinHartinTheSecretSpiritualWorldOfChildren(2003). Go on an awareness walk and focus on listening with the heart. Be conscious of what is going on all aroundyou.Useallthesensestofeelnatureinyourwholebody.Noticethesoundsandsmellsaswellasthe visuals.Youcouldexpresswhatyounotice.Takeamomenttocloseyoureyesandbeinsilence,openingyour heart and breathing in the wonder and beauty of Mother Nature. You could pretend that you are an explorer fromanotherworldexperiencingearthforthefirsttime. Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 6

Share your experience of what you heard, smelled, saw, and felt. You can also draw your experience. Noticeifthereisaflower,rockortreethathasamessageforyou.Childrencanwriteaboutthelifeexperienceof thisobjectinnaturetheyhavechosen.Anotherexercisethatcancultivateappreciationandbeinginthemoment istotakeabiteofsomefruitandsavorthetasteandtextureslowly,noticingtheexperienceinyourmind.

PracticalApplications
Thefollowinglistgivesspecificsinincorporatingthespiritualprinciplesdiscussedabove.VictorM.Parachin givesexcellentdirectioninhisarticleWaysToBuildAStrongerSpiritualLifefromtheonlinemagazineVibrantLife. 1. Identifyblessings.Toooftenwegothroughlifeoblivioustothegoodthatcomesflowingintoourlives. Trythisspiritualexerciseforoneweek:Attheendofthefirstday,identifyablessingthatcametoyou from a family member. At the end of the second day, a blessing from a neighbor. Third day, from a friend. Fourth day, from a work colleague. Fifth day, from a stranger. Sixth day, from a child. On the seventhday,ablessingthatcamefromanenemy. 2. Be like Moses, speak words of blessing. One of the most beautiful and compassionate passages in the BiblecontainsthesewordsofblessingpronouncedbyMoses: MaytheLordblessyouandprotectyou. MaytheLordsmileonyouandbegracioustoyou. MaytheLordshowyouhisfavorandgiveyouhispeace(Numbers6:2426). Getcreativewithlanguage,andspeakwordsthatwilluplift,encourage,hearten,andblessotherpeople. Asyoubuildthemup,yourownspiritwillgetstronger. 3. Nurtureasharedprayerlife.Increasetheamountoftimeyouspendinprayerbysharinginprayerwithothers. 4. Take a step of faith. Today, make time to heal a wounded heart, to extend kindness to someone who really needs a friend, or to help gather up pieces of a broken dream. Today, do whatever you can to radiateGodsunconditionallove. 5. Beagratefulperson.StarteverydaywithamorningprayerofgratitudetoGodforthegiftofanewday. Dothisevenifthedayaheadappearsominous.Concludeeverydaywithaneveningprayerofgratitude toGodforthegiftoftheprecedinghours.Dothisevenifyouvehadaverytoughday. 6. Share the journey. Hook up with one other person who is seeking to grow spiritually. Agree to meet onceaweekforaperiodoftimetostudyandreflectonspiritualmatters. 7. Serve.Lookforwaystoservethecommunity,especiallytasksthatpromisenoreward,suchaspicking uplitteronthestreets.ReadandreflectontheactionofJesusinJohn13:15. 8. Cultivate a little solitude. Solitude makes us tougher toward ourselves and tender toward others; in bothwaysitimprovesourlives.SetasideafewminutestobealonejustyouandGod.Inquietnesswe turnourmindsawayfromtheproblemsoflifeandfixourthoughtsonthemindofGod. 9. Fast and pray. Prayer linked with fasting was often done by people in the Bible. Ezra 8:23 reports: So we fastedandearnestlyprayedthatourGodwouldtakecareofus,andheheardourprayer.Thenexttimeyou areaskedtoprayurgentlyforsomeoneindifficulty,considercombiningyourprayingwithsomefasting. 10. TurnworriesovertoGod.ThisisaclearteachingofScripture:GiveyourburdenstotheLord,andhe willtakecareofyou(Psalm55:22).Dothiseachtimeaworrycomesup. 11. Spreadlovewhereveryougo.ThatistheadviceofMotherTeresaofCalcutta,whoadvised:Spreadlove everywhereyougo:Firstofallinyourownhouse...Letnooneevercometoyouwithoutleavingbetter and happier. Be the living expression of Gods kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindnessinyoursmile,kindnessinyourwarmgreeting. 12. Striveforexcellence.TheBibletellsus:Whateveryoudo,dowell.(Ecclesiastes9:10)Bethebestthat youcanbeatwhateverstationinlifeGodhasplacedyou. 13. Meditate onscripture. The Bible isloaded with verses of comfort,encouragement,and wisdom. Make ita habittoreadandstudyyourBibleinaregular,disciplinedway.Highlightversesthatspeaktoyou.Meditate onthosewords.Memorizesomeofthepassagessoyoucanrecallthemfrommemoryatafuturetime. 14. Bereliable.Dowhatyousayyouwilldowhetheritsconvenientornot.Followthroughonallofyour commitments, large and small. By your actions, show others you are a person who can be trusted and countedupon.

