How Important is Listening?

       Have you ever been talking to someone who is looking around, obviously not paying attention to a word you are saying? Has your child ever spoken to you when you had something more important going on? Just how imortant is it to listen? I think it's very important. Rachel Naomi Remen, author of Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather's Blessings has the following to say about why it is so important:
       When we listen, we offer with our attention an opportunity for wholeness. Our listening creates a sanctuary for the homeless parts within the other person.That which has been denied, unloved, devalued by themselves and by others. That which is hidden.
       In this culture, the soul and the heart too often go homeless.
       Listening creates a holy silence. 
       When you listen generously to people they can hear the truth in themselves, often for the first time.
       And the silence of listening, you can know yourself in everyone, the unseen singing softly to itself and to you.

Giving Inspiration

How do you inspire your child(ren)? How can you develop a positive, helpful relationship with your children? 
Here are some ideas:
 + Recognize that your child knows things you could benefit from. (Perhaps it is nothing more than looking at life and   our world with a sense of awe.)
+ Send your child a handwritten note telling him/her how much you appreciate them.
+ Yearnings are a part of our body's wisdom. Yearnings are a potential strength. Help your child identify yearnings.
+ Recognize that our strengths give us great satisfaction in life.
+ Watch for rapid learning. It is probably a strength.
+ Don't impose, but evoke your child's innate knowing.
+ Don't try to impress your child by claiming to be perfect. They need to know it is okay to be imperfect and to make mistakes.
+ Respect and bring forth your child's uniqueness.

You may have other ideas. Please share them with us by hitting the "Comment" line below. Thanks.

Motivating Our Children

        We all want our children to succeed. To "succeed" is defined by the dictionary as "to turn out well." I think that would mean not just doing well in one's life work, but also being happy and feeling a sense of satisfaction. So, in our troubled world and fast paced lives, how can parents instill such things as happiness and satisfaction in their children?  I believe one way is to develop in children a love for others balanced with a love for self. Some might disagree about the love for self, but I don't see how one can have love and respect for others without having it for oneself also.
        With the above as a foundation, children can explore the world with curiosity and passion. They will have the courage to dream and set goals; they will have the compassion to make sincere friends; they will develop the wisdom to make the right choices. Having done these things, they will have joy in their lives and will have lived with purpose. In a word, they will have succeeded.
What are your thoughts on motivating children?