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15. Ask God tomakeyouablessing today.A greatway to grow in wonderand amazement is byasking God to turn your life into a blessing. Do this each morning before your daily activities. Offer a short, simple prayer like this one: Dear God, on this day make my life a blessing to someone, somewhere. Thenpaycloseattentiontoeverypersonyouencounterduringtheday,asGodwillhonoryourprayer, sometimesinsurprisingways. 16. Spendtimeinnature.Nothinggivesdarshan(blessings)betterthannature!

QuestionsAboutTheNatureOfLifeAndItsMeaning
Questionsthatlookattheinnerworldofthoughts,feelingsandvalueshelptodefinewhoweare.Invite children to find their answers in prayer and contemplation. Here are some questions from Childre Doc Lews TeachingChildrenToLove(1996)topondertogether. Whatwouldyourfavoritewisepersondo? Whatishappeninginyourbodywhenyoufeelangry? Makeadrawingofwhatyourbodyissensing SomethingIwanttorememberwhenIgrowupis SomethingIhavetroublewith WhenIamatmybest,Iamlike SomethingIwanttorememberabouttodayis WhatdoyouthinkaboutGod? Whatwouldmakeyourschool,theworld,yourparents,theuniversebetter? Howdoyouknowwhatstherightthingtodo? Whatwouldyoudoifyouwerethepresident,theprinciple,theparent? Whatisthemostimportantthingaboutbeingyou?Whatsthemostfun?Ifyouwerentyou,whowould youliketobe? Whatdoyouthinktheworldlookslikethroughanantseyes,oraMartians?Whatdoyouthinkyour parentsthinkaboutwhenyourenotaround? Whatwouldyoudoifyouhadaweektolive?Drawwhatyouthinkaterroristlookslikeontheinside andwhy.Whenthechildrenaredone,askthemtoholduptheirpicturestoshowoneanother. PrimeTime(ChildreDocLew,TeachingChildrenToLove1996) Purpose:tobondandreinforceprimaryrelationshipoflove. Doatwominuteheartlockin,sendingloveandappreciationstoeachother.Eachpersoninturntalks aboutthehighlightsoftheirdaywhatwentwellandwhatwaschallenging. 1. Giveeachotheralonghug. 2. Sharequalitiesthatyouappreciateabouteachother. 3. Readafavoritestorytogetherormakeuponetogether. 4. Learnthewordsofaninspiring,shortpoem. 5. Bequietforafewmomentsandsendheartenergytogethertosomeonewhoneedsloveorcompassion.Go deepintoyourheartandmakeaheartwishforsomethingthatyouwouldliketohappeninyourlives. 6. Wheneitherofyouisstressedoutorhadahardday,havetheotherpersonjustlistenwithcompassion, andthenmirrorbackthewordsandfeelings.Sincerelisteningiscaringinaction.Eachofyousharefive thingsthatyouappreciateaboutyourlife. MoreSpiritualActivitiesForChildren: (fromTeachingChildrenToLove1996,byMorganSimoneDaleo) HeartLock(learnhowtoconnectwiththepowerandstrengthoftheirownhearts) 1. TellthechildrenthatyouaregoingtoleadtheminaHeartLockIntobuildthepoweroftheirhearts. Explainthataheartlockinislikeputtingakeyintothelockofyourheartandopeningthedoorofyour heartsomorelovecancomein.Thenyoucansendmoreloveouttoyourparents,friends,animals,flowers. 2. Instructthemtoimaginethatthereisadoorintheirheartwithalockonit.Byfocusingonyourheart, thatplacewhereyoufeellove(putyourhandonyourchesttodemonstrate)thenpretendingthatyouare breathingthroughyouheart,youcanturnthekeyandunlockthedoor.Now,eachtimeyoubreathe,you Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 8

3. 4.

5. 6.

canfeelthedoorofyourheartopeningalittlewidertoletloveandsunshinein.Eachtimeyoubreathe out,youcansendyourloveandsunshinetosomeoneyoucareabout.Demonstratethebreathing,close your mouth and put your hand on your chest. Gently breathe in and out and pretend that you are breathingthroughtheheartareainyourchest. Havethemclosetheireyesandtellthemthatclosingtheireyesshutsoutdistractionssotheycanfocus moreinsidetheirhearts. Remind them that as they let love into the heart as they breathing, the door opens a little wider to let more sunshine in. It might feel so good that it makes them want to smile. When they breathe out and sendtheirsunshineandlovetosomeonetheycareabout,theymightseethesunshinegettingbrighter,or seerainbowcolors,orevenseethesunshineintheheartsofthepeoplereceivingtheirlove. Playrelaxingmusicfortwominutes. Askiftheywouldliketosharetheirexperience.

AppreciatingYourDay 1. Attheendoftheday,haveeveryonewrite,draworverbalizeatleastonethingtheyappreciatedabout the day. Next, ask everyone to write, draw, or verbalize one thing they want to appreciate about the upcomingday.Posteveryonespapersinacentrallocation. 2. Setatimetogettogetherthenextdaytorevisitthelist. 3. Talk about how everyone did. Did you appreciate what you thought you would? Did you forget? Did youappreciatemorethings?Whatwerethey?Addthenewthingsyouappreciatedtoyourpaper. 4. Evenwhenyouaregrumpy,makinganefforttoappreciatesomethingcanhelpoffsetfeelingsofupsetor stress.Askifthishappenedtoanyone. 5. Repeattheprocesseverydayforoneweek.Savealltheappreciationsheets. 6. Collecttheweeksappreciationsheetsinascrapbook.Youcouldreviewitattheendoftheweek. 7. Talkaboutwhatthegamemeanttoeachperson.Ifthegamehasbeenfun,youmightwanttodoitfora monthandgettogetheratthesametimeeachweektoupdateandreviewthescrapbook. FreezeFramePictures Purpose:drawapictureofhowtodealwithastressfulevent.Dividethepaperintothreesections. 1. Explainthestoryhasthreepartsrequiringthreedrawings.1)Somethingthatmadethemfeelbadwhich theyneedtofreezeframe,2)thenanimageofsomethingorsomeonethatevokesheartfeltfeelings,3)and thenapictureofhowtheycanremovethestressfulsituation.Theycanaddfuncartoonlikecomments. 2. Askthechildreniftheyfeltbad,upset,orstressedoutrecentlyoversomeeventorpersonalproblemthey needtofreezeframe.(Someonegotmadatthem,atoybroke,gotintoafight,etc.) 3. Next, guide them to recall a wonderful heartfelt experience evoking images such as their love for a parent,friend,pet,toyorplacetovisit.Suggestthatthechildrenclosetheireyestohelpthemfocusinthe heartandrememberthefeelingofthewonderfulexperience.Havethemdrawtheirheartinspiredimage inthemiddlesectionoftheirpaper. 4. Complete the activity by telling them to ask their heart what it says to do to help them deal with the stressful situation or badfeeling.Remind them that they are trying to make the situationbetter from a heartperspective.Thenhavethemsharetheirexperience.

Conclusion
ChildrenhaveahighPsiQ(psychicquotient).Apsychicallyskilledpersonhasreceivingequipmentthat is tuned to take in information passing through the ethers. Children are naturals! Children can propel our spiritualjourneyinaremarkableway,remindingusofthebiggerpictureoflife.Theycanbeourspiritualcoach, providing an example as we observe them living moment to moment, and enjoying the wonder of being. We renewourspiritaswehonortheirs,creatingmomentsofappreciationforthesoul.Thisisthegiftoftheheart. Akeycomponentofspiritualparentingisinquisitiveness.Wemustcontinuallyaskourselvesquestions such as, What does the way I live my life teach this child? How can I understand and serve this child, this world, this spirit? What does this child offer to teach me? Using talents, desires, and fantasies to find our callingandpurpose,ourlifetakesshapethroughthechoiceswemake.Ourtaskonthisearth,ourvirtualschool Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 9

oflife,istouncoverwhoweare,whatwearetodohere,andwhatwehavetooffer.Hartsharesthepoetryof MarshallBall,aboywhocannotspeakorwalk,inhisbook,TheSecretSpiritualWorldOfChildren(2003). Togivethemmythoughtsaboutlove Iseemyselfasateacher ThatknowsaboutGod. Lovetocleantheirideas Goodthoughtscometome Thatcleaningmightloosentheloveintheirhearts Andtheyteach. Goodthinkerstakelovetoheart Ihopetogatherthinkers Likegoldinthewildsun. Livingalifeofspiritualawarenessisthegreatestteachingwecangiveourchildren.Modelingwaysthat we nurture our own souls provides the child with a crucial example, enabling them to develop values of appreciation, respect, honesty, compassion and love. As they watch us handle our conflicts, the child learns peacefulandconstructiveapproachestothechallengesheorshewillfaceinthislife.Thiswillprovidethechild withnumerousopportunitiesfordevelopingwhoheorsheis,whatheorshehastooffer,andhowtolistentohis orherownheart.Thisisthekeytospiritualawareness. Itallcomesdowntolove,lovingGod,ourselves,andothers.PsychologistIraProgoff,quotedinWhere TwoWorldsTouch(1990),writes,Lovedependsuponthecapacitytoreachbeneaththesurfaceofpersons,tofeel andtouchtheseedoflifethatishiddenthere.Lovebecomesapowerwhenitiscapableofevokingthatseedand drawingitforthfromitshidingplace. Spiritualexperiencesserveasacatalystforspiritualgrowthwhenourindividualconsciousnessopensto the larger consciousness of which we are all a part. The purpose of spiritual parenting is to help children stay connectedtotheirspiritandnotallowcommercialismandmaterialismtolessenthesensitivityoftheirsoul.We mustteachthemtofindwaysandopportunitiestonurture,feed,heal,restore,andrenewthesoul. Life will provide countless opportunities to relate your wisdom to the children of the world. You may find yourself in a situation where you are being called on to assist someone in his or her parenting approach. Takingthemomenttoshareyourunderstandingofspiritualitycontributestotheevolutionofthecollectivesoul. Mayweallbecomethewonderfulspiritualguidesandmentorstochildrenthatweareallcapableof. Bibliography
Chapman,Wendy,2006(www.metagifted.org) WhatsAnIndigoChild?PsychicTrainingGames,EnrichmentProjectIdeaList HowToGetTheMostFromYourIndigoChild:AGuideForParentsAndTeachers ChildreDocLew,1996 TeachingChildrenToLove.PlanetaryPublications;BoulderCreek,CA ChoQuette,Sonia1994 ThePsychicPathway.ThreeRiversPress;NewYork,NY Daleo,MorganSimone,1996 CurriculumOfLoveCultivatingTheSpiritualNatureOfChildren. GracePublishing;Charlottesville,Virginia Fellingham,Paula,Noble,2000 SolutionsForFamilies.FamliesInc.Now;Austin,Texas Foston,NikittaA.2004(www.findarticles.com) TeachingSpirituality:GiveYourChildrenALessonTheyCanFollowAllYear.JohnsonPublishing Garth,Maureen1991 StarbrightMeditationsForChildren.HarperSanFrancisco;SanFrancisco,CA Hart,Tobin2003 TheSecretSpiritualWorldOfChildren.InnerOceanPublishing;Maui,HI Heller,David1994 TalkingToYourChildAboutGod.PerigeeBooks;NewYork,NY Karpinski,Gloria1990 WhereTwoWorldsTouch.BallabtubeBooks;NewYork,NY Parachin,VictorM.,2003(www.findarticles.com) VibrantLife:21WaysToBuildAStrongerSpiritualLife Powell,TagandCarolHowe1992 ESPForKids:HowToDevelopYourChildsPsychicAbility,TopOfTheMountainPublishing;Largo,FL, Tober,JanandCarroll,Lee2005(www.experiencefestival.com/a/Crystalchildren) TheIndigoChildren:TheNewKidsHaveArrived Virtue,Doreen,2005(www.experiencefestival.com/a/Crystalchildren) CrystalChildren:IndigoAndCrystalChildren Virtue,Doreen2003 TheCrystalChildrenAGuideToTheNewestGenerationOfPsychicAndSensitiveChildren.HayHouse;Carlsbad,CA

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Children&MetaphysicsExamQuestions
Name Phone# Address (pleasesupplyname,phone#,andaddressasidentifyingfactorsforgivingcreditproperly) 1.Whoareourbestteachersforbeinginthemoment? A.psychologists B.researchers C.children D.worriers 2.Bringingmindfulnesstoparentingincludespausing,takingabreath,andaskingourselveswhattheissueis reallyabout. T F 3.Howcanwehelpchildrenmovepastblametoforgiveness? A.Helpthemcreatealistofthereasonsothershurtthem. C.Tellthemthatweareallwrong. B.Askchildrenhowtheotherpeoplemayhavebeenfeeling. D.Noneoftheabove. 4.Nothingteacheschildrenbetterthan . A.theexampleweset C.ignoringthemwhentheyaresad B.yellingatthem D.testingthem 5.Thebeginningoffaithisteachingchildren . A.thattheworldisadangerousplace C.thatadultsknoweverything B.nothing D.tobelieveinthemselves 6.ItisrecommendedtotellchildrenyourideasaboutGodandnotaskthemwhattheirownideasofGodare. T F 7.Ifyouwantyourchildtopray,itishelpfulto: . A.lecturethemonthebenefitsofprayer. C.tellthem,DoasIsay,notasIdo. B.showthembyexample:prayyourself. D.neitherA,BorC 8.Whatisthepurposeofprimetimewithchildren? A.Tohavethemsilentlycontemplatewhattheyhavedone. B.Toteachthemwhentheirmindsaremostalert. C.Tobondandreinforceaprimaryrelationshipoflove. D.Tocleanthehousetogether. 9.Wecanmeditatewithchildrenbyguidingthemonvisualizationjourneys. T F 10.WhatdoesPsiQstandfor? A.psychicquotient B.psychicquestions C.psychicequivalencytest D.neitherA,BorC 11.Apsychicallyskilledpersonhasreceivingequipmentthatis . A.outoftune. C.tunedtofalseinformation. B.tunedtoperfection D.tunedtoinformationpassingthroughtheethers 12.WhatdothetermsCrystal&Indigomeanaspertainstochildren? A.Theenergypatternsandauracolorsofmillenniumchildren. B.Relatingtochildrenthroughspecificenergypatterns. C.Anewwaytounderstandmothersandtheirdaughters. D.Metaphysicalrelationships. Children&Metaphysics(Masters)2005UniversityOfMetaphysicalSciences 11

13.WhatisthemissionofIndigos? A.Toruletheworld. C.Tohavenumerouschildrenthemselves. B.Tobringtheplanetintoascension. D.neitherA,BorC 14.Crystalchildrenarehighlyevolvedlightworkers,delightful,happyandforgiving. T F . 15.Theheartlockislikenedto A.squeezingyourheartsothatnomorepaincancomein. B.lockingyourheartwithsomeoneelsesforever. C.lockingtheloveofsomeoneelseinyourheart. D.openingthedoorofyourheartsothatmorelovecancomein. 16.ThepurposeofheartmappinginexercisessuchasFreezeFramePicturesisto . A.findmoreintelligentandheartfeltperspectivesonproblems,issues,orprojects B.mapoutthearteriesandveinsinrelationtotheheart C.scientificallyexplaintheworkingsoftheIndigochildrenshearts D.neitherA,BorC 17.Appreciationwidenspeoplesperspectiveofwhatisreallyimportantandvalued. T F 18.Childrencanpropelourspiritualjourney,remindingusofthe . A.biggerpicture B.importanceofmaterialism C.endtimes D.AllA,BandC 19. The purpose of spiritual parenting is to help children stay connected to their spirit and not allow commercialismandmaterialismtolessenthesensitivityoftheirsoul. T F 20.Whatisourtaskonearth? A.Tolearnhowtonevermakemistakes. B.Toconsumeasmuchaspossible. C.Touncoverwhoweare,whatwearetodohere,whatwehavetooffer. D.Toaccumulateasmuchwealthaspossible. 21.Whenworkingwithchildreningeneral,oneofthetipsgiveninclude: A.respectthem B.givechoices C.listentothem D.AllA,BandC ShortAnswerQuestion 22.Whatwasthemostprofoundspiritualexperienceyouhaveeverhadwithachild,orthemostprofoundthing youhavelearnedfromachild?

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